Back to school, back to basics: prioritizing education and affordability

As students across Georgia return to the classroom, families are focused on preparing their children for the year ahead — checking supply lists, meeting teachers, and juggling household budgets that are stretched by rising costs. At the State Capitol, we remain focused on two key responsibilities: supporting our children’s education and keeping life affordable for the families raising them.

In this year’s state budget, we fully funded K-12 education for the second year in a row. This commitment sends a clear message: education is not just a line item, it’s a foundation. We also included $104 million in school safety grants, ensuring every public school in Georgia receives $45,000 to improve campus security, upgrade infrastructure, or address emerging safety needs. These grants put flexible funding directly in the hands of local leaders — the people who know their schools best.

We’ve also worked to make sure our teachers are valued for their dedication. Georgia educators are now the highest paid in the Southeast, thanks to thousands of dollars in raises approved over the past several sessions. These pay increases — combined with increased classroom resources — help recruit and retain the best educators for our children.

Over the years, we have also supported major investments in technology, transportation, and curriculum updates to ensure Georgia students have the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. We have expanded funding for career, technical, and agricultural education programs that prepare students for high-demand jobs, and we continue to strengthen pathways for post-secondary success — whether in college, technical school, or directly into the workforce.

Here in Houston County, our governments, adopting the voter-approved property tax exemptions, continue to serve as models of conservative budgeting and responsible management. Their ability to live within their means while still meeting the needs of residents shows that sound fiscal stewardship can go hand-in-hand with strong community services — including the local support that makes us stronger.

That’s why now, more than ever, governments at every level should follow the example set locally: budget responsibly, avoid unnecessary spending, and keep long-term affordability at the forefront of every decision. By doing so, we ensure that families can thrive while communities continue to grow.

Our work in the General Assembly reflects these same values. We remain focused on policies that strengthen our classrooms and our communities — investing in students and teachers, improving school safety, and protecting the financial stability of Georgia families.

As we enter another school year, we’re grateful for the educators, administrators, and parents working together to build a stronger future, and we’re proud to continue fighting for conservative solutions that keep Houston County — and Georgia — growing.