Proposed Georgia Budget shows increase in education spending

Gov. Nathan Deal made his budget address before the joint Appropriations Committee as House and Senate budget hearings opened for the 2017 session. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

Gov. Nathan Deal made his budget address before the joint Appropriations Committee as House and Senate budget hearings opened for the 2017 session. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Gov. Nathan Deal’s says he has targeted education as a priority for 2017, and his proposed 2017 amended budget shows some of his intentions.

The state budget totals $24.345 billion and shows $606.2 million in amendments.

The state budget is based on a projected tax revenue growth rate of 3.2% over collections last year.

The education additions to the admended budget that focus on education include:

• $111.1 million is a midyear adjustment for enrollment growth

• $3.5 million is for development of an assessment for K-3 math and reading curriculum to support new approaches to teaching

• $2.3 million is for new Georgia Center for Early Language and Literacy at Georgia College and State University for teacher training

• $16.7 million is for increased funding to meet student demand for Move On When Ready college enrollment program for high school students, which allows high school students to enroll and get credit for college classes.

• $1.8 million is for the H Scholarship Program (follows middle school students to college)