Atlanta, Ga. - February 6, 2012 - Senate Democrats responded today with sharp criticism of the Republican higher education plan, which fails to recognize the reforms necessary to repair Georgia's HOPE scholarship.
"We cannot wait another year. The Governor's own projections show we cannot wait another year. Right now, the Governor is not willing to face the facts that HOPE is in crisis," said Sen. Jason Carter (D-Decatur).
"The fact remains the only responsible plan is the one Senate Democrats have presented. If we continue with the Governor's plans, HOPE vanishes and every year more students will not be able to attend college. Our most important scholarship is in crisis. That is bad for students and bad for the economy. The GOP is not willing to face the fact that HOPE is in crisis," Carter said.
Gov. Deal unveiled today yet another higher education plan that he claims will allow middle school students private funds for education. Senate Democrats claim this program is a diversion from the necessary discussion about repairing the failing HOPE programs.
"HOPE is essentially, the lottery is private money - citizens willing to pay into an educational scholarship. Gov. Deal is attempting to divert the public's attention from his mishandling of the HOPE Scholarship fund. He is holding HOPE hostage and refusing to consider changes that will repair the damaged program," Carter said.
Democrats released a side-by-side analysis of their proposed reforms and the Governor's failed reform attempts.
The Democratic plan calls for $34 million less in spending. It is more fiscally responsible and unlike the Governor's plan, it does not dip into the reserves.
Sen. Horacena Tate (D-Atlanta) said the numbers speak for themselves.
"There is zero substance to the GOP claims that Democrats are attempting to bankrupt HOPE. The opposite is true. Republicans have chosen to use the HOPE reserve funds to mask the real numbers. The Zell Miller Scholarship has become an entitlement program for the wealthiest people of our state and it ignores the original design of HOPE to ensure that students with the ability to attend college, but who may lack the funding - have the opportunity to attend college," Tate said.
"Republicans are willing to sacrifice our students for partisanship. That is not only extreme, it is sad. In one more year, HOPE will vanish as we now know it," Tate said.
Senate Democrats have introduced several bills all aimed at repairing HOPE. The administration has said they will not consider the package. Instead, the GOP has resorted to on-air name-calling and anger.
Democrats said during these economic times, educating Georgians for jobs is tantamount to restoring the state's prosperity.
"Creating a strong educational system creates a strong and prosperous Georgia. Ignoring the math doesn't get us to where we need to go. We owe our citizens the opportunity to build their lives and their finances," said Sen. Donzella James (D-Atlanta).
SIDE BY SIDE HOPE COMPARISON:
Governor's Plan Senate Democrats' Plan
HOPE Public
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$408,235,018
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$386,722,698
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Hope Private
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$54,385,503
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$41,925,936
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HOPE Public and Private
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$462,620,521
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$428,648,634
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This comparison is based upon the Governor's recommended FY 2013 budget. Income analysis data were taken from the January 14, 2011 report by the State Department of Audits and Accounts.
Student data were obtained from materials provided by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, the Board of Regents, and HOPE eligible institutions. This comparison assumes that the floating income cap in the Democratic plan was set at $140,000
- The Senate Democratic plan is more fiscally responsible. Assuming a $140,000 income cap, this year it calls for approximately $34 million less in spending, and it would allow HOPE to run a surplus, rather than spending down the reserves.
- Assuming a $140,000 income cap, over 96 percent of Georgia families would remain eligible.
- The Governor's plan has created an entitlement program for Georgia's wealthiest families.
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