With Crossover Day in the rearview, the House and Senate each had quiet days without passing any legislation. Committees will resume meeting this week.
Renewed Efforts Expected to Expand Private School Vouchers in Georgia; New UGA Poll Showing Georgian Opposition, Regardless of Political Viewpoint
A renewed focus on creating Georgia’s third private school voucher is expected in the coming weeks, as SB 233 by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) met the 2023 Crossover Day deadline and remains eligible to pass in 2024. House leaders did not schedule HB 1221 by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen) for a floor vote on Crossover Day, which could be because SB 233 is being prioritized and/or in preparation to combine the two bills. Also possible is an attempt to combine SB 233 with SB 147 by Sen. Shawn Still (R-Norcross), which met the Crossover deadline and is very similar to HB 1221.
It is unfortunate that HB 1221 did not receive a House floor vote and that there may be attempts to combine HB 1221 or SB 147 with SB 233. HB 1221 and SB 147 expand school choice; however, because that choice is between public schools, the policy promoted in the bills contains the academic accountability and public funding transparency that private school voucher programs lack.
The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute (GBPI) and the University of Georgia released a new poll demonstrating that Georgia parents and registered voters oppose private school vouchers, including 50.2 percent of conservatives, 57.3 percent of moderates, and 56.7 percent of liberals. Learn more about the recent poll HERE.
Upcoming Schedule
Tuesday, March 5 – Legislative Day 30
2:30 p.m. Senate Education & Youth, 450 Cap
Wednesday, March 6 – Committee Workday
Thursday, March 7 - Legislative Day 31
7 a.m. Senate Appropriations, 341 Cap
5 p.m. Senate Veterans, Military & Homeland Security, 307 CLOB