State of Georgia Archives: on Education
Allen Buckley:
Help college debt, but no government load payoff
Q: Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?A: In event of death or legitimate disability. Some things can be done to help those with existing debt, including allowing tax-free payments of debts by employers
up to a limit (e.g. $10,000 per year). Going forward, like health care, the existence of a third party in the equation causes college to cost more than it would absent huge federal involvement. Federal loans and grants need to be decreased.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate
Nov 3, 2020
Amanda Swafford:
Dismantle the Department of Education
It is time to dismantle the Department of Education and restore the responsibility of education to our local communities and Boards of Education.
A centralized Department of Education results in a one-size fits all approach that may or may not be appropriate for different regions in the country.
National standards have done precious little to actually improve education. Therefore, the closer our education decisions are made to home, the better we are able to compete and improve the quality of education.
And parents who home school or choose alternative education opportunities should not be penalized by not having access to all taxpayer funded educational facilities and services.
Source: 2014 Georgia Senate campaign website, AmandaSwafford.net
Sep 30, 2014
Andrew Hunt:
Increase both public and private school choices
My parents founded the first Montessori school in Georgia where the love of learning and independence is instilled in children.
I am passionate about education and furthering their vision for excellence in education.
Georgia has multiple leading higher education institutions which will receive continued support; however, raising standards and preparation of students from K through 12 should be a top priority.
In order to do this first we must increase both public and private school choices available to parents and their children. This will create competition and continuously raise the performance bar and lead to improved performance rankings.
Source: 2014 Georgia gubernatorial campaign website, AndrewHunt.us
Aug 31, 2014
Brian Kemp:
Invest in those who educate: keep teacher pay competitive
To enhance educational outcomes and build a 21st century state, we must invest in those who educate, inspire, and lead our students. 44% of Georgia teachers leave the profession in less than five years. To recruit and retain the best and brightest in
our schools, we must remove heavy burdens in the classroom and keep teacher pay competitive.My 2020 budget proposal includes a $3,000 permanent salary increase for certified Georgia teachers.
This is the largest pay increase for teachers in Georgia history and serves as a sizable down payment on my promise to ultimately raise pay by $5,000.
We also include a 2% merit increase for all state employees. These hardworking Georgians play a vital role in serving our families and crafting Georgia's future. We must continue to reward their efforts.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
Brian Kemp:
$69 million in one-time funding for school security grants
We must prioritize school safety. In the amended budget for 2019, I have included $69 million in one-time funding for school security grants. All 2,294 public schools in our state will receive $30,000 to implement school security priorities determined
by local school boards, administrators, teachers, parents, and students. But to keep our classrooms safe, we must also address the mental health issues that often lead to school violence.With $8.4 million in additional funding through the successful
APEX program, we can focus on mental health in Georgia high schools. These professionals will engage with struggling students and provide critical resources to prevent disruptive and aggressive behavior.
They will inspire, mentor, and keep our students safe. Together, we will secure our classrooms and protect our state's most treasured asset--our children.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
Brian Kemp:
$2000 pay raise for all public school teachers
In my budget, I have included a $2,000 pay raise for all public school educators. This raise will enhance retention rates, boost recruitment numbers, and improve educational outcomes in schools throughout Georgia. By investing in our educators,
we can build a strong house, a place where everyone learns and all Georgians have the opportunity to thrive.
Source: 2020 Georgia State of the State address
Jan 16, 2020
Brian Kemp:
Fully fund public school education
Education: Increase funding for K-12 education? Abrams: Yes. Make necessary investments to reduce long-term costs & increase long-term return on investment.
Kemp: Yes. Vows to "fully fund public school education."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Brian Kemp:
Supports vouchers to attend private schools
Education: Support publicly funded vouchers or tax breaks to help parents send children to private schools?Abrams: No.
Opposes vouchers for private schools & unchecked expansion of charter schools.
Kemp: Yes. Supports vouchers to attend private schools & expanding charter schools.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Brian Kemp:
Broadened prohibition on sex between teachers, students
Legislative Summary: SB9: A BILL relating to invasion of privacy, so as to prohibit sexual extortion.Analysis by Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Georgia General Assembly broadened a prohibition on sex between teachers
and high school students. Current law, which prosecutors find difficult to enforce, prohibits sexual relations only when the teacher has "supervisory or disciplinary" authority over the student.
Govenror's Signing Statement :
SB9 addresses the power differential between teachers and students who may technically be old enough to consent to sex but are to be considered incapable of consent under the circumstances.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 149-2-29, Vote #414 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 51-0-5, Vote #410 on Apr/02/19; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/7/19.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Const.:Georgia legislative voting record SB9
May 7, 2019
Brian Kemp:
Vetoed Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act: unfunded mandate
Analysis by 11-Alive News: Senate Bill 15, or the Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act, a Republican-sponsored bill, was passed and sent to Kemp's desk, but the governor vetoed it due to concerns from the education world.
