House Democrats announced their strong endorsement of restoration of a full day Pre-K program for Georgia’s universal program, which they had been negotiating for during the legislative session.

"Policy is not always in the Democratic province, but when it is, we have an obligation to come to the table," said Rep. Stacey Abrams, House minority leader. "Through discussions with Gov. Deal, House Democrats have been successful in adding $30 million in changes in the HOPE scholarship and protect Georgia’s pre-K full-day program."

Through an ongoing dialogue with Democrats, Republicans and pre-K advocates, Gov. Nathan Deal agreed to amend his proposal to restore a 6 ½ hour pre-K day for four year olds. The measure will reduce the number of school days from 180 to 160 and change class size from 20 to 22, with a maximum of 11 to 1 ratio. The proposal would increase by 2,000 the number of pre-K slots.

Similar to the HOPE scholarship, the pre-K grant is awarded through lottery-funded slots, applied for by parents. 

"We are very happy that the Governor listened to House Democrats, Georgia families and teachers and responded accordingly. The addition of the full-day pre-K to the HOPE package is a win for working families," said Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield.

Benfield said that in 57 Georgia counties the HOPE pre-K program is the only pre-kindergarten program offered – no private programs exist in those areas.

Since the start of the session, more than 50 House Democrats have participated in town hall meetings around the state listening to citizens concerns about the HOPE scholarship and pre-K programs.

Gov. Deal said in his address to reporters that he was happy to have Democratic support for the pre-K program addition to his education package. Georgia remains one of only four states to provide a high-quality, universal pre-K program.

Due to declining lottery revenues, cuts to education and skyrocketing college fees and tuition, HOPE faces a $243 million budget shortfall and cash reserves are projected to run out by 2013. 

Abrams said, "Bottom line:  If we do nothing, HOPE goes away."

House Democrats agreed to support the HOPE framework introduced by Gov. Nathan Deal in order to preserve the HOPE for students who would be eliminated from the HOPE program all together or who would otherwise not be able to make up the difference in tuition on their own. 

In addition to the pre-K funding, House Democrats secured the following changes to HB 326:

· Preserve remedial courses for our technical colleges (added back $13M)

· Protect the Tuition Equalization Grants for proprietary schools with a long history of serving our students (grandfathers currently eligible schools at $5.6M – 5,000 students)

· Make available a 1 percent low-interest loan ($10M – 20M available and students may borrow up to $10,000 during course of education).

· Students may receive HOPE, Pell and the 1% loan to cover costs of education.

"House Democrats agree to remain vigilant when it comes to the education of our children," said Abrams. "That vigilance, and a willingness to work together when and where we can with state leaders, will ensure our children receive the best possible start in their educational life."

Press Release