In many ways, Ģ����Ƶ’s economy is booming.

The state is attracting top-tier businesses, and more Ģ����Ƶns are working than ever before. In June of 2026, almost 5.3 million people held jobs in Ģ����Ƶ. The state’s unemployment rate was also just 3.4%, well below the national average of 4.2%.

And as of the end of 2025, Ģ����Ƶ had about 275,000 job openings.

That all sounds like great news—and it is.

But strong employment numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Many of Ģ����Ƶ’s job-seekers are still wrestling with a big question: “Where can I find a job I can actually get, keep, and live on?”

The Everyday Challenges of the Job Search in Ģ����Ƶ

A lack of motivation is rarely what stands between Ģ����Ƶns and meaningful work. 

Instead, many people are having a hard time figuring out which educational and training programs will open doors to available jobs. They may have general education backgrounds but not the specific skills, certifications, or hands-on experience today’s employers are looking for.

And finding a job that matches a job-seeker’s qualifications is only part of the equation. An employment opportunity also has to work with the realities of their everyday life. Families across Ģ����Ƶ can face barriers to work involving: 

• Access to child care
• Transportation to work
• Re-entry into the workforce after incarceration
• Disability-related challenges
• Distance to resources and good jobs for those in rural areas

These hurdles can make a seemingly good job much harder to take—or to keep—and families have to figure out whether the potential paycheck would really make them better off. 

The income alone might not be enough to overcome the obstacles people struggle with. It could even cause an individual or family to face a benefit cliff, where a small increase in earnings leads to a much bigger decrease in welfare (safety net) support.

There are currently about 800,000 Ģ����Ƶns who aren’t working full time, including:

• Unemployed people who are looking for jobs
• Part-time workers who want to work full time
• People who have given up looking for work

For many of these individuals, the challenges of the search for rewarding full-time work can be complicated and overwhelming. Despite their efforts, they may feel stuck, discouraged, and unsure of how to move forward.

How State Leaders Can Build a Better Path to Work

Ģ����Ƶ policymakers can take much-needed steps to improve the job-search process and help connect more people to promising jobs:

1. Align Workforce Development Programs with Employer Demand: People shouldn’t spend months completing an educational program only to discover there are few openings that they’re qualified for. To prevent this, Ģ����Ƶ’s workforce development programs can coordinate with schools, technical colleges, and employers to structure education and training opportunities so they equip Ģ����Ƶns with the in-demand skills that lead directly to fulfilling careers.
2. Remove the Obstacles That Keep People from Working: To help those who face barriers to work, Ģ����Ƶ lawmakers can continue exploring a to managing government benefits and workforce services. By better integrating welfare and workforce development programs, policymakers can empower state agencies to address beneficiaries’ needs more holistically—connecting people to work while making sure they get the vital support that will enable them to take a job.
3. Make Quality Child Care More Accessible: Ģ����Ƶ’s leaders can help make child care more affordable and available by taking a careful look at rules that may unintentionally make it harder and more expensive for providers to serve families. By considering regulatory changes while preserving quality and safety, policymakers can enable new providers to enter the market, give parents additional choices, and help working families find care that fits their lives. 
4. Eliminate Benefit Cliffs: To reward rather than penalize people’s efforts to work, policymakers can eliminate benefit cliffs by gradually decreasing public assistance as workers earn more. This will encourage people to take meaningful jobs, accept promotions, or work more hours without fear of a steep drop in critical support.

How Local Communities Can Open Doors for Job-Seekers

Nonprofits, churches, and other community groups can also take action to help close the gap between Ģ����Ƶ’s employment numbers and the reality many families experience:

1. Connect Job-Seekers to Employers: Community organizations can work together to identify people who are struggling to find or keep jobs and provide them with access to local work readiness programs and businesses that are hiring. 
2. Help Employers Find Candidates: Just as importantly, community groups can learn what local employers actually need and help them connect with qualified candidates they might otherwise miss. 
3. Provide Continuous Support to Working Families: Getting a job is just one step toward stability and prosperity. Communities can continue to encourage their neighbors and help them adapt as they start new jobs and adjust their family routines. 

The Real Measure of Economic Growth

Ģ����Ƶ has successfully attracted new employers and become a destination for major investments. But the real measure of economic growth isn’t how many jobs are available. It’s whether Ģ����Ƶns can access those jobs and turn them into flourishing lives.

A good job should do more than cover today’s bills. It should create tomorrow’s opportunities. It should make it easier to support a family, save for important purchases, and open doors to upward mobility.

When policymakers and communities come together to help job-seekers, a strong economy can be something even greater: a pathway to stable, family-sustaining work and a brighter future for Ģ����Ƶns across the state.

Additional Resources

Alliance for Opportunity

Alliance for Opportunity

City Journal

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity 

Non-Working Adults Concentrated in Ģ����Ƶ’s Distressed Communities

Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity 

Ģ����Ƶ Department of Labor

Governor Brian P. Kemp, Office of the Governor

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The post Ģ����Ƶ Has 275,000 Open Jobs—Why Is Getting One So Hard? appeared first on For Opportunity.

When Ģ����Ƶns vote for governor, they’re choosing more than a public figure. They’re electing the leader who sets the direction for everything from schools and public safety to taxes and the economy. 

While the governor can’t create laws like the legislature does, they shape daily life by deciding how the state will spend money, what bills get signed, and how certain public programs for families will operate. 

Quick Facts Ģ����Ƶ Ģ����Ƶ’s Governor

• Current Governor: Brian Kemp
• Next Election Date: November 3, 2026, for the general election 
• Term Length: Four years, with a maximum of two back-to-back terms
• Minimum Age Requirement: 30 years old by Inauguration Day
• Counties the Governor Serves: 159
• State Budget the Governor Oversees: $36.6 billion

How Does the Governor Impact Everyday Lives in Ģ����Ƶ?

1. The governor can sign—or stop—new laws.

After a bill passes in Ģ����Ƶ’s House and Senate, it goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. 

