Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed budget of nearly $1.05 billion for the state’s lottery-funded programs adds money for needed enhancements to the Pre-Kindergarten program and financial aid for technical college students but falls short of meeting many families’ needs. The nearly $358 million allotted for Pre-K provides money to raise teachers’ salaries, and the $689 million directed to the HOPE financial aid programs includes an expansion of the Strategic Industries Workforce Development grant. Yet challenges to the quality and availability of the Pre-K program remain and covering college costs is a struggle for many students.

The Data is in on Federal Budget Cuts: Great Harm for Rural Georgians, Georgians of Color and Georgians with Low-Incomes
Georgia’s future depends on every community having the tools to thrive. For too long, systemic