The bill called for threat assessments taken at each school and mandated annual safety drills at schools. Guns were not addressed in the bill much to the disappointment of Democrat leaders.
Kemp wrote, the bill "undermines local control, generates an unfunded mandate for school safety coordinators, and places a ministerial duty on school administrators, increasing their exposure to legal liability."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 110-56-14, Vote #420 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 42-11-3, Vote #434 on Apr/02/19; Vetoed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/10/19
Source: 11alive.com on Georgia legislative voting record SB15
May 10, 2019
Brian Kemp:
Asked Georgia Board of Ed. to denounce critical race theory
Instead of prioritizing the underfunding of public schools, Kemp has jumped on the anti-critical race theory bandwagon. Kemp participated in the conservative disinformation campaign around equity and diversity in education under the guise of
preventing "indoctrination" of critical race theory. He went so far as to publicly request the Georgia Board of Education to denounce critical race theory, sending a message to local school boards that "indoctrination" will not be tolerated.
Source: NewsOne on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Jul 11, 2021
Casey Cagle:
Options for public charter, private school or home schooling
Georgia's children are our state's future, and it is critical that we invest wisely in helping them have brighter futures here. As a child who grew up with a single mother who worked two jobs to provide a better chance for her kids, Cagle understands
the difference a good public school education can make. And he believes in the importance of giving every parent and child a chance to use the option that is best for them, whether that is public school, private school or home schooling.
Since his election, Cagle has passed landmark legislation to create charter systems that allow entire school systems to bypass counterproductive regulations in return for meeting and keeping a commitment to excellence. Additionally, he has worked
successfully to create College and Career Academies across Georgia so that kids who want to learn a skilled trade or get a professional certification in high school can have a chance to start earning a good living when they graduate.
Source: 2018 Georgia gubernatorial campaign website CaseyCagle.com
May 2, 2017
Casey Cagle:
Declare war on high school dropout rates in Georgia
Cagle promised to "declare war on high school dropout rates in Georgia." Cagle wants to vastly expand the network of about 40 college and career academies around the state, with the goal of driving down the high school dropout rate.
And he said he'll pour more state resources into boosting third-grade reading proficiency. He wrote a book about education policy that published last year.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2018 Georgia governor race
Apr 29, 2017
Casey Cagle:
Education savings accounts including private schools
Republican Hunter Hill entered the race for Georgia governor, emphasizing his background as a U.S. Army veteran who pledges to bring a "more efficient and effective state government" and a vow to advocate for school vouchers.Hill was first elected to
a Senate seat in 2012 that represents parts of north Atlanta and east Cobb and is perhaps best known as an advocate for education savings accounts and other programs that let state school funding follow students to private schools.
He said that effort will be a centerpiece of his campaign. "The overarching goal is an education system where every child has an opportunity to succeed, and expanding choice plays a large role in that," said
Hill, adding: "Everything is on the table as it relates to reform." Hill said he would "spend less on low-return activities" and reinvest those public dollars in K-12 education, transportation and public safety.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2018 Georgia governor race
Apr 25, 2017
David Perdue:
Helped secure permanent funding for HBCUs
David also worked across the aisle to secure permanent funding for historically Black colleges and universities. These institutions are vital to the success of so many black Americans, and David has shown himself to be a great champion for them.
David told me about his experience working side-by-side with Democratic congressman David Scott to get funding for HBCU agriculture scholarships in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Source: August Chronicle on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 23, 2020
David Perdue:
Supports school choice including private schools
Q: Public funding for private or for-profit schools?Perdue: Yes. Supports "school choice," including charter and private schools.
Ossoff: No position found. Focuses on increasing teacher pay and strengthening public schools.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
David Perdue:
Free tuition is what Soviets, Nazis, Cubans, Venezuelans did
Q: Support free or subsidized tuition for lower-income individuals?Perdue: No. Promises of free tuition are what "the Soviets did in Russia, the Germans did in '33," and what the Cubans and Venezuelans did.
