Every student in Georgia deserves a great public education — no exceptions.

Improving Primary and Secondary Education

ACTION:

End private school vouchers.

Private school vouchers undermine our public-school systems in a variety of ways. The first is that the use of public funds for private schools sends the message all Georgians that our leaders have given up on public school education. Our elected officials should be doing everything in their power to improve Georgia’s public schools, not bankroll well-to-do private schools.

More critically, vouchers cripple the funding mechanism of public schools. Directing state tax dollars to private schools not only takes away funding that could have been spent on public schools, but because state funds for public institutions are based on enrollment, when students move from public to private school, public schools see their funding cut and their per-pupil costs rise.

Private schools can—and should—support themselves. I will vote to put an end to private school vouchers.

ACTION:

Incorporate a poverty weight into Georgia’s formula for funding public schools.

Georgia is one of only six states that doesn’t account for poverty in its formula for allocating funds for public schools. Georgia’s equalization grant (based on assessed property values) is intended to reduce the funding gaps between rich and poor school districts; however, the impact of these grants has been eroded over the years, leaving many low-wealth school districts worse off than they once were. Lawmakers should amend the state’s Quality Basic Education formula to include a poverty weight so that schools that serve disadvantaged students get the resources they need to help every child succeed.

Making College More Affordable

ACTION:

Increase Funding for the University System of Georgia

Not since 2001 has the State of Georgia met its obligation to fund 75% of the costs of the University System of Georgia (USG). Indeed, in 2024, legislators funded only 57% of the state’s higher education costs. This shortfall has forced colleges and universities to bear a larger fiscal burden, which they pass on to students through increased tuition and fees. I will fight to ensure that the USG is adequately funded.

ACTION:

Create Hope+.

The HOPE Scholarship has opened the door for thousands of students to attend college and university, but too many students still struggle with housing and food insecurity during their college years. The DREAMS Scholarship has helped students meet non-tuition related expenses, but the reality is the program doesn’t go far enough. This is why our campaign supports the creation of HOPE+. HOPE+ is a program that would provide full room-and-board vouchers for students in need — because getting into college means little if you can’t afford to stay.