GBPI In The News Opinion: Use lottery surplus to help more students afford college January 4, 2019 / May 19, 2020 by GBPI Admin In the wake of a new analysis showing the Georgia Lottery’s unrestricted reserve has crossed $600 million, in addition to the $500 million in reserves required by law, former state representative and candidate in the Democratic primary for governor Stacey Evans said in a guest column the time is now to tap this underutilized resource. Read the full column […] Read more » Education Higher Education HOPE Scholarship Lottery
GBPI In The News Efforts to Raise “Tobacco Tax” in Ga. December 10, 2018 / May 19, 2020 by GBPI Admin Is an increase in Georgia’s “tobacco tax” the answer to reducing smoking rates as well as tobacco-related health care expenses? GBPI’s Laura Harker joined Closer Look with Rose Scott to discuss her report that said a raise in Georgia’s tobacco excise tax is the solution to a healthier state. Listen to the full interview with WABE. Read more » health Laura Harker Tobacco Tax
GBPI In The News Incarceration costs millions of tax dollars September 28, 2018 / May 19, 2020 by Jhai James Reformers emphasize the human costs and the racial inequities of mass incarcerations in the United States and Georgia. But saving taxpayer money was also a big reason state officials starting considering reforms to the criminal justice and judiciary systems. Read the complete article on the Athens Herald-Banner website. Read more » Budget incarceration
GBPI In The News University of North Georgia implementing ‘Momentum Year’ September 27, 2018 / May 19, 2020 by Jhai James For many college students, the toughest part of earning a bachelor’s degree is getting through those first two years of core classes and settling on a major area of study. To help alleviate this burden schools in the University System of Georgia are preparing to launch “Momentum Year” beginning in the 2019 fall semester. Read […] Read more » Budget Education Higher Education
GBPI In The News As HOPE marks 25 years, some say changes could aid more students September 7, 2018 / January 14, 2020 by Jhai James This month marks the 25th anniversary of the first scholarships offered through the HOPE program, funded by Georgia Lottery proceeds. While state data shows six consecutive years of more money awarded in scholarships, some say there are issues that must be addressed to make the HOPE program more beneficial to students and cost-effective. Read the […] Read more » Budget Budget & Taxes Education Higher Education HOPE HOPE grants HOPE Scholarship
GBPI In The News Tax break could benefit working poor in Georgia September 2, 2018 / May 19, 2020 by Jhai James The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal break for the working poor. Georgia could improve the health of lower-income residents by adopting a state version to go along with the federal one, according to the report from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. Read the complete article on the Rome News-Tribune website. Read more » Budget Budget & Taxes Earned Income Tax Credit Economic Security Low Income Tax Credit
GBPI In The News New tax break urged for working poor in Georgia September 1, 2018 / May 19, 2020 by Jhai James Tax credits and health care have recently occupied a prominent place in Georgia politics, thanks to the success of a program that helps rural hospitals. But there’s another potential tax credit that could have a positive impact on health in Georgia by alleviating some of the burden of poverty, according to a new report. Read […] Read more » Budget Budget & Taxes Economic Security
GBPI In The News Local organization provides backpacks, school supplies to meet student needs August 14, 2018 / May 19, 2020 by GBPI Admin Pencils, crayons, glue sticks, loose-leaf paper, rulers — these are some of the supplies that can help a student have a successful school year. But expensive school supplies are out of reach for some families. Read the full article on the Times Free Press website. Read more » Education K-12
GBPI In The News Inclusive Economy for Immigrants Costs of immigration enforcement largely untracked August 9, 2018 / May 19, 2020 by GBPI Admin ATLANTA – Most Georgia counties do not keep track of how much local taxpayer money goes toward their part in carrying out enhanced immigration enforcement, but the costs are likely substantial, according to a new report. Read the full article on the Valdosta Daily Times. Read more »
GBPI In The News New GBPI poll shows strong support for new taxes to boost education, families, health August 1, 2018 / May 19, 2020 by GBPI Admin A new poll commissioned by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute shows a majority of those polled support programs and additional taxes in order to improve the state’s public schools, train workers, provide child care for working families, and expand health coverage. These four concepts are at the heart of a public policy initiative GBPI […] Read more » Higher Education Taifa Smith Butler tax breaks