School choice bill nears finish line in Georgia

After two-years of deliberations, the Georgia General Assembly is on the brink of passing the state’s biggest school choice program ever.

The Georgia House voted 91-82 on Thursday to advance SB 233, which would create Promise Scholarship accounts worth $6,000 per qualifying student.

Currently, the Peach State only has two limited school choice programs.

SB 233 failed to pass the House last year. But since the Georgia Legislature operates on a two-year cycle, it was reconsidered during the current term.

Seven Republicans and one Democrat who voted against the bill last year flipped to support it on Thursday.

Rep. Mesha Mainor, R-Atlanta, even flipped parties solely over the issue of school choice. She was hopeful that educational freedom could help low-income kids escape “a cycle of poverty.”

“They are growing up in a cycle of poverty and a cycle of desperation,” Mainor said in support of SB 233. “Today, you can make a change for them.”

Sen. Nabilah Islam, D-Lawrenceville, accused the program of “defunding public education and subsidizing rich kids.”

But bill sponsor Sen. Matt Brass, R-Newman, defended the measure.

“I have said in most instances, public education is the best option,” he explained. “It was the best option for my child. But I recognize that it is not the best option for each and every child, each and every day.” 

Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, the bill’s primary sponsor, also celebrated its passage through the House.  

“We are pleased to see the Georgia House of Representatives take a significant step toward empowering Georgia’s families to choose the education that best fits the needs of each child in our state,” the Georgia Public Policy Foundation commented.  

“We look forward to the final passage of Senate Bill 233 and the implementation of this vital new program, so that Georgians can see for themselves the benefits of ensuring every child gets the quality education needed to unlock their full, God-given potential.”  

SB 233 now only requires the approval of the Senate and Gov. Brian Kemp to become law.  

Last year, the Senate approved the measure by a 33-23 vote. Kemp has also voiced strong support for education freedom.