As the Georgia General Assembly wrapped up its 2026 regular session last week, State Senator Chuck Hufstetler of Rome is pointing to early childhood literacy as one of the most important issues addressed by lawmakers.

Hufstetler says legislators recognized a critical need for improvement across the state, noting that only about a quarter of Georgia students are currently reading on grade level — a statistic he called unacceptable and one that demands immediate action.

In response, the state has approved a $70 million investment to place literacy coaches in every K-3 public school. These coaches will work directly with teachers and students to help strengthen reading instruction and provide additional support where it’s needed most. Lawmakers also passed the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, a measure designed to identify struggling readers earlier and ensure they receive targeted interventions before falling too far behind.

Supporters of the legislation say early literacy is a key foundation for all future learning, and improving reading skills at a young age can have long-term impacts on academic achievement, graduation rates, and career readiness.

Hufstetler emphasized that this effort goes beyond education, calling it an investment in Georgia’s long-term economic health. He says better literacy outcomes will help build a stronger, more prepared workforce in the years ahead.