PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA—Ģ����Ƶ’s prison population has shrunk in recent years, but a written by Joshua Crawford, a Public Safety Fellow at the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity, shows that the decreasing number of inmates hasn’t translated to meaningful savings or improvements in public safety for Ģ����Ƶns.

Instead, the report reveals that corrections spending has risen as Ģ����Ƶ’s prison population has declined. The number of incarcerated Ģ����Ƶns dropped by 11.7% between 2010 and 2023, but corrections spending increased by 23.6% over the same period. The trends in Ģ����Ƶ are consistent with those in almost every other state—incarceration rates are falling while corrections budgets are growing.��

The data confirms that reducing the number of people in prison isn’t the answer to decreasing the state budget in Ģ����Ƶ or elsewhere.��

As Crawford says, “Ģ����Ƶ lawmakers should focus conversations about criminal justice where they belong: on protecting the public and creating a fair and just system that values the lives, liberty, and property of Ģ����Ƶ families. Those are things lawmakers can meaningfully impact immediately, while criminal justice budgets are more complex and fixed.”

At a glance: facts on the prison population and corrections spending in Ģ����Ƶ

• In 2023, 49,814 people were incarcerated in Ģ����Ƶ.
• From 2010-2023, Ģ����Ƶ’s prison population decreased by 6,618 people, or 11.7%.
• From 2010-2023, Ģ����Ƶ’s corrections spending increased by $258,546,766, or 23.6%.
• In fiscal year 2023, Ģ����Ƶ’s Department of Corrections budget was $1,354,962,683, or 2.2% of the state’s total budget.

A closer look at Ģ����Ƶ’s inmate numbers and corrections spending

The number of people in Ģ����Ƶ’s prisons decreased by 6,618 to 49,814 from 2010-2023, but corrections spending in Ģ����Ƶ increased by $258,546,766 during the same time frame.

Notably, Crawford points out most individuals in Ģ����Ƶ’s prisons are violent and repeat offenders, and the majority have had five or more prior arrests before incarceration. Because these offenders pose higher public safety risks and drive most of the system’s costs, reducing inmates at the margins does little to generate savings.��

Even with the growth in spending, Ģ����Ƶ’s overall Department of Corrections budget in fiscal year 2023 was $1,354,962,683, just 2.2% of the state’s total budget. The vast majority of state dollars went toward other initiatives that help Ģ����Ƶns prosper, including education, public welfare, healthcare, and highways.

Regarding corrections spending, Crawford explained that “because prison budgets are driven by fixed costs like payroll, maintenance, and facilities, modest reductions in the number of inmates don’t free up meaningful savings. Unless states close prisons or dramatically cut staffing, costs remain largely unchanged.”

Reshaping the conversation on criminal justice policy

Long-standing arguments continue about reducing the prison population as a way to decrease Ģ����Ƶ’s overall spending. But the data shows that policymakers need to focus instead on building a more effective criminal justice system that addresses the true costs of crime and helps Ģ����Ƶns flourish.

One crime was committed every 2 minutes and 33 seconds in Ģ����Ƶ in 2024. The effects of this criminal activity are devastating for local communities. Violent crime, in particular, takes a huge toll on property values, employment, economic opportunities, and people’s upward mobility.

Ensuring safety is a core government responsibility, and it’s the first step in creating more prosperous communities throughout Ģ����Ƶ. Public safety is essential to improving economic opportunities, building healthy relationships among neighbors, and enabling Ģ����Ƶns to thrive.

With effective reforms, policymakers can make safety a reality for Ģ����Ƶ’s residents, breaking the interconnected cycles of poverty and crime and transforming communities for generations to come.

Ģ����Ƶ the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity

The Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity is a nonprofit organization that works to remove barriers to ensure that every person—no matter their race, past mistakes, or the circumstances of their birth—has access to safe communities, a quality education, fulfilling work, and a healthy family life.��

###

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.

