Stacey Abrams on Education

	Stacey Abrams on Education Democratic Gubernatorial Challenger (GA); 2020 Veepstakes contender

Lower-income neighborhoods have lower-ranked schools

As a young black working class couple raising kids in Mississippi, my parents had one clear path to ensuring us a quality education: carefully picking the street on which we would live. The choice defined the school we would attend, the level of violence and poverty we would endure, and the social exposure we would have. Economic policy dictated that they would be renters, as saving for a down payment was well beyond our reach. School zoning laws determined the kind of housing available in the neighborhoods available to them, as well as the trappings of the communities. To live in the zone with the best rated schools, my parents would have faced exorbitant rental prices. The most affordable cost meant living in the poorest part of town. In a city school district with three elementary schools, that meant a Goldilocks choice. Lower income neighborhoods traditionally have lower ranked schools, less green space, fewer parks, and limited access to cultural programs. Source: Our Time Is Now, by Stacey Abrams, p.147-8 , Jun 9, 2020

4-year degree gains white family $55,900 & black only $4,800

My parents, who met in high school, both made it to college. But as mom and dad, and millions of folks learn in our country, a college degree is no guarantee of opportunity. Despite the prestige of their investigations, the 'isms' that stalk the minorities do not disappear once they cross the academic stage, and turning the tassel from right to left isn't a magical ritual to open and close doors. Doing exactly what were told, amassing the education and the accolades and the experiences, guarantees absolutely nothing. A white family of median income sees a return of $55,869 from completing a four year degree. A black family will earn a return of $4,846, slightly more than a Latino family at $4,191.

Mom got a job as a college librarian, where her paychecks rarely reflected her worth. For my father, his struggle with reading meant he took his bachelor's degree in history to a local shipyard where he worked as a laborer for the next fifteen years.

Source: Lead from the Outside, by Stacey Abrams, p. 57 , Mar 26, 2019

Invest what is necessary for education from cradle to career

Our most urgent work is to realize Americans' dreams of today and tomorrow. To carve a path to independence and prosperity that can last a lifetime. Children deserve an excellent education from cradle to career. We owe them safe schools and the highest standards, regardless of zip code.

Yet this White House responds timidly while first graders practice active shooter drills and the price of higher education grows ever steeper. From now on, our leaders must be willing to tackle gun safety measures and the crippling effect of educational loans; to support educators and invest what is necessary to unleash the power of America's greatest minds.

Source: Democratic response to 2019 State of the Union speech , Feb 5, 2019

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

A college degree is no guarantee of opportunity

As mom and dad and millions of folks learn in our country, a college degree is no guarantee of opportunity. Despite the prestige of their educations the "isms" that stalk minorities do not disappear when we cross the academic stage, and turning the tassel from right to left isn't a magical ritual to open closed doors. Doing exactly what were told, amassing the education and the accolades and the experiences, guarantees absolutely nothing. A white family of median income sees a return of $55,000 from completing a four year degree. A black family will earn a return of $4,800, slightly more than a Latino family at $4,200. Source: Minority Leader, by Stacey Abrams, p.57 , Apr 24, 2018

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

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

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

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

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.