If the governor vetoes a bill, Ģ����Ƶ’s legislators can override that action, but only with a two-thirds majority in both chambers. To avoid a veto, lawmakers usually aim to pass legislation that reflects the governor’s policy priorities.

In 2026, Ģ����Ƶ’s legislature passed bills that created pathways for kids to take advanced math classes in earlier grades and to improve their reading skills. The bills aligned with Governor Kemp’s goal of increasing opportunities for Ģ����Ƶ students, and he signed them into law right after the legislative session ended.

On May 5, 2026, Governor Brian Kemp to support reading, math education, and K-12 schools in Ģ����Ƶ.
Photo Credit: . 

2. The governor helps decide where the money goes.

Every year, Ģ����Ƶ’s governor proposes a state budget that outlines how taxpayer dollars should be spent. Because the budget reflects the programs and services that will receive funding, it reveals the governor’s top priorities for the state. 

The legislature revises and passes the budget, but the governor still has a final influential role. Before signing the budget into law, the governor can use a line-item veto to remove parts of the budget they don’t agree with while leaving the rest as is. 

In May 2026, Governor Kemp signed , the state budget bill for the fiscal year starting July 1. The $36.6 billion budget directs most funding toward education, health care services, public safety, and economic growth—a clear signal of what the governor cares about. Before signing, Governor Kemp used his line-item veto authority, removing some expenses to keep the budget in balance after approving income tax cuts.

3. The governor chooses the leaders behind key family services.

Government policies aren’t implemented in one big speech or one dramatic vote. Instead, they’re carried out every day by state agencies, boards, and commissions.

The governor appoints many of the heads of those administrative offices. They oversee daily operations in workforce development, child and family services, public safety, licensing, education administration, and programs that help low-income Ģ����Ƶns.

The governor steers welfare (safety net) policies, for example, by appointing the members of the Board of Human Services. The members establish the state’s goals for welfare programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

4. The governor sets the policy agenda.

The governor has a powerful microphone: the annual “State of the State” address. At the beginning of the legislative session, the governor uses this speech to outline their priorities and encourage lawmakers to act on specific policies. 

And when the governor elevates an issue—whether it’s education, workforce development, public safety, or taxes—it usually moves quickly from a policy idea to serious legislative action. 

In his , Governor Kemp proposed decreasing the state income tax to 4.99% to help Ģ����Ƶns keep more of what they earn. The legislature followed up by passing , which the governor signed into law.

5. The governor leads during emergencies.

The governor uses executive orders and emergency powers to quickly mobilize state resources when storms, wildfires, public safety threats, or other emergencies hit. 

In April 2026, Governor Kemp for 91 counties in response to South Ģ����Ƶ wildfires and empowered state agencies to help affected residents and their families.

FAQs: The Ģ����Ƶ Governor’s Race in 2026 and the Election Process

How Is Ģ����Ƶ’s Governor Elected?

Ģ����Ƶns elect their governor through a direct popular vote. Unlike presidential elections, there isn’t an electoral college that casts deciding votes.

During primary elections, voters pick final candidates from each political party. Contenders have to earn at least 50% of the votes in the primary to win, so run-off elections are possible. 

The same requirement applies in the general election. If no candidate earns more than half the votes, the top two competitors head to a run-off.

Who Can Run for Governor?

A candidate must:

• Be at least 30 years old by the time they take office
• Have lived in Ģ����Ƶ for at least six years before the election
• Have been a U.S. citizen for at least 15 years

How Long Can a Governor Serve?

Ģ����Ƶ governors have four-year terms and can serve up to two back-to-back terms. Former governors can run again after sitting out for at least one term.

What Happens if a Governor Leaves Office Early?

The lieutenant governor is next in line for the job and serves until the next general election.

Which Political Parties Have Ģ����Ƶ’s Governors Belonged to Historically?

Ģ����Ƶns have elected Republican governors since 2003. Before then, Democratic governors had held the office continuously since 1872.

Source: , National Governors Association

What Issues Are Candidates Talking Ģ����Ƶ in 2026?

The rising cost of living is one of the biggest concerns for Ģ����Ƶ families—and it’s become a major focus in the 2026 governor’s race. Key affordability issues include:

• Income Taxes: Some candidates are proposing plans to further reduce or eliminate the state income tax so Ģ����Ƶns can keep more money in their own pockets. 
• Property Taxes: As housing costs continue to rise, contenders are thinking about freezing property taxes or increasing exemptions to ease the burden on homeowners. 
• Housing Shortages: Candidates are debating how much the state should get involved in local land-use regulations to spur construction of more homes, especially those at lower prices.
• Health Care: Gubernatorial hopefuls are proposing options to address Ģ����Ƶns’ health care concerns, including expanding Medicaid and reducing the cost of health insurance.

Beyond affordability, candidates are focusing on several other issues affecting families and communities across Ģ����Ƶ:

Welfare Reform: Contenders are thinking about how to lead the state in making big changes to welfare programs, including: 

• Implementing new work requirements for Medicaid and enforcing the ones for SNAP
• to avoid federal penalties
• Introducing a to integrate welfare and workforce systems and offer program participants a clearer route to rewarding jobs and long-term stability

Education: To give Ģ����Ƶ’s children better pathways to academic success, candidates are debating on more school choice vouchers, increased public school funding, and new early childhood education options. 

Public Safety: Competitors are prioritizing safety and security for Ģ����Ƶ communities by looking at ways to tackle gang activity, reform the juvenile justice system, and reduce repeat offenses. 

Why Does Understanding the Governor’s Role Matter?

Candidates know that more needs to be done to break down the economic and social barriers so many people are facing, and they’re making plans to take action if elected. But policymakers aren’t the only ones responsible.

Understanding the governor’s vital role and what they’ll do to meet the daily needs of Ģ����Ƶ families and neighborhoods can help voters guide meaningful change. By casting their ballots, Ģ����Ƶns can bring even more promise and prosperity to the state—making it a place where everyone has the chance to achieve their full potential and thrive.