Ossoff: Yes. Supports debt forgiveness and making public college, state school, or trade school education "debt-free."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Derrick Grayson:
Common Core gets government further entrenched in education
Grayson sees the need for a big fix in Common Core, the reviled federal education package that has conservatives everywhere steaming from the ears. "Common Core is a way to get the government further entrenched in our education by making it a requirement
for all institutional programs," he states. "Everybody's not going to college, but that's the premise of Common Core."Ticking off a list of failed education policies, from President Jimmy Carter's implementation of the Department of Education to
President George W. Bush's defunct No Child Left Behind, Grayson argues that inner-city black schools have been hit the hardest and that the quality of all schools are next on the federal government's chopping block. "Who still enjoys decent schools in
this country? People who are home-schooled, people that are in private schools, and those in religious schools. Common Core will affect all of them, and then you will start to see the same trend that took place in many of the black schools."
Source: CommDigiNews.com on 2016 Georgia Senate race
Mar 24, 2014
Derrick Grayson:
Taking God out of schools eliminated moral compass for many
I expressed before that based on my studies, we are once again living in a time of GREAT moral depravity, IN THIS COUNTRY. It may as well be Ancient Rome...-
We legalized the killing of our babies.
- 2. We took God out of our schools, thus eliminating a moral compass for many.
Source: 2019-20 Georgia Senate campaign website GraysonForGA.com
Nov 22, 2019
Doug Collins:
Voted for DC voucher program for private schools
Q: Public funding for private or for-profit schools?Doug Collins: Yes. Voted to reauthorize publicly funded vouchers for private D.C. schools.
Kelly Loeffler: Yes. Let states send federal funds for low-income students to both public and private schools.
Raphael Warnock: No position found.
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Doug Collins:
Co-sponsored education bill eliminating loan forgiveness
Q: Support lower interest or forgiveness on student loans?Doug Collins: No. Co-sponsored an education reform bill that "eliminates loan forgiveness for borrowers."
Kelly Loeffler: No position found.
Raphael Warnock: Yes. Work to fully fund Pell Grants and strengthen loan forgiveness programs to ensure graduates can pay their loans.
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Ed Tarver:
College debt forgiveness for income under $100,000
Q: Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?A:
Student loan debt should be forgiven for individuals with household incomes of $100,000 or less who have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited two- or four-year for-profit or public college or university, including those in default.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate
Nov 3, 2020
Herschel Walker:
Will work with Sen. Tim Scott to promote school choice
SEN. TIM SCOTT: One of the best candidates that we have in the field this year is Herschel Walker. WALKER: Having your endorsement is no doubt going to help me out a lot.
And I want to tell you this here, you know, things you've been doing with the police reform and right now you're doing with the school choice, when I get into Washington, I'm going to be on your side and those are things that I care about as well.
Source: Fox News "Hannity" on 2022 Georgia Senate race
Nov 5, 2021
Herschel Walker:
Removed false claim of being a college graduate from website
Walker's campaign removed a false claim -- which inaccurately said the candidate graduated from the University of Georgia -- from a website for his Senate bid, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported. Walker's campaign deleted the claim, which said
that the former football star had "graduated from UGA with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice," after the paper asked about the reference. The inaccurate claim that Walker completed a degree in criminal justice has been made before.
Source: CNN Fact-Check on 2022 Georgia Senate race
Dec 17, 2021
Hunter Hill:
Advocate for education accounts including private schools
Sen. Hunter Hill announced today that he will join the Republicans seeking to become the state's next governor. Hill was elected to the state Senate in 2012, representing portions of Cobb and Fulton counties. Hill is a U.S. Army veteran and works as the
president of a coaching company for business leaders.Hill has become a vocal advocate for education accounts that allow state funding for students attending private schools. Teachers and other education groups oppose such vouchers.
Source: WABE-NPR 90.1 on 2018 Georgia governor race
Apr 25, 2017
Hunter Hill:
I believe the money should follow the child
Q: Gov. Deal promised to reform the dated Quality Basic Education Act of 1985, a formula-based method of allocating state revenue. Would you revise the act?A: We absolutely have to modernize the funding formula and we need to make sure that we uphold
our constitutional duty in this state to provide an adequate education for every child in this state. Part of that is making sure we have a competitive mix of what is available to our students. I believe the money should follow the child.
Q: You encountered push back from public school educators, who argue that allowing the money to follow the child destabilizes public schools by leaving them with only the most at risk students.
A: What I do know is that our failing schools have the
highest per-pupil spending of any of the other schools. In other words, they're failing in spite of how much we're investing in them. Rather than just keep pouring money after a bad idea, we would provide alternatives to families and students.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Apr 28, 2017
Jared Polis:
Address obscene materials online and in our school libraries
Despite the divisive politics, the pandemic and unforeseen challenges, the tough obstacles that stood in our way, we pulled together and lent a hand to our fellow Georgians, and we proved it could be done.
