Georgia Republicans roll out childcare, Pre-K bills to support families

Georgia Republicans held a news conference last week to announce a package of legislation to support Georgia families. 

“Every family deserves a chance to thrive, but for many working parents across our state, the cost of childcare is forcing them to make difficult decisions between remaining in the workforce and staying home,” said Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns.

The initiative includes legislation and the allocation of funds to support families with children in Pre-K or rising Pre-K students.

House Bill 1123 would expand after-school services to Pre-K students. The bill would require public schools that offer Pre-K and also offer after-school services to grades K-5 students to expand their after-school programs to include Pre-K students.

The package includes allocating $9.7 million to fully fund before-school, after-school and holiday-care for low-income and priority eligible Georgia Pre-K students and uses $9.7 million in federal funds to increase the number of children with working parents covered by the childcare subsidy for low-income and priority-eligible children.

It also invests $2 million in lottery funds to expand the Summer Transition Program for rising Pre-K students to help families with childcare assistance.

“What you’ve heard today are tangible, meaningful, and significant policy changes, seven in total, both budgetary and legislative, that will make a real difference in the lives of Georgians. It demonstrates our continuing commitment to children, women, and families throughout Georgia,” said Georgia House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones.