ATLANTA (February 2, 2009) – State Senator Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) today introduced a voucher bill that provides parents with universal public and private school choice that will improve education in Georgia and will prepare our workforce for the global economy.
“Every parent in Georgia should have the freedom to choose the best school for their child,” said Johnson. “Education is the key to everything. If we allow existing funds to follow the child to the school which best meets their needs, our test scores and our ability to compete for jobs will improve.”
Georgia taxpayers already provide school choice to special needs students, prekindergarten students and college students through the HOPE scholarship. Johnson’s bill would now provide that same choice to all of Georgia’s students. Three basic conditions will apply. First, the receiving school must agree to accept students under this universal voucher program. The parents must make all transportation arrangements, and the parents and students must sign a contract with the receiving school agreeing that if the child does not follow school rules, he or she may be returned back to their assigned public school.
The United States Supreme Court has recognized the fundamental right of a parent to determine the best education for their child. This bill gives every parent the opportunity to find the educational environment that will allow their child to excel.
“Georgia’s graduation rates are still 49th in the nation, and our unemployment rate is well above the national average. Clearly, the old way of delivering education to our students is not working and we need to look at new ideas. The freedom to choose is good for students, good for teachers, good for parents, and good for business. Universal school choice is one tool in the toolbox to achieve a more educated Georgia and a stronger economy,” said Johnson. “The research is clear. Limited choice means limited benefits for students. Greater choice means greater benefits for all students, even for those who remain in their home public school.”
After this bill has been filed in the Senate today, it will be first read on the Senate floor this week where it will be assigned to committee. For questions regarding Sen. Johnson’s voucher bill, Senate Bill 90, please contact his office at 404.656.5109.
Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st Senate district serves as the chairman of the Ethics Committee. He represents Bryan County and portions of Chatham and Liberty counties. He may be reached at 404.656.5109 or via e-mail at eric.johnson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 2, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028