by In order to address federal cuts to education funding, a group that advocates for educators and school personnel throughout Georgia is requesting that Governor Brian Kemp call a special session.
In a letter to Kemp, the Georgia Federation of Teachers (GFT) stated that after the federal Department of Education frozen billions of dollars in pledged subsidies, lawmakers must reappropriate surplus funds to teachers.
Some Georgia school districts may have to reduce staff or activities if they do not receive the promised funds, according to GFT President Verdaillia Turner.
“Georgia should take the initiative to help these underfunded school districts at least conduct business this year,” she said.
For the forthcoming school year, the frozen monies were scheduled to be disbursed on July 1.
RELATED Northeast Georgia’s after-school programs are at risk due to a federal funding restriction.
No plans for special session
There are no plans for a special session, according to a Kemp representative. Kemp or two-thirds of the Legislature are required by statute to summon a special session.
Additionally, Turner wrote to Richard Woods, the superintendent of State Schools, urging a special session. In a statement issued Monday, Woods demanded that the money that had been withheld be released.
According to Woods, “I firmly believe in fiscal responsibility, which includes not only assessing how money is being used and looking for efficiencies, but also responsibly releasing funds that have already been approved by Congress and signed by President Trump.” “I call on federal funds to be released so we can ensure the success of our students as we prepare to start the school year in Georgia,” he added.
Go through GFT’s entire letter to Kemphere.
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Northeast Georgia’s after-school programs are in danger due to a federal funding freeze.
