PAGE visited with the Georgia Association of School Counselors at the Capitol today. The Legislative staff took the photo, below right, of Gov. Brian and Marty Kemp with the counselors. PAGE Legislative Specialist Josh Stephens, left, and Director of Legislative Services Margaret Ciccarelli met with Kevin Keve who serves on the PAGE Legislative Advisory Committee. Keve is a former school resource officer and current school counselor in Thomas County Schools.
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Appropriations Passes AFY25 Budget with School Threat Assessment System Funding
The House Appropriations Committee voted to add $3 million for creation of a school threat assessment tracking system to the Amended Fiscal Year (AFY) 2025 budget early this morning. The tracking system is one of the strategies to improve school safety announced by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) earlier this week and will be operated by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA).
Other education-related additions to the AFY 2025 budget include $2.5 million for Advanced Placement and PSAT exams to cover an increase in the number of students taking the exams, as well as $150,000 for an adaptive sports program. Committee members adjusted funding for components of the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula based on updated data.
The full House is likely to vote on the AFY 2025 budget Thursday, Feb. 6, and the budget will then move to the Senate, which will begin reviewing and revising it.
Senate Committee Passes Sanctuary Sovereign Immunity Waiver
The Senate Public Safety Committee passed SB 21 sponsored by Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia). The bill seeks to remove sovereign immunity from local governments, thus opening them to liability should they adopt policies conflicting with the state prohibition on immigration sanctuary policies. The sovereign immunity of governments, officials, and employees in violation of the prohibition would be waived.
Committee discussion revolved around whether the proposal could impact law enforcement or teachers who inadvertently violate the prohibition. The sponsor and supporters on the committee maintained that the proposed sovereign immunity waiver poses no threat to public employees as long as they follow Georgia law prohibiting sanctuary policies.
The bill passed and now moves to Senate Rules for consideration.
PAGE Day on Capitol Hill Feb. 18
Join us Tuesday, Feb. 18, for PAGE Day on Capitol Hill. In partnership with partnership with the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) and the Georgia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (GACTE), the event will provide PAGE members an opportunity to learn about important education policy initiatives and meet state policymakers.
Attendees will receive complimentary breakfast and lunch. During the morning session, attendees will hear from legislators and other policymakers on pertinent education policy issues, including education funding, Georgia's teacher pipeline, the Teacher Retirement System, and more.
Mid-morning, attendees will engage in advocacy and direct dialogue with legislators under the Gold Dome. The event culminates in a lunch buffet during which state leaders will share remarks.
Upcoming Schedule
Wednesday Feb. 5 Legislative Day 12
Thursday Feb. 6 - Legislative Day 13
1 p.m. Senate Ed, 450 CAP
1 p.m. House Education Subcommittee, 506 CLOB