Send media inquiries to:

Rebecca Primis
Vice President of Communications
Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity
rebeccap@foropportunity.org

��

The post New Report: Corrections Spending Rises in Ģ����Ƶ Even as Prison Population Declines appeared first on For Opportunity.

These numbers suggest trends at a high level, but they don’t reflect the biggest poverty-related issue, both for the nation and for Ģ����Ƶ: the concentration of poverty in specific neighborhoods. Instead of affecting only certain individuals and families, poverty is enveloping entire communities. This is leading to significant geographic and societal separations among Ģ����Ƶns—not only financially, but also in terms of opportunities for education, work, and family formation.

Randy Hicks, the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity’s President and CEO, also shared that:

“The national numbers don’t tell us much about poverty from the perspective of the person or community experiencing it. They fail to convey that poverty is much more than a material issue for those who are struggling. Research has shown that people living in neighborhoods with high concentrations of poverty lack the essential local network of supportive relationships that’s crucial for helping them thrive and rise out of poverty.”

At a glance: facts on concentrated poverty in Ģ����Ƶ

• Ģ����Ƶ’s poverty rate: 13.5%—2.9% above the national average, ranking 38th.��
• Poverty exceeds the national rate in 133 of Ģ����Ƶ’s 159 counties.��
• Atlanta’s poverty rate: 18.1% overall; 27.2% among children.
• Lawrenceville’s poverty rate: 17.2%, compared with Gwinnett County’s 10.5%.
• Southern and central Ģ����Ƶ show especially high concentrations of poverty.

Breaking down Ģ����Ƶ’s poverty landscape

Ģ����Ƶ’s average poverty rate was 13.5% in 2023, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or 2.9% higher than the national rate. 

This difference may seem slight, but it puts Ģ����Ƶ 38th in the country when it comes to poverty. Poverty rates in 133 of Ģ����Ƶ’s 159 counties also exceed the national rate. 

Within counties, concentrations of poverty exist in particular cities. For example, Atlanta, the county seat of Fulton County, has a poverty rate of 18.1%. Poverty is even more concentrated among the city’s children, with 27.2% living in poverty. These numbers are significantly higher than the county’s average poverty rate of 12.6%.

Lawrenceville, in Gwinnett County, also struggles with concentrated poverty at a rate of 17.2%. The county’s average poverty rate is just 10.5%. 

In many cases, poverty rates are higher than the state average in central and southern Ģ����Ƶ, suggesting concentrations of poverty in communities in those regions.

Impacts of increasing concentrations of poverty

In neighborhoods with higher poverty levels, residents experience many negative impacts, including limited access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. They also struggle with increased crime and inadequate housing and living conditions. These factors significantly hinder social and economic mobility and contribute to cycles of poverty that are difficult to escape.

Eric Cochling, the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity’s Chief Program Officer and General Counsel, noted:

“Poverty has an especially big impact at the local level. It’s a crisis of human well-being. These neighborhoods are often missing the vital community connections and social institutions that help people navigate life’s challenges. As social isolation and disengagement from work increase, people suffer from the loss of purpose and belonging that work and relationships provide.”

Ģ����Ƶ the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity

The Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity is a nonprofit organization that works to remove barriers to ensure that every person—no matter their race, past mistakes, or the circumstances of their birth—has access to safe communities, a quality education, fulfilling work, and a healthy family life. Learn more at foropportunity.org.

###

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.

Send media inquiries to:

Rebecca Primis
Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity
rebeccap@foropportunity.org

The post National Poverty Rate Fails to Capture the Problem of Poverty Concentration in Ģ����Ƶ and Beyond appeared first on For Opportunity.

Recent reports,, have highlighted a concerning trend in Ģ����Ƶ—declining marriage rates.

According to data from the, only 30% of Ģ����Ƶns have been married at least once in their lives. This is indicative of a larger national trend: The marriage rate across the U.S. by nearly 60% over the past 50 years.

While societal pressures to marry have lessened and many young people doubt the benefits of marriage, this decline raises important questions about the impact on individual well-being and societal mobility.