As Psalm 16:8 says, "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken."That's why I look forward to working with members of the
General Assembly this legislative session to protect our students from divisive ideologies --like critical race theory--that pit kids against each other. I also look forward to working with the House and Senate to pass, and sign,
a parental bill of rights in our education system and other pieces of legislation that I strongly support to ensure fairness in school sports and address obscene materials online and in our school libraries.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 13, 2022
Jared Polis:
Completely restore all austerity cuts to education funding
A priority for conservative leaders under the Gold Dome, including myself, has been to appropriately fund the state school funding formula. These dollars are sent directly to schools to hire more teachers, reduce class sizes, and ensure every child
receives a quality education. My Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal will recommend adding 425 million dollars to fully fund our schools and completely restore all austerity cuts to education funding in our state that were made during the pandemic.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 13, 2022
Jim Barksdale:
Invest in education without "Opportunity School Districts"
When elected, Jim will never forget that he was elected by Georgians to represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate. In the U.S. Senate, Jim will focus on making investments in education and infrastructure that we know will help put people back to work, train
our workforce, grow our economy and increase the quality of life in Georgia for all of our citizens. Jim is opposed to the so-called "Opportunity School Districts" that will harm Georgia's educators and children.
Source: 2016 Georgia Senate campaign website JimBarksdale.com
Aug 8, 2016
Jon Ossoff:
Hire great teachers, and reduce class sizes
All Georgians--all Americans--should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We should ensure our children and young people get the best education in the world.Jon will work in Congress to ensure our local schools get the resources they
need to hire and keep great teachers, to invest in technology to keep students learning at the cutting edge, and to reduce class sizes.
Teachers should be honored, given the support and tools they need to do their best work, and paid better.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
Jon Ossoff:
Work to make college more affordable
Jon will work to make college more affordable. Student debt shouldn't prevent young Americans from saving, investing in their careers, and reaching their potential. Jon will work to reduce the burden of student debt on young Americans.
Jon will promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education for Georgia's students and professional education to qualify young Georgians for the workforce after high school.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
Jon Ossoff:
Make trade school, vocational training, public colleges free
We need greater emphasis on vocational training. I'll work to make trade school and vocational training free for every American. I'll work to make four-year degrees at our public colleges 100% debt-free. I support a generous forgiveness program for
those struggling to pay off their student loans, caps on interest rates to relieve financial stress for all borrowers, and a program that links Federal student loan payments to income so paying off student loans is never a financial hardship.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
Jon Ossoff:
Supports debt forgiveness; tuition free state schools
Q: Support free or subsidized tuition for lower-income individuals?Ossoff: Yes. Supports debt forgiveness and making public college, state school, or trade school education "debt-free."
Perdue: No. Promises of free tuition are what "the Soviets did in Russia, the Germans did in '33," and what the Cubans and Venezuelans did.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Kelly Loeffler:
Funding for low-income students for public, private schools
Q: Public funding for private or for-profit schools?
Kelly Loeffler: Yes. Let states send federal funds for low-income students to both public and private schools.
Raphael Warnock: No position found.
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Kelly Loeffler:
Make sure that we protect school choice
Loeffler: We can make sure that we protect school choice. The Democrats would overturn school choice, trapping children, their destiny for education, within their ZIP Code.
I'm fighting to make sure that we fund school choice and support kids to live their dream to have that education.
Source: Senate Runoff: 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate debate
Dec 6, 2020
Nathan Deal:
$15M for science/tech charter schools
Let me highlight some of the projects I propose for bond funding: $231 million for K-12 construction, equipment and buses; $15 million for funding for STEM charter schools that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education, areas
that are vital to our competiveness in the global economy; $35 million for water and sewer infrastructure; $50 million for repairs and renovations in the University System, and $28 million for upgrades at our technical colleges.
Source: 2011 Georgia State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
Nathan Deal:
Criticizing Common Core diverts from advancing education
Gov. Deal has conducted a delicate dance with Common Core, the education guidelines that his Republican predecessor helped set in motion. Deal supported the program initially, but last year called for the state Board of Education to review the state's
participation amid growing pushback from tea party types and other critics.But Monday, the governor seemed to lament the controversy stoked by conservatives who see Common Core as a federal takeover of education: "It's unfortunate that that has
diverted so much time and attention when I think we could have spent our efforts and resources perhaps more focused on advancing education."
Deal noted that Common Core doesn't stray into more controversial subjects, such as social studies: "We've only
adopted in two areas. One is math. The other is language arts. People ought to know how to write a sentence and compose a paragraph. I have a hard time seeing the political implications of the two."
Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution: 2014 Georgia governor's race
Feb 25, 2014
Nathan Deal:
Grants for technical skills training will help employment
We need to address the skills gap that our employers are encountering. With your support over the past three years, we have identified eleven areas where a student will receive a 100% tuition HOPE Grant to obtain that training.
These Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grants cover 140 programs, and I am recommending that we add industrial maintenance this year to that important list. I am proposing to devote $17.1 million in 2017 for all of these programs.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Georgia legislature
Jan 13, 2016
Nathan Deal:
Facilitate young adults learning about computer science
In order to further modernize our K-12 education system, I asked the State Board of Education and the University System of Georgia to allow certain high school computer science courses to count as core courses in high school and for purposes of
college admission. Both entities have agreed, and there are currently nine computer science courses that count towards requirement. This will give us more early learners in a field that is and will continue to be in high demand by employers.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Georgia legislature
Jan 13, 2016
Nathan Deal:
Public schools have discretion in how to spend funds
Over the past five years we have prioritized public education and we will do so again by appropriating an additional $300 million for K-12 education. We will distribute this money to your local school system under the existing QBE formula, but
it is our intention that a 3% pay raise will be passed along to teachers. If that does not happen, it will make it more difficult next year for the state to grant local systems more flexibility in the expenditure of state education dollars.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Georgia legislature
Jan 13, 2016
Nathan Deal:
Schools should use testing sparingly but effectively
The federal government has given states greater latitude regarding testing of students and I call on our State Department of Education and local school systems to evaluate their testing requirements. If a test is not necessary to advance
and tailor instruction, it should be eliminated. Tests that are duplicative and do not enhance educational achievement should be abolished. For example, we did away with the mandated graduation exam--enabling thousands of students to graduate.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Georgia legislature
Jan 13, 2016
Nikema Williams:
Broadened prohibition on sex between teachers, students
Legislative Summary: SB9: A BILL relating to invasion of privacy, so as to prohibit sexual extortion.Analysis by Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Georgia General Assembly broadened a prohibition on sex between teachers
and high school students. Current law, which prosecutors find difficult to enforce, prohibits sexual relations only when the teacher has "supervisory or disciplinary" authority over the student.
Govenror's Signing Statement :
SB9 addresses the power differential between teachers and students who may technically be old enough to consent to sex but are to be considered incapable of consent under the circumstances.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 149-2-29, Vote #414 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 51-0-5, Vote #410 on Apr/02/19; State Sen. Nikema Williams voted YES; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/7/19.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Const.:Georgia legislative voting record SB9
Apr 2, 2019
Nikema Williams:
Opposed Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act
Analysis by 11-Alive News: Senate Bill 15, or the Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act, a Republican-sponsored bill, was passed and sent to Kemp's desk, but the governor vetoed it due to concerns from the education world.
The bill called for threat assessments taken at each school and mandated annual safety drills at schools. Guns were not addressed in the bill much to the disappointment of Democrat leaders.
Kemp wrote, the bill "undermines local control, generates an unfunded mandate for school safety coordinators, and places a ministerial duty on school administrators, increasing their exposure to legal liability."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 110-56-14, Vote #420 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 42-11-3, Vote #434 on Apr/02/19; State Sen. Nikema Williams voted NO; Vetoed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/10/19
Source: 11alive.com on Georgia legislative voting record SB15
May 10, 2019
Paul Broun:
Oppose nationwide Common Core standards
Question topic: What in the nature of mankind caused America's Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers within the Constitution?
Broun: As witnessed firsthand from the English Monarchy, our Founding Fathers recognized the danger of one person holding too much power, and so they established
3 different branches of government and a system of checks and balances to protect our nation from any potential abuse of power.
This system was devised to prevent corruption within the government and to ensure our individual liberties and freedoms would not be lost.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Paul Broun:
Big Bang & evolution: "lies straight from the pit of hell"
The candidate causing the biggest headache [in the Republican primary] is Paul Broun, a four-term GOP congressman who opposes abortion without exception, thinks the Big Bang and evolution are "lies
straight from the pit of hell," (gravity waves be damned), and likened President Obama to Hitler and Karl Marx before he was even inaugurated.Broun, nicknamed "Dr. No" for his constant ideological votes against
House leadership, conceded to MSNBC that, "certainly all our Republicans are conservative to one degree or another."
Democrats are hoping Broun will stay competitive enough to push everyone to the right, but his candidacy could also have a
freeing effect: if his rivals assume that Broun has a lock on the most conservative primary voters, they might turn their attention to winning moderate Republicans, many of whom are concentrated in the Atlanta suburbs.
Source: MSNBC on 2014 Georgia Republican primary Senate race
Mar 26, 2014
Rand Knight:
Federal funding for charter schools
Knight supports the following principles regarding Education Issues:- Support the federal government funding universal pre-K programs.
