Q: Was pre-k included in the original HOPE and lottery program?
—Theda Davis, Lilburn
A: Yes. When the proposal was announced in 1989 by then-Lt. Gov. Zell Miller, it included pre-k as one of the recipients of funding generated by the creation of a state lottery. After Miller was elected governor and voters approved the Georgia Lottery in 1992, it was to provide funding in three areas: HOPE, pre-k and technology. In later years, HOPE was given top priority, pre-k second and technology was the last. No measurable amount has gone to technology in recent years. The pilot pre-k program for low-income children was established in 1992, and it began in 1993. The voluntary program was expanded in 1995 to include 4-year-olds, regardless of family income.
Q: Why are Delta international passengers, whose final destination is Atlanta, required to go through security after clearing customs and recheck baggage to claim it finally at the upstairs carousels?
—Liz Mynatt, Marietta
A: It is a security policy that affects all inbound international travelers to Atlanta, whether they're flying Delta or another airline. All international passengers must recheck their bags and undergo Transportation Security Administration screening to meet U.S. security requirements. Airport officials tell Q&A on the News that this process is expected to change, eliminating the baggage recheck and security screening for Atlanta inbound passengers, when the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal opens in spring 2012.
Lori Johnston wrote this column; Nancy Badertscher and Kelly Yamanouchi contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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