Additional Resources

270 to Win

Alliance for Opportunity

Alliance for Opportunity

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Ballotpedia

Ballotpedia

Ballotpedia

CBS News

Understanding Welfare Work Requirements: New Eligibility Rules for SNAP and Medicaid
Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity

Ģ����Ƶ Public Broadcasting

Ģ����Ƶ Public Broadcasting

Ģ����Ƶ Public Policy Foundation

NBC News

State of Ģ����Ƶ

State of Ģ����Ƶ

State of Ģ����Ƶ

Image Credits: Canva; , Ģ����Ƶ Office of the Governor

The post How Ģ����Ƶ’s Governor Impacts Your Daily Life: Understanding the Role and the Election Process appeared first on For Opportunity.

The is poised to make a powerful impact on students across the state. Legislators drafted the bill to help increase literacy rates among young Ģ����Ƶns and prepare them for higher levels of learning and greater success in life. 

Ģ����Ƶ’s literacy statistics are undeniably troubling—. Ģ����Ƶ’s proficiency percentage is just slightly above the average reading level in the United States. The Nation’s Report Card, which tracks how well students across the country are reading in fourth grade, recently showed that . And proficiency is a key indicator of children’s progress and readiness for more advanced work.  

Third grade also marks a critical point in a student’s academic development. Between third and fourth grade, children should be transitioning from learning to read to using reading to learn. If students fall behind in reading during this crucial period, they can start to have a hard time in other school subjects, too. This struggle often takes a big toll on children as they grow up, and it can limit economic opportunities later on. 

But with support from organizations like the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity (GCO), state legislators are paving the way for children to overcome challenges with literacy. This will empower them to thrive in their academic development and build flourishing lives for themselves and their families in the future.

“GCO applauds the state’s General Assembly for passing the Ģ����Ƶ Early Literacy Act of 2026. This important legislation helps Ģ����Ƶ make sure that students read proficiently so they can excel in school and reach their full potential in life.”

Buzz Brockway, Vice President of Policy, Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity

What Are the Core Requirements in This Bill?

Policymakers have included several key measures in the new literacy bill to help the youngest Ģ����Ƶns become skilled readers.

• Literacy Coaches in Every School: All schools that serve students in kindergarten through third grade will be required to hire literacy coaches—educators with expertise in teaching reading. The coaches will support teachers through lesson planning, co-teaching, and mentoring.
• Mandatory Kindergarten Enrollment: Students will be required to attend kindergarten before starting first grade (exemptions are possible if students pass the assessment described below). The bill will also encourage families to enroll their children in school or establish a home study program beginning at age 5. These measures should strengthen children’s foundational reading skills early on.
• First Grade Readiness Assessments: Schools will test students before they start first grade to make sure they’re academically prepared. If a kindergartener isn’t reading on grade level, the school will design a plan to help them.
• Expanded Use of Science of Reading Curriculums: Schools will continue to expand the use of materials grounded in the science of reading, a field of research that focuses on how students develop reading skills. Teachers will no longer be able to use the older three-cueing system, which encourages students to guess words.
  

Have Other States Passed Similar Laws?

Yes. Mississippi, in particular, has set the standard for effective literacy legislation. Recent reforms in that state include:

• Placing literacy coaches in the lowest-performing schools to guide reading teachers 
• Regularly screening students in grades K-3 for challenges with reading and creating plans to help children who are struggling
• Requiring third graders to demonstrate reading proficiency before starting fourth grade
• Training teachers to shift to an approach based on the science of reading

As a result of the strong focus on literacy, Mississippi’s fourth grade reading proficiency scores went from . Ģ����Ƶ and many other states have taken notice of this significant improvement and have modeled legislation after Mississippi’s laws.

When Will the New Requirements Take Effect?

Governor Brian Kemp is expected to sign the Ģ����Ƶ Early Literacy Act once the 2026 legislative session ends. After it becomes law:

• Schools will likely have literacy coaches on staff by the 2028-2029 school year.
• Mandatory kindergarten enrollment and enhanced readiness assessments will go into effect for the 2027-2028 school year.
• Every K-3 classroom will use only state-approved materials aligned with the science of reading by July 1, 2027.

What Is the Science of Reading

The science of reading is a field of research focused on how the brain learns to read and how to teach reading. It promotes proven practices that support students of all abilities. These practices involve several essential elements:

• Phonemic Awareness: the ability to hear and identify individual sounds in spoken words
• Phonics: the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent
• Fluency: the ability to read texts smoothly, accurately, and with the right expression
• Vocabulary: an understanding of what words mean and how to say and use them correctly
• Comprehension: the ability to understand, interpret, and analyze texts

What’s the Difference Between Reading on Grade Level and Reading Proficiently?

People often use these two phrases interchangeably, but they actually mean different things.

• Reading on Grade Level: A student who reads on grade level can figure out words and follow a basic plot, but they might still struggle to analyze more complex texts. This is the minimum expected skill level for a child in a specific grade.
• Reading Proficiently: A proficient reader has a higher-level skill set, including the ability to analyze more challenging material and to think critically about it. Reading proficiently makes it easier for students to use reading for learning as they develop academically.

This difference is important for understanding literacy rates in Ģ����Ƶ. The state’s Department of Education reports that , but the Ģ����Ƶ Council on Literacy has shown that only . 

How Can Increasing Reading Proficiency Open Doors to Opportunity?

The state legislature passed the Ģ����Ƶ Early Literacy Act in March of 2026 with unanimous bipartisan support. The strong approval of the bill confirms that Ģ����Ƶ’s policymakers have made literacy a priority.

This attention to literacy will make a meaningful difference for many Ģ����Ƶns. Research has shown that . And without that degree, access to higher levels of education, fulfilling jobs, and economic opportunities is more limited. For students who come from vulnerable families, struggles with reading can also make it harder to escape poverty.