- Allow teachers and professionals to receive federal funding to establish charter or magnet schools.
-
Increase funding for the Pell Grant program & Stafford Loans.
- Support federal tax incentives to help families save for college.
- Knight adds, "No Child Left Behind is fundamentally flawed; educational assessment standards must be revamped."
Source: Georgia Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jul 2, 2008
Rand Knight:
Raise teacher salaries; build more schools
We have a plan to teach children that does not look at test scores only but also teaching children how to think critically and on the fly. We've got start funding the technology to bring our schools into the 21st century. We've got to raise teacher
salaries and start building more schools and colleges and not just prisons. The long term vision of American competitiveness must begin with the priorities of the future. Our teachers know how to teach and we can't evaluate them based on a test score.
Source: Georgia 2008 Democratic Senate Primary Debate
Jun 30, 2008
Raphael Warnock:
Fully fund Pell Grants, strengthen loan forgiveness
Q: Support lower interest or forgiveness on student loans?
Raphael Warnock: Yes. Work to fully fund Pell Grants and strengthen loan forgiveness programs to ensure graduates can pay their loans.
Kelly Loeffler: No position found.
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
Supports robust Pre-K, invest in schools and teachers
Reverend Warnock supports robust Pre-K programs that will ensure every child gets a fair start, to nutritional programs that nourish students to learn,
and to ensure that our children are getting the best education, he believes we need to invest in teachers and schools so that they have the resources they need.
Source: 2021 GA Senate campaign website WarnockForGeorgia.com
Oct 11, 2021
Raphael Warnock:
College not for everyone; provide vocational training
He supports reducing higher education costs and supporting student loan and forgiveness programs that will make four-year degrees a possibility for anyone who wants to attend college. But Reverend Warnock also understands that that college isn't for
everyone. That's why he's a strong believer in offering more opportunities like vocational training, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs that will get young people ready for a changing economy.
Source: 2021 GA Senate campaign website WarnockForGeorgia.com
Oct 11, 2021
Renee Unterman:
Broadened prohibition on sex between teachers, students
Legislative Summary: SB9: A BILL relating to invasion of privacy, so as to prohibit sexual extortion.Analysis by Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Georgia General Assembly broadened a prohibition on sex between teachers
and high school students. Current law, which prosecutors find difficult to enforce, prohibits sexual relations only when the teacher has "supervisory or disciplinary" authority over the student.
Govenror's Signing Statement :
SB9 addresses the power differential between teachers and students who may technically be old enough to consent to sex but are to be considered incapable of consent under the circumstances.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 149-2-29, Vote #414 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 51-0-5, Vote #410 on Apr/02/19; State Sen. Renee Unterman voted YES; Signed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/7/19.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Const.:Georgia legislative voting record SB9
Apr 2, 2019
Renee Unterman:
Supported Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act
Analysis by 11-Alive News: Senate Bill 15, or the Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act, a Republican-sponsored bill, was passed and sent to Kemp's desk, but the governor vetoed it due to concerns from the education world.
The bill called for threat assessments taken at each school and mandated annual safety drills at schools. Guns were not addressed in the bill much to the disappointment of Democrat leaders.
Kemp wrote, the bill "undermines local control, generates an unfunded mandate for school safety coordinators, and places a ministerial duty on school administrators, increasing their exposure to legal liability."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 110-56-14, Vote #420 on Apr/02/19; Passed Senate 42-11-3, Vote #434 on Apr/02/19; State Sen. Renee Unterman voted YES; Vetoed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/10/19
Source: 11alive.com on Georgia legislative voting record SB15
May 10, 2019
Rick Allen:
Local & parental control, not one-size-fits-all
For too long, the federal government has employed a 'one size fits all' approach to education in America. I believe that decisions involving the education of our children should be made by parents and officials on the
local level--not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.. I will fight to restore as much local control as possible so that parents--not Washington politicians--are deciding the future of our children.
Source: 2014 Georgia House campaign website, RickWAllen.com
Nov 4, 2014
Roy Barnes:
End social promotion
The time has come to end social promotion in our schools. Now, nobody wants to have to hold a child back in school. It is difficult for them to be separated from their peers. But if some children are still behind even after we have taken every step
available to give them extra help - after school programs, alternative programs, special reading programs and so on - we owe it to them to make this difficult choice. We should do this in fairness to our teachers, because accountability is a two-way
street. And if we are going to insist on accountability for our schools, we must insist that no student be promoted to the next grade level until he is proficient in the subject matter he was supposed to learn that year. But mostly, we should do it in
fairness to those students who are passing through our system today without learning what they need to know. By promoting a child who is not really ready, we say, "It's OK if you don't learn." Well, I say, it is not okay.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Georgia Assembly
Jan 8, 2001
Shane Hazel:
Eliminate the U.S. Department of Education
Hazel wants to introduce legislation to end the federal department of education,
likens current educational system to "compulsory government education camps."
