| EDUCATION |
I am proud of the work that my Republican Caucus and I have done to fund education in Georgia. Even during the funding session in 2010, in the heart of the Great Recession, when state revenues fell from $21.1 billion in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget to $15.55 in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, education funding was only reduced by 3% while funding for other other state agencies were reduced by approximately 10%, with some cut much higher. For example, funding for the Georgia Department of Driver Services was reduced 53%. The Quality Basic Education formula (QBE) has been fully funded every year since Fiscal Year 2019.
Education is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a state, and during the 2026 session of the Georgia General Assembly, we took meaningful, targeted steps to strengthen our schools, support our teachers, and better prepare students for the future.
At the heart of this year’s work was a renewed focus on early learning. We made a historic $100 million investment in literacy for students in kindergarten through third grade—because if a child cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade, the path forward becomes much more difficult. The Georgia Early Literacy Act ensures that schools have trained literacy coaches, high-quality instructional materials, and early screening tools to identify struggling students before they fall behind. Alongside this effort, the Math Matters Act strengthens math instruction by expanding advanced opportunities and increasing instructional time in key grade levels.
We also recognized that a student’s ability to learn depends on a safe and supportive environment. This year’s budget includes funding for school safety equipment and emergency response systems, as well as expanded mental health services for students. Just as importantly, we passed legislation to help create distraction-free classrooms by limiting personal electronic device use during the school day—restoring focus where it belongs: on learning.
Supporting our educators was another top priority. Teachers, school staff, and bus drivers received $2,000 pay supplements, a well-deserved recognition of the critical role they play in our communities. We also strengthened teacher preparation programs and made it easier for experienced, retired educators to return to the classroom, helping address workforce shortages without lowering standards.
In early childhood education, we expanded access to Pre-K programs, funded extended-day services, and ensured younger students can participate in after-school programs. These investments not only support working families but also give children a stronger start before they enter elementary school.
We also fulfilled our commitment to fully fund Georgia’s Quality Basic Education formula, dedicating nearly $14.9 billion to K-12 education. At the same time, we increased transparency and accountability in school system finances, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively and responsibly.
Finally, we continued to strengthen the connection between education and opportunity. We invested in career and technical education, supported dual enrollment opportunities for tens of thousands of students, and expanded apprenticeship pathways—ensuring that students graduate not only with a diploma, but with real options for success in college or the workforce.
These actions reflect a balanced and thoughtful approach: investing where it matters most, supporting those on the front lines, and keeping our focus on student success. There is always more work to be done, but this session represents real progress for Georgia’s students, families, and educators.
When we invest in education, we invest in the future of our state. That is exactly what we have done and did in again in 2026.