ATLANTA (March 31 2009) – An amendment authored by State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) that would have provided a wealth of benefits to students, families, and local school system’s budgets was defeated during a Senate debate Monday at the Capitol.
“It was very unfortunate that the Senate defeated common-sense legislation that would bring a multitude of benefits to students, school faculties, parents, and all Georgia taxpayers,” said Senator Hill. “Recently we have sadly witnessed the tragedies of several student-athletes from heat-related causes during brutally hot July and early August days. By pushing the start date later into August, student athletes would not be exposed to such extreme humidity and temperatures.”
Monday Senator Hill introduced an amendment to require that school systems begin their school year no earlier than the third Monday in August. A later school start date provides numerous additional benefits including added family time plus financial savings for school systems.
“With Georgia facing decreased revenues we need to explore more fiscally responsible policies to save taxpayer money – especially if children and families directly benefit. Along with added safety for children, this amendment would have given school systems additional cost-savings through lower fuel and energy expenses freeing up additional monies for teachers and classrooms.”
The legislation Senator Hill sought to amend was House Bill 193, which allows school systems more flexibility to meet the180 day requirement to accommodate scheduling needs.
Sen. Judson Hill serves as Chairman of Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee and the Republican Caucus Vice Chairman. He represents the 32nd Georgia Senate District which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0150 or by e-mail at judson.hill@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 31, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber,Director
Matt Colvin Communications Associate
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028