Through the Literacy Act, Ģ����Ƶ legislators aim to remove barriers for children and encourage them to follow brighter paths to promising futures. By becoming stronger readers, Ģ����Ƶ’s students will be more successful in school. They’ll also learn to think more critically about the world around them. Their advanced skills will then lead young people toward more rewarding work and economic mobility as adults, and they’ll be able to positively impact their communities. The bill has the power to make all this possible, with literacy as the key that unlocks the door to these life-changing opportunities.

Additional Resources

The post Stronger Readers, Brighter Futures: Ģ����Ƶ Lawmakers Open Doors with New Literacy Bill appeared first on For Opportunity.

Opportunities to drive progress and hope will greet Ģ����Ƶns in 2026. Critical issues will dominate the legislative agenda, and top governmental positions will be up for election.

The well-being of many Ģ����Ƶns, their families, and their communities is at stake as pressing concerns like welfare reform, the cost of living, educational opportunities, and public safety take center stage in political discussions. These issues involve significant challenges, but policymakers are working to find promising solutions that will enable people across the state to flourish.

Electing leaders to fill key political offices

The primary election will take place on May 19, and the general election is scheduled for November 3.

The roles of both the governor and lieutenant governor will be on the ballot. Ģ����Ƶ’s current governor, Brian Kemp, isn’t eligible to run again because he’s reached his term limit, so several candidates are competing for the position, including Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. 

Ģ����Ƶns will also vote on one of the state’s U.S. senatorial positions—Senator Jon Ossoff currently holds the post. All of Ģ����Ƶ’s seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be up for election as well.

These political races are pivotal because the elected officials will have the power to remove barriers and open more doors to opportunity for the state’s residents.

Reforming Ģ����Ƶ’s public assistance programs and creating a pathway out of poverty

The candidates running for office will likely take positions on ways to reform government assistance (welfare or safety net) programs in Ģ����Ƶ. This should be a top priority because about 13.5% of the state’s population is currently living in poverty. 

One of the main concerns about the welfare system is that it isn’t helping to lift people above the poverty line or empowering them to become self-sufficient. Instead, the complexities and regulations in the system tend to trap people in long-term cycles of poverty that affect families for generations.

To make real change, Ģ����Ƶ’s top lawmakers need to focus on streamlining the state’s welfare system and integrating it with workforce development programs. This strategy, called the , connects recipients of government benefits with one caseworker who not only helps them meet their immediate needs but also provides resources to support them in finding a rewarding job.

In Ģ����Ƶ, around 28% of prime-age (25-54) adults aren’t working, and disengagement from work is one of the primary reasons people seek public assistance. Developing a One Door strategy in Ģ����Ƶ will help these individuals become self-sufficient and also enable them to experience the sense of dignity and purpose meaningful work provides.

Ģ����Ƶ’s political leaders can take steps toward implementing a One Door model by advocating for federal authorization to do so. At the state level, they can also establish a task force to explore ways to connect and improve Ģ����Ƶ’s public assistance and workforce programs.

A reform called the One Door model would allow Ģ����Ƶ to connect more welfare recipients to meaningful work and economic opportunity. 

Making life more affordable in Ģ����Ƶ

Many low- and middle-income families in Ģ����Ƶ are struggling to cover the basic costs of living, as prices for just about everything seem to be rising. The increasing costs add extra hardship to the numerous barriers that already impact people’s well-being. But Ģ����Ƶ’s policymakers have opportunities to make some things more affordable for the state’s residents.

• Housing shortages and costs: The shortage is driving up prices and making affordable homes hard to come by. Builders want to construct more houses, but they face restrictive regulations regarding land use and infrastructure, including roads and water lines. Local policymakers can address the issue by allowing greater flexibility in lot sizes and housing types. Doing so will bring more affordable homes to the market, and that will reduce rent and mortgage payments and free up income to cover other necessities.
• State income taxes: Ģ����Ƶ’s state income tax is set to drop to 4.99% in January 2027, but some lawmakers want to eliminate it completely. For many Ģ����Ƶns, every dollar matters, and doing away with the tax would allow them to keep more of their income in their own pockets. State leaders are considering eliminating corporate tax breaks to offset the potential loss in government revenue from income taxes. But it’s important to note that they could also raise the sales tax to recoup the state’s lost revenue. That could leave lower-income families worse off because essential goods would cost them more.

Creating an educational system that meets the needs of every child

In 2026, Ģ����Ƶ lawmakers will continue their efforts to develop an educational system that honors every child’s unique situation and needs.

Several education-related bills that carried over from 2025 will likely be up for consideration in the Ģ����Ƶ General Assembly.

• Senate Bills 124 and 152: These bills will expand eligibility for Promise Scholarship accounts to students with a parent who’s an active-duty military service member stationed in Ģ����Ƶ and to biological or adopted children of foster parents. The bills will help support more families who want to consider alternative education options for their children
• Senate Bill 171: This bill will require Ģ����Ƶ’s Board of Education to develop an advanced math pathway for students in grades 3-8. The program will prepare students to take higher-level math classes in middle school and ultimately to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The opportunity will pave the way to brighter futures and upward mobility for participating students, and particularly for young African Americans, Hispanics, and girls who haven’t traditionally received significant STEM education.
• House Bill 917: This bill will provide open enrollment processes for students who want to transfer between local school systems or from one school to another within a school system. This will enable students to attend the school that’s the right fit for them, regardless of where they live.

Charter school funding will also be on policymakers’ radar. In 2025, the Ģ����Ƶ Senate created the Study Committee on Funding for Charter School Capital Improvements. The committee was tasked with reviewing current funding processes for public schools, examining the differences in capital funding between charter and public schools, and analyzing the challenges charter schools face in getting funding. Ģ����Ƶ’s leaders will likely use the study’s findings to make sure charter schools have equal access to capital improvement funds so they can continue to offer alternate educational options for families.��

Prioritizing neighborhood safety and reducing crime

Public safety is a top concern for Ģ����Ƶns, and especially for those living in impoverished communities. High crime rates lead to losses in property value, community resources, business activity, and job opportunities—all making it increasingly difficult for people to escape poverty.

Among several public safety bills, Ģ����Ƶ lawmakers will likely consider two that were drafted during the 2025 session.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for juveniles: The first bill will enable greater use of CBT with young people who get arrested, even those who are non-violent or have minor convictions. CBT teaches participants to look at the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and helps them respond to challenging situations more effectively. Studies show that CBT programs can reduce recidivism by an impactful 25%. They also set participants on a path toward healing and growth, which will, in turn, help their communities flourish.
• Support for local law enforcement agencies: The second bill will create grants for local law enforcement agencies to assist them in solving more violent crimes. Local departments can use the funds to improve investigations, enhance the technology and data systems officers use, and support victims and families. The resources will also help authorities deter future crime and boost community safety and resiliency.

Taking action to transform lives and communities

Ģ����Ƶ’s policymakers know that more needs to be done to break down the social and economic barriers so many people are facing, and they’re taking action. But this responsibility doesn’t lie with government leaders alone.

Ģ����Ƶ residents should pay close attention to the issues lawmakers discuss, but also to the needs of their families and communities. They can then use what they learn, along with their voices and votes, to create real change. 

In doing so, Ģ����Ƶns will bring even greater promise and prosperity to the state—making it a place where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and thrive.

Additional resources

The post Shaping Ģ����Ƶ’s Future: Opportunities for the Year Ahead appeared first on For Opportunity.

As August ushers in a new school year, nearly are headed back to Ģ����Ƶ’s . How are the state’s schools doing when it comes to preparing kids for work and life? Here are a few key education measures that Ģ����Ƶ parents and communities should know about as students return to the classroom. 

Skills in Reading

Results from the latest show that students are still struggling with reading proficiency. A proficient reader can analyze challenging material and think critically about it.

Just 40% of eighth graders reached a level of reading proficiency in 2025. Third graders are even further behind—only 35% were proficient in reading last year. 

Achieving reading proficiency by third grade is a crucial milestone for Ģ����Ƶ’s students. Not only is it necessary for , but it’s also an indicator of future stability and economic opportunity. That’s because literacy, like math proficiency, is closely linked to high school completion and participation in the workforce.

Demographic data from the Milestones Assessment also shows that Black and Hispanic third graders are struggling the most when it comes to literacy.

State lawmakers are paying attention to these challenges, and through promising legislation (see the section on new laws below), they’re paving the way for more children to thrive in their academic development and build flourishing futures.

Enrollment Trends

Ģ����Ƶ public schools have enrolled 1,702,086 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, according to the Ģ����Ƶ Department of Education’s spring 2026 . That number marks a drop of 34,644 students from the spring of 2025. 

The decline in Ģ����Ƶ follows a nationwide trend. The National Center for Education Statistics recently showed that , or almost 1.5 million students, from 2019-2024. Ģ����Ƶ’s decrease in enrollment was slightly smaller during that time at 1.4%.

Part of the reason for this drop might be the in the last several years. But Ģ����Ƶ has also taken steps to expand education opportunities, and more families are embracing new schooling options to find the best education fit for their kids. , and over applied to Ģ����Ƶ’s newest school choice program, the Promise Scholarship, between March and December of 2025.

Chronic Absenteeism Rates

Like many states, Ģ����Ƶ is battling a crisis of chronic absenteeism. The students involved are missing 10% or more of school days—a situation that and .

Chronic absenteeism rates tend to be among students from low-income families, students of color, and students with disabilities.  

Fortunately, . It dropped to 17.7% during the 2025-2026 school year. That’s down from a peak of 23.9% in 2021-2022. The rate has especially improved for grades K-5 and now stands at 13.5%. Lowering this rate even more will be key to making improvements in reading proficiency in the early grades. 

Public School Spending

On average, Ģ����Ƶ spends on K-12 education per student. Pre-kindergarten and K-12 education funds account for , making it Ģ����Ƶ’s biggest line item. In 2026, the budget included for Ģ����Ƶ’s public schools, approximately a $900 million increase from 2025.

Despite these amounts, state funding is only a portion of overall revenue for public schools. Local taxes are the biggest source of education dollars, and a small percentage comes from federal funding.

New Reading and Math Education Laws

Ģ����Ƶ lawmakers passed important education-related bills during the most recent legislative session. 

The will help more children read at grade level or above by putting literacy coaches—educators with expertise in teaching reading—in all elementary schools. Students will also be required to go to kindergarten before starting first grade, and their reading skills will be tested early in their academic development. 

In addition to addressing literacy, Ģ����Ƶ legislators passed the , which calls for an increase in the amount of time children spend on math during the elementary school day, an advanced (compressed and accelerated) math track for qualifying middle and high school students, and new requirements for teacher certifications. 

It’s important to note that qualified students will be automatically enrolled in the advanced classes to make sure all children have equitable access to them. This will help close racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic achievement gaps among young Ģ����Ƶns. 

Improvements to the Classroom Environment

Ģ����Ƶ lawmakers also recently passed a that will require high schools to ban personal electronic devices like phones and tablets during the school day. A is going into effect for students in elementary and middle school this year. These changes should reduce distractions and help students stay engaged in the classroom.

And in 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed the into law. Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, every Ģ����Ƶ school district will have an anonymous reporting system available. Schools will also provide evidence-based training on both suicide awareness and prevention and youth violence prevention to all students in grades 6-12. Changes like these will help create a safer environment where students can focus on learning and growing.

When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), Ģ����Ƶ schools are shifting from asking whether students should use it to teaching them how to use it safely and responsibly. The that help students engage with AI in ethical ways, think critically about the information it provides, and build the skills they’ll need to thrive in an AI-driven workforce.

Next Steps for Education in Ģ����Ƶ

Ģ����Ƶ’s education measures are more than just data. Behind the numbers are real children who will be the next generation of mothers, fathers, business owners, employees, and voters in our state. A top-notch education will give them bright, opportunity-filled futures. 

