ATLANTA — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says the state is opting into a newly established federal school voucher program, despite concerns from critics that it could divert money away from public school systems.
The program, created by the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” allows taxpayers to contribute up to $1,700 to state-approved scholarship organizations in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit.
Those organizations would then distribute the money to eligible students to help cover private school tuition, tutoring, books, and other educational expenses.
Governor Kemp says qualifying students will come from families earning under 300% of the area’s median income.
“Those organizations then used the funds to provide K-12 education scholarships for eligible families earning under 300% of the median income in the area,” Kemp said.
Kemp also emphasized that the program operates separately from other state-run school voucher initiatives.
Georgia is now the ninth state to opt into the federal program. Kemp reiterated his support for the initiative, saying, “Just as we trust Georgians knowing best how to spend their tax dollars, we also trust families to make the best decisions for their child’s education.”
Critics, however, worry the program will divert tax dollars away from public schools and say it could disproportionately benefit wealthier families.
WSB Radio’s Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.