Politics
Politics

Lawmakers could be nearing deal on Georgia voucher bill

House Speaker Jon Burns listens during a debate on a bill on day 40 of the legislative session at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

House Speaker Jon Burns listens during a debate on a bill on day 40 of the legislative session at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)
By Ty Tagami
March 29, 2023

Georgia lawmakers are nearing a possible deal on a new voucher program for K-12 students who want a private education.

Senate Bill 233, which calls for a $6,500 per student voucher for private school tuition or home school expenses, stalled last week in the Georgia House after fiery debate.

House Speaker Jon Burns listens during a debate on a bill on day 40 of the legislative session at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

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Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

But since then, Gov. Brian Kemp unequivocally endorsed the measure and urged House lawmakers to follow the Senate in passing it before the legislative session ends Wednesday.

In an abrupt move on Wednesday, House leaders amended the measure ahead of a potential vote on the floor. That could be a sign that lawmakers and Kemp have reached a compromise over the proposal.

- LIVE: Watch streams of the Georgia House and Senate

About the Author

Ty Tagami is a staff writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Since joining the newspaper in 2002, he has written about everything from hurricanes to homelessness. He has deep experience covering local government and education, and can often be found under the Gold Dome when lawmakers meet or in a school somewhere in the state.

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