Additional solutions to boost math and reading proficiency and address chronic absenteeism will not only help kids. They’ll also strengthen Ģ����Ƶ’s public schools and enable them to support students whose best—and sometimes only—education option is the local public school.

At the same time, Ģ����Ƶ leaders are continuing their work to remove financial and social barriers to quality education and to empower students and families to access the school of their choice. Prioritizing a range of options will open more doors for Ģ����Ƶ’s kids and give them new opportunities to flourish as they grow.

Image Credit: Canva

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Exciting News for Ģ����Ƶ Families and Students 

Students zoned for one of 506 elementary, middle, and high schools across Ģ����Ƶ can apply for the state’s Promise Scholarship program to attend an educational alternative.

This scholarship program offers students a chance to access education opportunities best suited to their needs. Recipients can use the funds for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, tutoring, or other approved education costs.

The total amount of scholarships is capped at for the upcoming school year. That will cover around 15,000 students.

Several application periods are open throughout the year. Families can learn more at the .

If your student goes to a school on the Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarship school list, your family meets the attendance zone requirement to apply.��

Does Your Family Qualify for the Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarship? 

Parents can quickly determine their child’s eligibility by taking a short .

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply, a student must:

1. Be zoned for one of the 506 eligible public schools. 
2. Have been enrolled in a Ģ����Ƶ public school for two consecutive semesters, or be a rising kindergarten student. 
3. Be part of a family in which the parents have lived in Ģ����Ƶ for at least one year, with exceptions for active-duty military families.
4. Not be a recipient of the Ģ����Ƶ Special Needs Scholarship or any state scholarship program administered through a Student Scholarship Organization. 

The program prioritizes returning students and siblings of currently participating students. Children whose families have household incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly $132,000 for a family of four) will also receive higher priority in the selection process. 

Opportunities Like the Promise Scholarship Give Families a Brighter Future

The creation of the Promise Scholarship has been a crucial step forward for Ģ����Ƶ families. Ģ����Ƶ 8,400 students received a scholarship last year, and lawmakers are continuing to invest state funds in the program and encourage more families to apply.

Education is the foundation for a thriving life. For families feeling limited by their current school options, the Promise Scholarship provides the hope of access to a better fit for their child’s unique needs. Whether it’s finding the right private school, funding homeschooling expenses, or acquiring other learning resources, this program empowers parents to make the best decision possible for their children.

Additional Resources

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Crime, social and family instability, lack of quality education, and disengagement from work have all contributed to the sense that better futures are slipping out of reach for everyday Americans.

As these challenges persist, leaders and communities are taking notice of how typical government interventions fall short of meeting communities’ long-term needs. 

Ģ����Ƶ and many other states have incredible opportunities in 2025 to pursue better solutions that tear down social and economic barriers. Looking to the year ahead, here are a few key opportunities for supporting vibrant communities and flourishing lives in Ģ����Ƶ and beyond.

Elected leaders are looking more closely at barriers to work in the welfare system��

With the incoming presidential administration, there’s renewed interest in improving government efficiency. GCO has recommended that addressing the barriers to work in our safety net would be one of the best places to start. 

Congress began considering major safety net reforms in 2024 but ran out of time to pass any meaningful policy changes before the end of the year. In 2025, incoming officials have a fresh opportunity to pursue One Door reforms that would allow states to streamline their safety net and work programs. With these reforms, states could reduce systemic barriers that discourage individuals from growing careers and families. 

GCO and several of our partner organizations are continuing to educate federal lawmakers on how work-focused reforms can support social and economic mobility for safety net recipients. 

But states don’t have to wait solely on federal action to start improving their welfare programs. In 2025, GCO is working alongside several states to help them pursue safety net audits. This process is a first step to identifying inefficiencies and incentives that discourage people from work. It also helps states see where recipients face benefits cliffs—the sudden and often unexpected loss of assistance that occurs with slight increases in wages and leaves recipients financially worse off despite earning more.

In Louisiana, for example, the collaborative efforts of GCO and our partners in identifying ways to enhance their social safety net system. Similarly, our initiatives have inspired lawmakers in Arkansas to push aimed at evaluating and strengthening the state’s workforce and social services infrastructure.

BETTER WORK is empowering community-based pathways to employment��

While we work to remove policy barriers to employment, our BETTER WORK program is harnessing the power of community to help Ģ����Ƶns connect to immediate job opportunities in their own neighborhoods. 

The program’s success in Gwinnett and Columbus counties has shown how employment not only provides income but also restores dignity and purpose. BETTER WORK is set to grow in Gwinnett and Columbus in 2025, and we have begun to collaborate with partners in additional communities that want to use our BETTER WORK model to build their own local efforts to support economic and social mobility. 

“Everyone wants to feel that their life matters to someone, that there’s a reason for their existence beyond just getting through each day. Work provides that sense of purpose. It offers us an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than ourselves, connecting us with others who share our values and goals. Through our work, we become part of a collective effort, united in a common purpose.”

— Kristin Barker, Vice President of Workforce Solutions at GCO

Families are getting a new education option with the Promise Scholarship��

The Promise Scholarship Program is launching this year, offering families in underperforming school districts the chance to access quality education. Families can use $6,500 scholarships to pursue alternative education options, unlocking opportunities for thousands of Ģ����Ƶ children.

Gov. Brian Kemp’s new budget includes full funding for the program. Once appropriated by the Ģ����Ƶ General Assembly, this funding could help an estimated 22,000 kids who meet the eligibility criteria. 

We’re also encouraging lawmakers to adopt better funding formulas to ensure Ģ����Ƶ’s public charter schools can access high-quality facilities. Charter schools have an essential role in addressing diverse educational needs, and improving their infrastructure will ensure more students can thrive.

“Adding Promise Scholarships to the menu of Ģ����Ƶ’s schooling options is a positive step toward an education system that honors every child’s unique situation and prevents a lack of quality education from limiting children’s futures. We look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to see the program fully funded and implemented.”

