As of Friday (day 24) ended, SB 153 was given new life and direction as legislators agreed to negotiate with the GOAL Academies on the funding level. Education Policy Chief Mike Dudgeon from the Lt. Governor’s Office who is the author of the bill was the lead on the renegotiations. (this is how the legislative process should work) Sen. Dolezal is the sponsor.
Day 25 saw SB 153 passed out of Senate Education Committee earlier today with the agreement with the GOAL Academies and the Senate Education Committee. Senator Lindsey Tippins attempted to make some language changes which would clear up funding time lines but his changes were not supported by the committee so this current version will require a review per the schedule setup in the bill. (version that passed) It is certainly an improvement from the first version.
On two other tracked pieces of legislation, HB 60 and SB 47 both voucher bills are poised to be voted upon -on the floor of the House and Senate respectively. I would like to share an OP-Ed Dr. Steve Smith superintendent of Bleckley County was asked to write for GBPI for their publication. Click here to review the details. Voucher OP-Ed . I think he did a particularly good job hitting the key points.
HB 531 a hotly debated election bill. After two hours of debate, the bill passed the House Floor 97-72, along party lines.
There is anticipation that HB 60 omnibus voucher bill will be brought to the floor of the House later this week (Wednesday or Friday). Or at the latest Crossover day on Monday, March 8, 2021. Do what you can to keep the pressure on your local representatives it truly does make a difference even when you think it does not.
Day 26 is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3, 2021. Tomorrow is a committee day full of meetings to consider bills trying to be moved before crossover.
