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Georgia governor’s budget proposal offers some higher education increases

Gov. Nathan Deal addresses the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues breakfast on Wednesday. He’s called for a “clean” adoption bill. A Senate committee passed out one that contains language he vetoed last year. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

Gov. Nathan Deal addresses the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues breakfast on Wednesday. He’s called for a “clean” adoption bill. A Senate committee passed out one that contains language he vetoed last year. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM
By
Jan 11, 2018

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Thursday released his final proposed budget as the state’s chief executive.

Here’s how it could impact public higher education in Georgia:

  • a 3 percent increase in HOPE scholarships and grants, totaling about $68.1 million.
  • $65 million in additional capital funds for major repairs and rehabilitation of some University System of Georgia facilities. The system requested $60 million.
  • an additional $60 million for University System of Georgia's Teachers' Retirement System.
  • $51 million in additional funds for student enrollment growth.
  • $10 million for graduate medical education at Augusta University.

University System of Georgia administrators are scheduled to give a budget presentation to state lawmakers on Tuesday.

In other Legislative news:

Many lawmakers were dressed in red and black

About the Author

Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.

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