House Appropriations Committee Moves FY 2023 Budget Forward
House budget writers signed off on the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget, which includes a $2,000 pay raise for certified educators and adds back the $383 million in funds cut from the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula, the state’s formula for funding public schools. The House Appropriations Committee made several changes to education funding in the FY23 budget proposed by Gov. Brian Kemp, including a pay boost of 5.4 percent for school nurses, matching the salary bump provided to school bus drivers and nutrition staff. The committee also added funding to the agricultural education program, including increases for extended day/year program, young farmers, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and agriculture program for urban districts.
The budget, outlined in HB 911, moves to the full House for approval before heading to the Senate. Additional information about the FY23 budget initially proposed by the governor is available HERE.
College Entrance Exam, Capital Outlay, Recess, and CTAE Bills Approved by House Education Committee
The House Education Committee approved HB 1184 by Rep. Al Williams (D-Midway), which sought to require administration of nationally recognized college entrance exams to public school students in grade 11 during school hours. HB 1184 was amended by the committee today to allow students to take the tests up to three times. The newest version also removes requirements for the state to pay for the exams and allows schools to opt-in to providing them. Students are not required to participate.
The committee also approved the following bills; all of which along with HB 1184 now move to House Rules:
HB 1482 by Rep. Chris Erwin (R-Homer) revises eligibility criteria for project- specific capital outlay grants for low-wealth school systems.
HB 1283 by Rep. Demetrius Douglas (D-Stockbridge) would require recess for all students in grades one through five on days they do not have structured activities or physical education classes. A version of this bill that passed in a previous legislative session was vetoed by Gov. Kemp.
HB 1474 by Rep. Mesha Mainor (D-Atlanta) would require a course of study in career readiness education for students in grades six through 12 that includes instruction and training experiences focused on employability and career readiness skills.
The committee tabled HB 1554 by Rep. Steven Sainz (R-St. Marys), which would allow the Department of Public Health and Georgia Department of Education to conduct surveys of students that includes measures to promote health and for use in accessing applicable federal funds. The bill does not spell out specific questions to be asked in surveys but does label the concepts the department intends to measure.
Upcoming Schedule
Friday, March 11: Legislative Day 27
House Retirement Committee, 406 CLOB, 12:30 p.m.
Monday, March 14: Committee Workday
Tuesday, March 15: Legislative Day 28/Crossover Day
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