Editor’s note: The following is the text of a news release issued earlier today by the AAA Scholarship Foundation.
On behalf of the many families and students it serves, AAA Scholarship Foundation today offers sincere thanks to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Lieutenant Gov. Geoff Duncan and House Speaker David Ralston on the passage yesterday of HB 517, a bill that will increase the Georgia K-12 education tax credit program to $120 million from $100 million.
The legislation would also make permanent an increase to the program that was set to expire soon and expand the types of entities that can contribute to these important educational scholarships. HB 517 will allow the AAA Scholarship Foundation to serve more families through critical needs-based scholarships and help these students accomplish their educational goals with greater success.
“I am very proud of my fellow lawmakers in approving an increase in Georgia’s tax credit scholarship program,” said bill sponsor Rep. John Carson. “Under HB 517, more families will be able to choose the school that best meets their child’s needs, Georgia taxpayers will be able to contribute more per family, and the state will have increased transparency, disclosure and cost savings. Truly a win for everyone, especially Georgia’s kids in need of educational opportunities.”
HB 517 has been transferred to the Office of Gov. Brian Kemp and is awaiting signature.