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ShaneHazel.com
Oct 27, 2020
Shane Hazel:
Never pay for college loans; they chose to take on debt
Q: Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?A: The people that should be paying off loans are the people who took out the loans. There are many people that made a responsible financial decision not to go to
college. Those responsible people should never have to pay for those people who decided for themselves to take on the debt.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Sonny Perdue:
Tie teacher pay to student achievement
Two years ago, our IE squared legislation began freeing systems from state mandates, bringing innovative thinking into their schools, while committing contractually to measurable student improvement. This radical move forward in education policy is
already producing results.Yesterday morning, I outlined a proposal that would tie teacher pay to student achievement. Some will defend the status quo, but it's hard for me to believe that tying pay to performance is anything other than commonsense.
Source: Georgia 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 13, 2010
Stacey Abrams:
Help students from early learning thru post-secondary school
Democrats understand that a good education is the greatest predictor of economic success and a key to breaking the cycles of poverty. Successful students are developed through parental responsibility and strong schools.
We are dedicated to ensuring the next generation has access to a first-rate education and the tools to drive our economy forward.As House Minority Leader,
I promote legislation that helps students from the earliest days of learning through the post-secondary academics.
We protect the rights of parents to help their children learn, support educators committed to holistic student achievement, and we demand well-equipped and safe schools where children have not only the freedom but the capacity to grow.
Source: 2018 Georgia governor campaign website StaceyAbrams.com
May 2, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
Chief Turnaround Officers for low-performing schools
HB 338: Allows the State School Board to hire and direct a Chief Turnaround Office responsible for intervention in low-performing schools. The CTO would be responsible for conducting assessments of targeted schools, hiring turnaround coaches, and
recommending potential actions for restructuring low-performing schools. Bill also creates an educational turnaround advisory committee comprised of educators, administrators, school board members and parents. MY VOTE: YES. HB 338 is an important
bill that creates a path for empirical evidence of the needed supports for chronically low-performing schools. Specifically, the bill will require the collection of necessary evidence to diagnose the causes of struggling schools--like determining
whether students have proper nutrition, hearing tests, and eyeglasses--needs that must be addressed before any state intervention takes place. Moreover, the Chief Turnaround Officer must now hold extensive credentialing in the field of public education.
Source: 2018 Georgia governor campaign website StaceyAbrams.com
Mar 30, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
Voted NO on $42M more tax credits for private schools
HB 217: Increases the total amount of tax credits available for public funding of private school education via student scholarship organizations from $58 million in 2017 to $100 million per year beginning in 2022.MY VOTE: NO. I do not support the
public funding of private education, as (1) public schools are available to all children; (2) private schools are permitted to discriminate in their choice of students; & (3) our persistent underfunding of education argues against any diversion of funds.
Source: 2018 Georgia governor campaign website StaceyAbrams.com
Mar 30, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
No money for school vouchers
Public education is the beating heart of our state and a fundamental obligation. As Minority Leader, Stacey advocated for fully-funded quality public education, demanded comprehensive support for struggling schools
and opposed attempts to privatize our public schools. Georgia leaders cannot stand up for public education and simultaneously vote for private vouchers; diversion of funds to private schools undermines our government's responsibility.
Source: 2018 Georgia Gubernatorial website StaceyAbrams.com
Sep 1, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
Must offer many paths for higher education
As Minority Leader, Stacey Abrams negotiated the inclusion of a 1% low interest loan program for higher education and remedial classes for technical college students, and she fought for a need-based aid program in the state.
As Governor, she will push for free access to technical college, debt-free four-year college, and need-based aid as a priority in Georgia. Under her leadership, Georgia will expand access to apprenticeships and invest in adult literacy options.
Source: 2018 Georgia Gubernatorial website StaceyAbrams.com
Sep 1, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
Needs-based college tuition for low-income students
Education: Increase state funding for higher education?
Abrams: Yes. Includes needs-based aid for low-income students, restoring tuition-free certificates, and funding Georgia 2025 program.
Kemp: No stand found.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Teresa Tomlinson:
Led the fight to save women's college from shutting down
Here's how we know Tomlinson: She was one of the people who helped save Sweet Briar College when its board tried to shut it down in 2015, and one of the people who helped bring it back to life.
There were lots of alumnae who rose up against the board's decision and waged a dramatic --and ultimately successful--fight that went all the way to the Virginia Supreme Court.