— Buzz Brockway, Vice President of Policy for GCO

Legislative sessions hold opportunities for policymakers to strengthen public safety

Public safety is the first step to stability and prosperity in our communities. In the 2024 election, voters made it clear that they want elected leaders to take public safety seriously.

The 2025 legislative sessions offer elected officials the opportunity to focus on ensuring police departments are properly funded, sentences for violent offenders are sufficiently severe, and programming in prisons focuses on helping offenders become productive members of society upon release.

GCO is working with Ģ����Ƶ lawmakers to advance a crime reduction package based on our recommendations for restoring community safety in Atlanta. Our public safety expertise is also aiding leaders in Kentucky as they consider to improve data reporting and reduce recidivism in their criminal justice system. 

“In the 2024 election cycle, voters once again affirmed they want safe communities, less crime, and criminals held accountable. Though rates of certain violent crimes have fallen in recent years, it’s important to think about this decline as a response to positive policy change. Policymakers cannot take their eye off the ball now.”

— Josh Crawford, Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives

Communities are getting support to empower strong families

Empowering parents is at the core of our mission. The Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK) program equips parents with tools to nurture strong family connections, fostering children’s academic and personal success.

With expansion plans for 2025, we’re excited to bring this life-changing program to even more parents across Ģ����Ƶ, ensuring future generations thrive in stable and supportive environments.

“Empowering parents strengthens the bond between parent and child,” noted Joyce Mayberry, GCO’s Vice President of Family. “When parents feel confident and equipped, they can create a stable and nurturing home environment. This type of environment not only supports children’s well-being but also fosters academic success. Together, these efforts can transform the trajectory of a family’s future. Strong parenting within the home radiates outward, positively impacting neighborhoods, schools, and ultimately building stronger, more resilient communities.”

“When parents feel confident and equipped, they can create a stable and nurturing home environment. This type of environment not only supports children’s well-being but also fosters academic success. Strong parenting within the home radiates outward, positively impacting neighborhoods, schools, and ultimately building stronger, more resilient communities.”

— Joyce Mayberry, Vice President of Family

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PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA—Today, the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity (GCO) applauded Gov. Brian Kemp and the Ģ����Ƶ legislature for ushering into law the Promise Scholarships bill that will bring much-needed relief to the over half-a-million low- and middle-income kids stuck in low-performing schools.

“We are thankful to Gov. Kemp and the many House and Senate lawmakers who recognized the urgency of the moment and advanced a bill to provide much-needed opportunity to bolster academic options,” said Buzz Brockway, GCO’s vice president of public policy. “Passing Promise Scholarships is a momentous milestone for tens of thousands of Ģ����Ƶ kids struggling in a system that doesn’t work for them. It recognizes that Ģ����Ƶ is a diverse state with a diverse set of needs for education. After years of work, this bill is a positive step toward shaping an education system that honors every child’s unique situation and prevents a lack of quality education from locking children and communities into poverty.”

Senate Bill 233 will make students from the lowest performing 25% of public schools eligible to receive $6,500 a year set aside in an account. Parents can then use the funds to cover approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, books, uniforms, and even transportation.

SB 233 also gives first priority to students from families below 400% of the federal poverty level — around $120,000 a year for a family of four. Students above that threshold will be allowed to participate if funds are left over after the lower-income students are served.

Promise Scholarships will serve an estimated 21,500 kids when the program goes live for the 2025-2026 school year.

Ģ����Ƶ now joins a growing list of states offering educational options for all students. In the Southeast, Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina have recently enacted universal Education Savings Account programs, while South Carolina is in the process of creating a universal program in the coming years.

“The urgency to create an education lifeline for kids can’t be overstated. Education is a basic need. Lack of access to quality options is a major cause of many of the ills in our society, including putting a cap on upward mobility. A lack of quality education locks children into poverty and prevents communities from thriving,” said Brockway.

Although GCO praised passage of Promise Scholarships, Randy Hicks, GCO’s president and CEO, cautioned that the bill is just a first step.

“Unfortunately, the final compromise bill was watered down in a number of ways that will limit its reach,” said Hicks. “Funding for Promise Scholarships is capped to 1% of public school funding and there is a 10-year sunset on the entire program. It’s a positive step that over 20,000 students will be eligible for educational freedom, that number is a drop in the bucket compared to the need. We will continue building on this foundation for the future so that all of Ģ����Ƶ’s schoolchildren have options.”

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Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity (GCO) is independent, non-partisan, and solutions-focused. Our team is dedicated to creating opportunities for a quality education, fulfilling work, and a healthy family life for all Ģ����Ƶns. To achieve our mission, we research ways to help remove barriers to opportunity in each of these pathways, promote our solutions to policymakers and the public, and help effective and innovative social enterprises deliver results in their communities.

Learn More about SB233

Schedule An Interview

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On April 23, 2024, Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 233, the Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarship Act, into law. This program—the first of its kind in Ģ����Ƶ—will give parents access to $6,500 state-funded scholarships that they can use to afford the education option best suited to their child’s needs. 

The Promise Scholarship Program empowers parents to give their kids quality education and brighter futures��

Promise Scholarships will be state-administered, state-funded that give parents $6,500 per year and per student to use for approved education expenses. The program will be available beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. 

Parents can use these scholarships for a variety of education costs, including: 

• Tuition and fees for private schools, online classes, college courses, and vocational programs
• Tutoring services
• Curriculum and textbooks
• Educational therapies
• Technology, including adaptive or assistive technologies for students with special needs
• Transportation costs

Because of this flexibility, Promise Scholarships allow parents to consider a wide range of options—from homeschooling to private schools to other unique combinations of education services. 

“The best gift we can give our next generation is a quality education that opens the doors for new opportunities.” — Randy Hicks, GCO President & CEO

Promise Scholarship eligibility focuses on low- and middle-income students��

SB 233 limits Promise Scholarship access to students enrolled in the bottom 25% of Ģ����Ƶ’s public schools, as ranked by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement. 

