In Atlanta, Georgia lawmakers are deliberating on the allocation for the state’s upcoming budget, with a major point of contention being the funding of a new voucher program aimed at private schooling and home-based education. Before any budget consensus can be reached, agreement on this specific expenditure is crucial.
Unlike other states, Georgia’s voucher scheme requires annual legislative approval for funding levels. The state Senate, having passed its version of the budget recently, advocates for a $141 million allocation for this initiative. Conversely, the House has suggested a more modest $46 million. This significant divergence represents a significant hurdle that must be addressed before the legislative session concludes next week.
If the Senate’s proposed funding of $6,500 per voucher is finalized, it would allow for over 21,000 vouchers to be distributed, vastly overshadowing the approximately 7,000 that the House’s budget would accommodate. The state’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, commencing July 1, expects to utilize $37.7 billion of state-generated revenue. Including federal and additional contributions, the total expenditure exceeds $67 billion.
Voucher programs are gaining momentum across the U.S., with many proponents pushing for universal student eligibility, irrespective of school performance or family earnings. States like Arizona, Florida, Iowa, and Ohio that have embraced universal vouchers report higher-than-anticipated application rates, inflating program costs.
There is apprehension among Georgia Democrats that this scenario could unfold locally. Presently, to expend more than 1% of what Georgia allocates for public education on this program, legislative changes are necessary. Democratic Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes of Duluth critiques the initiative, arguing it redirects public funds into private sectors.
Blake Tillery, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a Republican from Vidalia, defended the voucher program, underscoring its necessity given low literacy standards. Tillery asserts that offering parents alternative educational venues is vital as current systems have underperformed.
However, House members have voiced dissatisfaction, contending that the Georgia Education Savings Authority—responsible for executing the program—interpreted legislation in ways that expanded eligibility more than expected. Presently within its initial application phase which ends on April 15, the program has approved 4,439 applications. While two additional application windows are scheduled for later this year, the ultimate number of approved applicants remains uncertain.
Tillery assured that if the full $141 million isn’t required, the lawmakers could later reallocate the surplus. Meanwhile, the Senate negated a House initiative to borrow over $300 million for future construction, opting instead to fund projects from existing revenues for the third consecutive year.
By adopting a pay-as-you-go strategy, Tillery emphasized saving future generations from incurring debts for current infrastructure. Since the Governor, Brian Kemp, dictates the maximum spending limit, lawmakers cannot exceed it but can only reallocate between budget items. With the Senate favoring vouchers and opposing borrowing, potential funding reductions are likely in areas the House prioritized, such as educational support for impoverished students.
Moreover, the Senate’s financial plan scales back proposed expenditures on correctional facilities, mental health, housing, and grants aimed at rural communities compared to the House’s proposal.