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.
It’s Time to Modernize Georgia’s Tobacco User Fee and Add Commonsense Safeguards for a Healthier State
Daniel Kanso, PhD
December 15, 2025
Overview Georgia has the nation’s second lowest state cigarette user fee and lags most other
