HOPE Reform Passes Georgia Senate

Georgia Governor Nathan moved one step closer to becoming reality yesterday as H.B. 326 passed the Senate by a 35-20 margin.

“The state Senate today gave a gift to future generations of Georgia’s outstanding students by preserving the promise of the HOPE scholarship,” said Deal in a released statement. “I have worked closely with members of the Senate to find common ground on how best to save this important program. Any reforms to the HOPE scholarship require careful consideration because Georgians care deeply about this issue, and we are proud that our HOPE program holds national prominence. Senators understand our choice on lottery-funded programs is not between reform and the status quo; our state’s choice is between reform and bankruptcy. Senators have played an important role from Day 1 on negotiating the best plan, and today they courageously did the right thing for our state.”

The bill drastically changes the current HOPE scholarship program by reducing the tuition coverage and eliminating payments for books and fees. The legislation also creates a Zell Miller Scholarship program providing full tuition for students with high grade point averages and standardized test scores. A Senate amendment extended this program to include the valedictorian and salutatorians of every graduating class regardless of grades or test scores.

The Senate version of the bill now returns to the House for final passage.

“We’ve witnessed tremendous leadership in the House to save HOPE and I trust that members in the House will act quickly to jump this final legislative hurdle,” Deal said.