March 13, 2025
Lt. Governor Jones Supports Expanding and Funding School Choice to Foster Care Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 13, 2025
ATLANTA | Today, the Atlanta Journal Constitution published an op-ed by Lt. Governor Burt Jones in support of expanding school choice to foster care families across Georgia: Foster families have answered the call to serve. Now, it’s our turn to do the same.
“One of the best ways we can support Georgia’s foster families is by ensuring they have the necessary resources to make the best decisions for their children’s futures,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “That is why I am a firm advocate for Senate Bill 152, a measure that passed the Senate and is now under consideration in the House. Further, I will prioritize adding back the $100 million, removed by the House, from the Georgia Promise Scholarship. Senate Bill 152 and restoring this necessary funding is a top priority I will not waver on. Like the push by President Trump to expand school choice and resources for families, the Senate will continue to lead the way with real and meaningful commitments to Georgia’s most vulnerable children and families, who willingly become foster parents.”
The Georgia House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget this week, which included a funding cut of $100 million to the Georgia Promise Scholarship. The Senate is now considering the House proposal and will prioritize fully complying with funding at one percent of the total appropriation for the Quality Basic Education Program, as prescribed by Senate Bill 233.
Senate Bill 152 was introduced by Senator Greg Dolezal (R – Cumming) and will expand eligibility for the Georgia Promise Scholarship to biological and adoptive children of foster care parents. The Scholarship enables eligible families to use $6,500 in state-funded scholarships toward a non-public education of their choice.
For the full text of the Op-Ed published by Lt. Governor Burt Jones, please follow this link: https://www.ajc.com/opinion/burt-jones-foster-families-have-answered-the-call-to-serve-now-its-our-turn-to-do-the-same/KRQN3Q6AARAHDGZTEX2D7ACYGI/