Contact Senators -- 2021 Bill Doubling Tuition Tax Credit Voucher Still in Play
PAGE sent an Action Alert last week regarding the Senate’s consideration of HB 517, which aims to double funding over the next five years for the state’s largest private school voucher program to $200 million annually. Senate Education & Youth Committee Chair Chuck Payne (R-Dalton) offered notice to consider HB 517 during today’s floor session, meaning it could be considered this Friday, March 11. Educators should continue to reach out to senators to encourage a “No” vote on HB 517.
Find your senator's contact information HERE. Tips for advocating on education issues are available HERE. Always send emails outside of instructional hours from your personal (not school) email address.
AFY 2022 Budget Containing $2,000 Supplement; Bills Related to Teacher Evaluation & Certification Pass House
The House approved Senate changes to the proposed Amended Fiscal Year (AFY) 2022 budget and made several additional revisions. These revisions include boosting one-time salary supplements for school nurses, bus drivers, nutrition staff, and custodial staff to $2,000, up from the initial recommendation of $1,000. This matches the one-time supplement of $2,000 proposed for full-time instructional staff. The current version of the AFY22 budget is available HERE. For additional information about the AFY22 budget, read PAGE’s report from Day 21 HERE. The budget now moves back to the Senate, which is expected to agree to House changes.
The House also approved two education bills, which now move to the Senate:
HB 1295, by Rep. John Corbett (R-Lake Park), removes “needs improvement” as an evaluation rating that could lead to a teacher losing certification if he or she receives the rating two times within a five-year period. The bill originally contained an alternative evaluation system pilot program, but this language was removed during the committee process. PAGE testified in support of the bill during a previous subcommittee hearing.
HB 1357, by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen), would require the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) to consider any out-of-state teacher certification program that meets the requirements of the GaPSC. Currently, out-of-state or for-profit certification providers are prohibited. Smith said several times that the bill would help address the state teacher shortage.
Upcoming Schedule
Thursday, March 10: Committee Workday
House Appropriations, 341 CAP, 7 a.m.
Friday, March 11: Legislative Day 27
House Retirement Committee, 406 CLOB, 12:30 p.m.