First priority will also be given to students from families below 400% of the federal poverty level—around $120,000 a year for a family of four. Students above that threshold will be allowed to participate if funds are left over after the lower-income students are served.

These parameters—plus the funding cap that SB 233 puts on the program—means that Promise Scholarships will serve an estimated 21,000-22,000 kids out of half a million that are stuck in low-performing public schools. 

See all the student eligibility requirements here. 

The Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarship is an important step for updating our education system

SB 233 is a good step toward giving Ģ����Ƶ families access to high-quality, diverse education options. With more education options, students will have even better opportunities to get an education that’s tailored to their needs and sets them up for success in today’s fast-changing world. But if Ģ����Ƶ is serious about investing in our communities, we must keep working to close the education opportunity gap for all of Ģ����Ƶ’s kids. 

By passing SB 233, Ģ����Ƶ is catching up to neighboring states like , , that have already adopted education savings account programs. 

While Ģ����Ƶ is starting out with narrow student eligibility, these other states are opting for , opening access to all students. Ģ����Ƶ will need to be open to this model if we want to give our own students the best possible academic outcomes and opportunities for a flourishing life. 

Thank you to Gov. Kemp and the lawmakers who recognized the urgency of the moment and passed Promise Scholarships to strengthen the key building block of education for thousands of kids across the state. It’s a momentous step toward a system where every child has access to quality education and a good life, regardless of income, race, zip code, or other life circumstances. 

Learn more about the Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarship

The Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarship Act (SB 233): Questions and Answers (Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity)

(Ģ����Ƶ Public Policy Foundation)

The Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarship (SB 233): What Private Schools Need to Know (Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity)

Ģ����Ƶ Students Need More Schooling Choices (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

(Washington Examiner)

The post Ģ����Ƶ Passes Promise Scholarships and Expands Education Opportunity appeared first on For Opportunity.

Key Points

• On March 14, 2024, the Ģ����Ƶ House voted 91-82 to pass Promise Scholarships (). The bill was confirmed in the Senate and signed into law on April 23, 2024.��
• SB 233 will create a much-needed education option for students zoned for a school ranked in the bottom 25% of public schools.��
• The Ģ����Ƶ House added parameters to the bill that reduce accessibility and set the bill to expire after 10 years. These issues will need to be addressed moving forward so that every child can have better opportunities to access quality education in Ģ����Ƶ.

On March 14, 2024, the Ģ����Ƶ House voted 91-82 to pass Promise Scholarships (). This bill is an important first step in extending an education lifeline to low- and middle-income kids in under-performing schools. While there is still much more to do as we press toward universal school access, we are thankful to the many House lawmakers who put the needs of kids above politics to advance this measure.

What’s in the Promise Scholarship Bill?

With these Promise Scholarships, students in the lowest performing 25% of public schools will be eligible to have $6,500 a year set aside in an account. These are the funds the state would have spent for their public school education. Under this bill, parents can direct the funds to cover approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, books, uniforms, and even transportation.

SB 233 also gives first priority to students from families below 400% of the federal poverty level—around $120,000 a year for a family of four. Students above that threshold will be allowed to participate if funds are left over after lower-income students are served.

To give public schools time to plan and adjust, public school districts will still receive state funding for a period of two years to cover any students leaving to participate in the program.��

“Our job is not decide for every family but to support them in making the best choice for their child.” — Gov. Brian Kemp, 2024 State of the State Address

“Our job is not decide for every family but to support them in making the best choice for their child.”
— Gov. Brian Kemp, 2024 State of the State Address

Limits to Promise Scholarships

While we are thankful that the bill moved forward in the 2024 legislative session, the version of SB 233 passed by the House is watered down in significant ways:

It restricts eligibility and access: The bill caps the amount of revenue available to fund Promise Scholarships to not exceed 1% of public school funding. Even if parent demand maxes out the program, this amount only covers an estimated 21,000-22,000 kids. That’s 0.012% of Ģ����Ƶ’s public school student population, and only a fraction of the 500,000+ kids that are stuck in the bottom 25% of public schools.

It applies expiration dates: Unless a future legislative body evaluates the program and chooses to extend it, the Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarship program will expire in 10 years. In that decade, lawmakers will still have to vote annually to fund the program. These measures add a layer of uncertainty that makes it difficult to secure a future of success and opportunity for our kids.

Curious how your representative voted on SB 233?
Ģ����Ƶ’s General Assembly puts the voting records online. Go to the legislature’s website to see the breakdown of support among state representatives.��

Student success is at the heart of Promise Scholarships

The passage of SB 233 can’t come soon enough. Ģ����Ƶ is now surrounded by states that are aggressively and urgently addressing the needs of the future generations by adopting , or ESAs, that are open to all students. Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina have recently enacted universal programs, while South Carolina is in the process of creating a universal program in the coming years.

ESAs, particularly universal ones, are good policy because kids need quicker solutions for accessing education options that will work best for them. We can’t wait on reforms that will take years or even decades to take hold. As we’ve seen before, increased funding is no guarantee that poor performing public schools will improve, much less improve quickly.

Every semester, our K-12 students have academic milestones they are supposed to hit. And we know that when they don’t achieve these goals, they are more likely to fall further and further behind their peers, putting themselves and their futures at risk.��

SB 233 provides immediate help by making Promise Scholarships available beginning with the school year in 2025.

Education is a building block of a flourishing life. Without access to quality education in Ģ����Ƶ, our kids and our communities will continue down a path where success and opportunity are not open to everyone in the state. An increasing number of families are looking for alternatives, and we must work to provide opportunities that meets the needs of all students, not just a few.

Related Articles

Ģ����Ƶ Needs to Widen Schooling Choices in 2024
(Buzz Brockway in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Ģ����Ƶ Passes Promise Scholarships and Expands Education Opportunity

(Randy Hicks in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Ģ����Ƶ Promise Scholarships (SB 233): Questions and Answers

Gov. Brian Kemp Champions Education Opportunity, Calls for Unity on Promise Scholarship

Why Educational Opportunity Is Good for Rural Areas, Too

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