They all deserve credit for Sweet Briar still being with us. But only one eviscerated the board in sworn testimony in court the way
Tomlinson did, only one used her position as a graduation speaker to deliver a rally cry for the women's education the way Tomlinson did, and only one went on to chair the board that brought Sweet Briar back from near-death as Tomlinson did.
Source: The Roanoke Times on 2020 Georgia Senate race
May 18, 2019
Tom Price:
Allow state agencies to control Head Start funding
In 2007, when Head Start was last up for reauthorization, Price authored an amendment which would have allowed up to eight states to create Head Start "demonstration programs." In those states, Head Start funds would flow to and through state
agencies rather than directly to individual providers. By moving the program from federal to state control, Price argued that states would be able to coordinate Head Start with state-run early childhood programs.
Source: NewAmerica.org on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Jan 18, 2017
Tony Evers:
COVID: Hold schools harmless for enrollment reductions
I am recommending $647 million to restore funding to school systems across our state, fully fund enrollment growth, and hold schools harmless for enrollment reductions - with $573 million allocated to continue those efforts in next year's budget as
well. Those funds mean schools will be able to prioritize our students' safety, ensure quality instruction continues, and stand with our educators in the months and years to come.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Georgia legislature
Jan 14, 2021
Vernon Jones:
Vouchers for any public school
Jones supports the following principles regarding Education Issues:- Support the federal government funding universal pre-K programs.
-
Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any public school.
- Support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind).
Source: Georgia Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jul 2, 2008
Vernon Jones:
Opposed Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act
Analysis by 11-Alive News: Senate Bill 15, or the Keeping Georgia's Schools Safe Act, a Republican-sponsored bill, was passed and sent to Kemp's desk, but the governor vetoed it due to concerns from the education world. The bill called for
threat assessments taken at each school and mandated annual safety drills at schools. Guns were not addressed in the bill much to the disappointment of Democrat leaders. Kemp wrote, the bill "undermines local control, generates an unfunded mandate for
school safety coordinators, and places a ministerial duty on school administrators, increasing their exposure to legal liability."Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 110-56-14, Vote #420 on Apr/02/19; State Rep. Vernon Jones voted NO; Passed Senate 42-11-3, Vote #434 on Apr/02/19; Vetoed by Governor Brian Kemp on May/10/19
Source: 11alive.com on Georgia legislative voting record SB15
Apr 2, 2019
Vernon Jones:
School choice: why can't the money follow the child?
He made it clear that the conservative talking point of school choice is an undertaking dear to him. "When the mother lies [by using a false address] to get their kids into a performing school, because she wants better for her kid too, where's the
sanctuary for that child? Why is that parent arrested? It does not make sense. Black families want their children in performing schools, why can't the money follow the child," he concluded.
Source: Yahoo.com News on 2022 Georgia Governor race
Apr 16, 2021
Zell Miller:
All children should have the opportunity to attend pre-K
We became the first state to offer pre-kindergarten, free of charge, to every four-year-old. Pre-K students are more likely to stay in school, achieve higher test scores, and graduate better prepared for the workforce.
More than 185,000 Georgia children have benefited from pre-K. The pre-K program reflects my philosophy of education: every Georgia child should enter school ready to learn.
Source: 1998 Georgia State of the State Address
Jan 15, 1998
Zell Miller:
Good schools mean money for teachers, books, reading
If we want excellence in the classroom, we must compete for the best teachers. The largest expenditure in this budget is $275 million to provide the fourth consecutive pay raise to teachers. There is also $3.7 million for our teacher Pay for
Performance program. I am proposing that we buy one million new books. This budget also contains close to $20 million to provide grants for reading programs for our children.
Source: Budget Address, Georgia
Jan 13, 1998
Brian Kemp:
We have given teachers a $7,000 pay raise in just five years
While some politicians have continued to grumble about teacher pay in Georgia, let me give you the facts: In total, we will have given hardworking educators a $7,000 pay raise in just five years. No other General Assembly or governor will have raised
teacher pay by so much, so quickly, in state history! With the passage of this budget, the average teacher salary in Georgia will also now be over $7,000 higher than the Southeast regional average.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Brian Kemp:
HOPE Scholarship and Grant awards now cover 100% of tuition
That is why, for the first time in over a decade--and in the 30th year of both this program and the Georgia Lottery--we are once again fulfilling Governor Zell Miller's vision and returning HOPE Scholarship and Grant awards to 100% of tuition!
By covering 100% of tuition--a policy long worked on by members of both sides of the aisle--a student will receive roughly $1,000 in additional financial assistance in the coming school year.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023