Marriage rates in Ģ����Ƶ are a leading factor in quality of life

Helping people form healthy, committed relationships is a key pillar of the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity’s mission to help all Ģ����Ƶns flourish. Relationships are essential to well-being in general, but marriage has a particular impact on the quality of life and upward mobility for men, women, and children.

Quality of life

Marital status is one of the strongest predictors of adult well-being, surpassing other factors like education, race, age, and gender., married individuals often report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction compared to their unmarried peers. This isn’t just about companionship—marriage can provide emotional stability, financial security, and social support, all of which contribute to a better quality of life.

Upward mobility

. Couples often benefit from dual incomes, shared resources, and consolidated expenses, making it easier to save and invest in the future. This financial stability can lead to better opportunities in terms of education, homeownership, and overall wealth accumulation. Essentially, marriage can act as a catalyst for achieving a higher economic status and breaking free from cycles of poverty.

Benefits for children

Children raised in two-parent, married families often experience greater stability and economic advantages, contributing significantly to their overall well-being. from the Institute for Family Studies shows that children who live in households with married parents experience more financially secure environments, less conflict, and more parental support.

According to polling from Gallup, married people report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. This is another indicator of how essential relationships are for personal well-being and quality of life. 

According to polling from Gallup, married people report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. This is another indicator of how essential relationships are for personal well-being and quality of life. 

Certain barriers in Ģ����Ƶ make marriage and its benefits hard to pursue

Despite marriage’s benefits, Ģ����Ƶ has several barriers that discourage marriage as a path to fulfilling relationships and flourishing lives. Educational challenges and a social safety net that frequently discourages marriage are a couple of significant roadblocks that can make it harder for people to pursue marriage.

Educational challenges

Educational attainment is another significant barrier. Those with higher levels of education are more likely to marry, but educational opportunities are not evenly distributed across the state. Addressing these disparities could encourage higher marriage rates and, consequently, greater upward mobility.

A social safety net that punishes marriage

Another significant barrier to marriage in Ģ����Ƶ is the “marriage penalty” embedded within many social safety net programs. The term refers to the phenomenon where low-income individuals or couples may actually lose financial benefits by getting married.

Programs such as Medicaid, housing assistance, and food stamps often have income thresholds that discourage marriage. When two low-income individuals marry, their combined income might exceed these thresholds, leading to a reduction or complete loss of benefits—creating a “benefits cliff.”

This financial disincentive can make marriage less appealing for low-income individuals who rely on these crucial programs to make ends meet. By losing access to necessary support, the economic stability that marriage can potentially offer is compromised, perpetuating a cycle where the cons outweigh the pros.

Addressing these safety-net barriers is essential for fostering an environment where marriage can thrive and contribute positively to individual and societal well-being.

The way forward

While the decline in marriage rates in Ģ����Ƶ is a complex issue influenced by various societal and economic factors, it’s essential to recognize the underlying benefits of marriage. Beyond the romantic ideals, marriage plays a pivotal role in enhancing quality of life and facilitating upward mobility.

To counteract the downward trend, it’s necessary to address the barriers that discourage marriage and create a more supportive environment for couples.

The post Marriage Rates in Ģ����Ƶ Are Down. But Marriage Still Matters For Quality of Life and Upward Mobility. appeared first on For Opportunity.

Strong relationships are a cornerstone of vibrant communities. Of the many types of relationships in day-to-day life, research that marriage is one of the most important for empowering individuals, regardless of race or circumstance, to avoid long-term poverty and find stability and opportunity. 

But communities in Ģ����Ƶ and beyond are struggling to reap the benefits of marriage—and a big reason is a government tax policy called the .  

Why does marriage matter for those in poverty?

We celebrate marriage because it provides people with relational connection and support. When we think about helping someone escape or avoid long-term poverty, we might assume that a person’s economic needs are most important to address. But that would be missing a critical piece of the puzzle. 

A lack of connection and supportive relationships, especially at home, is a driving factor of long-term poverty. 

Those in poverty often need this relationship and support system to a greater level, which is why we at GCO emphasize the benefits marriage offers for individuals, children, and communities. Higher marriage rates tend to go hand-in-hand . 

Of course, not every person will get married, but the impact that close, healthy relationships have on the stability of lives and communities cannot be understated.

The impact that close, healthy relationships have on the stability of lives and communities cannot be understated. In fact, it’s one of the biggest factors in helping people overcome long-term poverty.

Understanding the marriage penalty tax

A occurs when a couple faces higher taxes as a result of marrying and filing jointly. Higher taxes are linked to higher income, so it might seem like the marriage penalty is simply an inconvenience for households with high enough earnings to afford it. 

But the marriage penalty poses a significant problem for low-income households, as well. It creates a financial risk if one or both spouses are receiving government benefits and getting married would increase household income. That increase can trigger a sudden loss in benefits—even if households aren’t fully earning enough to offset the loss. This scenario holds particularly true for couples who earn a modest income—those in the working class or lower middle class earning around $28,000 to $55,000 a year.

Marriage penalties apply at the federal tax level, but there are 15 states that also have marriage penalties built into their state income tax brackets. Ģ����Ƶ is one of them.

Marriage penalties stifle financial independence

The gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” has increased when it comes to marriage. While the wealthy and upper middle class continue to marry at high rates, marriage is far less common among the poor, working class, and lower middle class.

, 56% of adults between the ages of 18 and 55 are married who fall into the upper middle class. That contrasts with 39% of those in the working class and just 26% of those who are poor.

There are many reasons why marriage rates have declined for these groups, but in the realm of government policy, the marriage penalty is one of the most discouraging factors. 

For example, a single mom with a few kids would need to find a spouse who earns a significantly higher salary than her in order to overcome the loss of benefits if they chose to get married. In some cases, the penalty is so extreme that she would need to marry someone earning more than $40 per hour—or more than $80,000 annually if full time—to recover from the loss in safety-net benefits like food stamps, refundable tax credits, and medical assistance.

Through a focus group organized by GCO and the Institute for Family Studies, we met Tiana, who experienced this situation firsthand. “I chose not to marry,” she told us. “For one, I get a lot of assistance. I have a disabled child. So being if I did marry or put any other type of income in, I would not qualify for anything.”

More than one-in-10 unmarried Americans whose income falls below the median reported they were not married for fear of losing “access to government benefits,” . The research indicates that penalties can amount to between 10% and 30% of household income for many families in the poor and working-class income brackets.

Marriage penalties discourage strong support systems at home

The bottom line is that the marriage penalty harms many of the poor who are working and attempting to make a better life for themselves and their families. It does so by discouraging the very thing we know impacts poverty the most—family and relationship formation. 

Fewer marriages is bad news for children: Social science research shows, time and again, that children do best in a stable, married two-parent household.

. Meanwhile, live in a single-parent household today, 80% of those households being headed by a single mom. And the unfortunate reality is that single-mom households are the most likely to be in poverty of any family structure in the U.S.—, accounting for over 5.1 million children in poverty.

Solutions to eliminate the marriage penalty tax

The ultimate solution to eliminate marriage penalties is federal action to reform how government benefits are structured. However, states can take the lead as they streamline eligibility standards and form individual action plans.

That’s why GCO at in Ģ����Ƶ and across the country to educate lawmakers on the perils of benefits cliffs and possible fixes. 

At the end of the day, however, government reforms are only part of the solution. The institutions of marriage and family are suffering not only from government obstacles, but also societal challenges. Civil society organizations—such as churches, nonprofits, and schools—are critical avenues for local support and examples of how to cultivate healthy family relationships. While this is not something that government programs can accomplish, classes and curriculum may be incorporated into case management.

Americans deserve a strong safety net that serves as a bridge out of poverty. But no government program or policy should be a barrier to the relationships needed in the places where lives are formed and transformed— in homes and communities.

