Georgia governor’s budget proposal offers some higher education increases

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: