Day 2: First New Education Bill of the Session Introduced in Senate: Additional Funding for Students in Poverty
- Josh Stephens
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Georgia House and Senate convened for the second day of the 2026 session. Each chamber held short days, though the Senate read SB 381 by Sen. RaShaun Kemp (D-Atlanta) for the first time. The bill would provide grants to systems to support the education of students living in poverty. The grant amount for each local education agency (LEA) is calculated as 25% of the base state funding amount per qualifying student. At least 90% of grant funds must be used directly for programs benefiting these students, with any unspent portion of that 90% returned to the State Board of Education. The bill was assigned to the Senate Education & Youth Committee, chaired by Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro)
The annual Georgia Chamber of Commerce Eggs & Issues breakfast is tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 13. House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R) will preview each chamber's legislative priorities, and Gov. Brian Kemp will provide a sneak preview of his final legislative session. Kemp will deliver the State of the State address on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. The livestream will be available HERE.
Sign Up for the PAGE Capitol Report
If you would like to receive the PAGE Capitol Report blog directly to your email inbox, register HERE. PAGE encourages you to follow the action at the state Capitol, via the Capitol Report, Capitol Report Highlights, and Weekly Highlights.
Register for PAGE Day on Capitol Hill Feb. 17
Please make your plans to join us for 2026 PAGE Day on Capitol Hill, in partnership with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) and the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (GACTE).
This free event will include breakfast, lunch, information sessions with key education-focused policymakers, advocacy opportunities under the Gold Dome, and a state school superintendent candidate forum.
Register and watch a brief informational video HERE.
Upcoming Schedule
Wednesday, Jan. 14 - Legislative Day 3
Eggs & Issues Breakfast
Noon, State Board of Education Committee Meetings
Thursday, Jan. 15 - Legislative Day 4
9 a.m. State Board of Education Meeting
11 a.m. Gov. Brian Kemp's State of the State Address
Friday, Jan. 16 - Legislative Day 5