The post The Marriage Penalty: A Barrier to Relational Support and Better Opportunities for the Poor appeared first on For Opportunity.

n a recent announcement, Ģ����Ƶ revealed that the state will distribute over $83.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds as grants for 118 public safety projects across Ģ����Ƶ.

The aim of these grants is to bolster law enforcement staffing, support initiatives to reduce violent crime, invest in technology and equipment, and address personnel shortages stemming from the pandemic.

Kemp emphasized the significance of the grants in a statement following the decision. “Public safety has always been a top priority of my administration and will continue to be,” he said.

He further highlighted the need to provide resources for law enforcement agencies to combat surging crime.

The post Ģ����Ƶ allocates $83.5 million in grants to enhance public safety appeared first on For Opportunity.

Key Points

• Ģ����Ƶ continues to be one of the most business friendly states.��
• Ģ����Ƶ did not impose strict lockdowns during the pandemic.��
• We believe that when the government refrains from heavy-handed intervention in the economy, everything from community life to poverty rates, job opportunities, upward mobility, and life expectancy will keep getting better.

Ģ����Ƶ is one of the most economically free states in the entire country, and that means more opportunity for our residents. That’s according to a new that tracks economic freedom in North America.

It’s clear that people across the country are realizing what a great place Ģ����Ƶ is to work and raise a family. According to Census.gov, Ģ����Ƶ is also among the in the U.S., and our population grew during the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that our economic freedom is directly tied to this influx of new Ģ����Ƶ residents who moved into the state between 2021 and 2022.

The Fraser Institute report backs this statement. In the report, five out of the top 10 states for economic freedom are also in the top 10 list for population growth. Conversely, virtually all the states (roughly 17) losing population over the last few years are among the worst states in the nation for economic freedom.

“The truth is, the economic results Ģ����Ƶ has enjoyed over the past few years translate into our people’s wellbeing.”

“The truth is, the economic results Ģ����Ƶ has enjoyed over the past few years translate into our people’s wellbeing.”

A closer look at Ģ����Ƶ’s economic freedoms

Relative to other states in the U.S., Ģ����Ƶ has a low tax burden. This includes income tax and business taxes. Ģ����Ƶ also has a relatively low regulation on businesses and sole proprietors.��

Ģ����Ƶ’s economic freedoms were already in place before the COVID-19 pandemic, but they became more apparent during the 2020 lockdowns. The Fraser Institute’s study covered the first five months of COVID restrictions in North America, and it showed that many of Ģ����Ƶ’s economic improvements were the direct result of the lack of tight restrictions in our state.��

During 2020, Ģ����Ƶ didn’t impose widespread lockdowns or restrictions. We lifted those restrictions as quickly and reasonably as we could, given the situation. Without the burden of long-term, severe economic restrictions and COVID-related mandates, we gave people and businesses room to grow.��

The good life, with room to grow

The truth is, the economic results Ģ����Ƶ has enjoyed over the past few years translate into our people’s wellbeing. Our economic freedoms here directly impact the daily lives of people from all backgrounds. By virtue of the state government’s low level of intervention, our communities are positioned to continually improve over time.��

While economic freedom may not be experienced the same way by all (because the poor in a free state may not — and likely do not — feel very free), economic freedom generally means that even the poor benefit. That’s because, in free economies, there’s more charitable giving, more organizations who can help, and more job opportunities to help someone escape poverty for good.

Here at Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity, we believe that when the government refrains from heavy-handed intervention in the economy, everything from community life to poverty rates, job opportunities, upward mobility, and life expectancy will keep getting better. We’ll draw people here who want to share in and enjoy those economic opportunities. And together, we can continue working toward creating a brighter future for our state and the people who live here.

The post Ģ����Ƶ is one of the top states for economic freedom appeared first on For Opportunity.

The post GCO analysis: Nearly half a million Ģ����Ƶns have given up on work appeared first on For Opportunity.

Helping Marginalized Students Access Quality Education

Mountain Area Christian Academy recently celebrated the passage of the Ģ����Ƶ Special Needs Scholarship Expansion bill, also known as SB 47. After Governor Kemp signed SB 47 into law, Mountain Area Christian Academy hosted the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity, our partner organizations, and the two sponsors of the bill (state Senator Steve Gooch and state Representative Will Wade) to simply say “Thank you.”

