Latest news with #SB152
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill to expand Georgia school voucher access, backed by Lt. Gov., goes before committee
A new bill supported by Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones would expand the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act to include foster care children and adopted children. The initial scholarship legislation, which passed last year, is more popularly known as Georgia's school voucher law. Senate Bill 233 set up the Promise Scholarships in an effort that its supporters say would improve educational outcomes in low-performing school zones. It provides up to $6,500 to children and families at schools with low achievement rates and allows them to either pay for tuition at a private or charter school, as well as cover costs of school supplies. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The bill also allowed the funds to be provided to home-school families for similar purposes. The new bill, SB 152, would expand those eligible to include biological or adopted children of individuals who are foster parents and meet other qualifying conditions for the Georgia Promise Scholarships. The qualifications to receive the scholarships has already faced several starts and stops related to what areas are eligible. The Georgia Office of Student Achievement has, to date, published multiple versions of a list of what it called low-performing schools that would factor into the qualifiers for getting the $6,500 in voucher program funds. RELATED STORIES: Georgia republishes list of low-performing schools eligible for voucher program Georgia school voucher program may be in jeopardy due to confusion over the law State takes down list of low-performing schools where students are eligible for voucher program Georgia $6,500 school vouchers: What to know about the bill heading to Gov. Kemp's desk Georgia moves forward in creating voucher program for private and home schools As Channel 2 Action News has previously reported, there were some issues with the broadness of how state officials interpret the provisions of last year's voucher bill, due to the wording. The current version of the bill that is in effect would allow anyone living in an attendance zone near a low-performing school to apply for a voucher. However, the current official interpretation would allow students zoned for schools to apply for vouchers, even if the one they attend is not performing poorly. That zoning issue is based on grade levels. For example, if an elementary school student lives in a zone with a low-performing high school, they may still apply for the voucher, even though they do not attend the high school yet. While some lawmakers have called for this to be narrowed with legislation during the 2025 legislative session, efforts have not proceeded yet. The latest legislation related to voucher accessibility is split, with the bill supported by Jones seeking to expand potential beneficiaries to foster care and adopted children, while on the other side of the political aisle, some lawmakers want to repeal the current voucher program entirely. In the meantime, Jones said he supports the bill because it will provide more resources for foster care parents as they make education decisions. 'As a longtime proponent of school choice, I was proud of the Senate for leading the way to pass Senate Bill 233, the most substantive initiative in decades,' Jones said in a statement. 'President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to expand educational freedom and opportunity for families, and we are proposing the same in Georgia.' Jones also said the new legislation would not change the existing program criteria, funding level or eligibility requirements. The Georgia Senate has not voted on the bill in any committee or on the floor yet, though the bill will be before the Senate Education and Youth Committee Thursday afternoon. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill would let New Mexico counties temporarily halt issuing new cannabis producer licenses
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – After federal agents shut down a major cannabis grow in Torrance County, there's new attention on a proposal that could make it easier for counties to put a pause on new cannabis producer licenses. 'We've been at a loss as to what to do and how to move forward. How many more can Torrance County handle and should they handle?' said Torrance County Commissioner Kevin McCall. Story continues below News Insiders: New Mexico's U.S. Attorney Sheds Light On 'Secretive' Job Crime: FBI investigation into former Navajo Nation presidential candidate Events: Tent Rocks National Monument to reopen after seasonal closure Just how many cannabis grows can a county handle is at the heart of a new bill lawmakers are weighing in Santa Fe nearly a week after the feds shut down an alleged illegal operation near Estancia. Current state law doesn't let New Mexico's local governments deny permits for cannabis growing operations. TorranceCounty said it has more than 35 cannabis producers there alone. 'At some point, we as a county want to say enough is enough, we've got enough,' said McCall. The county said the grows have taken a toll on county roads, cause light pollution, and create an odor. Some constituents have also raised concerns about water usage. Now, in a bipartisan effort, Sen. Liz Stefanics (D- San Miguel, Santa Fe, Torrance & Valencia), Rep. Stefani Lord (R- Bernalillo & Torrance), and Rep. Anita Gonzales (D- San Miguel & Torrance) are introducing SB 152 which would give county governments a say in pausing cannabis grower licenses. 'This bill would allow counties to petition the Regulation and Licensing Department for a two-year moratorium on cannabis grow permits in their counties,' said Sen. Stefanics. If a county files a petition, the bill allows the State Regulation and Licensing Department to have the final say on if the pause on new licenses would take effect. 'It's about letting the counties get in control of what they are being asked to let happen in their counties,' said Sen. Stefanics. Reacting to the bill, prominent cannabis operator Duke Rodriguez, said the real discussion should be around the number of retail licenses the state allows. New Mexico Association of Counties told KRQE that Torrance County isn't the only county that has stated the need to control cannabis producer licensing in their area better. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