SB 47 increases both funding and access to a quality education for students with special needs. The new law helps schools like Mountain Area Christian Academy address exceptional students according to their needs.

I don’t have to tell you how much this pandemic has damaged students’ educational outcomes—particularly for those with special needs—but what I will tell you is that we will not stop fighting for all students.

At the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity, we believe that this bill is an important first step as we move to help more marginalized communities access quality educational options statewide.

The Special Needs Scholarship expansion opens doors to kids not able to access education opportunities. This is a vital first step in efforts to insure that ALL our kids have access to quality education.

The post New Opportunities Open Up For Kids With Special Needs appeared first on For Opportunity.

The post GCO launches a new support page for special needs children in Ģ����Ƶ appeared first on For Opportunity.

Coming off the contentious 2020 election, the issue of voting rights has been in the news lately. That is likely why, this year, there is a renewed push among some lawmakers in the Ģ����Ƶ legislature to reform voting-rights laws for those convicted of a felony.

This issue is central to our mission here at the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity (GCO). For well over a decade now, GCO has advocated for criminal justice reforms that help returning citizens create a new life—through joining the workforce, caring for their loved ones, and becoming productive members of society once again. Voting rights are part of that.

: Those with a felony on their record automatically have their voting rights restored once they complete their sentence, which includes serving all parole and probationary periods and paying all outstanding fines, fees, and restitution. They are also eligible to vote if they have First Offender status and that status has not been revoked.

“Just coming out of incarceration period, you feel like you have no opportunity. You feel like there are no options. I don’t have any options.” ��

��

Understanding the challenge of voting rights for felons

The goal of voting rights laws for those with a criminal record should be moving them in the quickest way possible to becoming positive, contributing members of society again. Once the individual has fully paid his or her debt to society, it makes perfect sense—and is in the best sense “just”—to reinstate their voting rights.

At the same time, there are good reasons for restricting felons from voting until the end of their sentences. Society has an obligation to prevent people who have demonstrated impaired ability to make good decisions from voting. That’s why we don’t let children or the mentally ill vote.��

Felons have an added strike against them in that, in addition to poor judgment, they’ve also—in many cases—expressed contempt and disregard for the laws that govern us and shouldn’t be allowed to impose laws on the rest of us until they have shown their respect for and willingness to abide by the law.

A good place to begin

So, where should we begin with reforms to voting rights for felons? A great place is also the simplest and most non-controversial: There is strong evidence that even some felons who have fully paid their debt to society face challenges in having their voting rights restored.

For example, in 2019 a representative from the Ģ����Ƶ Justice Project testified before a state Senate committee that there is frequently misinformation within voter registration offices, and sometimes among volunteers, about whether someone ever convicted of a felony can vote. There are also challenges with felons proving they are officially “off paper” (i.e., they have completed their probation or parole) and are now legally eligible to vote.

Let’s begin here with clearing up misunderstandings around the law on voting rights for returning citizens and ensuring that all election-related officials are applying it correctly. A big step would be for election officials to be required to accept Certificates of Sentence Completion from the Department of Community Supervision as sufficient proof that a returning citizen should be added back to the voter rolls.

Work is important, too

A central goal of the Ģ����Ƶ Center for Opportunity is to help returning citizens reintegrate into society. Voting rights is one aspect of reintegration, but there are others—like finding stable employment—that are far more important to improving outcomes for returning citizens.��

We know that work is a key way to reduce recidivism: Research has shown that if an ex-offender can keep a job for six months or more, their likelihood of ending up back in prison drops dramatically. It also improves the odds that a returning citizen will reconnect with loved ones, especially their children, another key to preventing recidivism.

GCO’s efforts through initiatives like Hiring Well, Doing Good are making progress here, and .

The post Is it time for voting rights reform for felons? appeared first on For Opportunity.