ATLANTA – State Representative Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, applauds Governor Brian Kemp for signing Senate Bill 556, legislation that codifies the Georgia Dedicating Resources to Educationally Advance More Students (DREAMS) scholarship program under the Georgia Student Finance Commission. The bill also incorporates several other measures aimed at expanding access to higher education, strengthening workforce development and enhancing student financial aid programs across Georgia.
“I am grateful for the all the teamwork that went into this expansive bill aimed at increasing access to higher education for Georgia students,” said Chairman Martin. “By codifying the Georgia DREAMS Scholarship program, expanding HOPE GPA eligibility to include AP Fine Arts courses and strengthening financial aid and workforce development initiatives, SB 556 will help more students pursue higher education and career opportunities, while supporting Georgia’s long-term economic growth. Ultimately, this bill provides hope for students who are grappling with the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education.”
In addition to codifying the Georgia DREAMS Scholarship program, SB 556 expands the Georgia HOPE Scholarship GPA calculation to include Advanced Placement Fine Arts courses. The bill also establishes a new scholarship program for medical students and includes additional provisions affecting higher education and financial aid administration.
Furthermore, the bill modernizes several student support and financial management policies, including adjustments to 529 Plan contribution limits and tax incentives, updates to retirement contribution requirements for part-time work-study students at Technical College System of Georgia institutions and requirements related to opioid antagonist availability on college campuses when community funding is available. It also revises reserve requirements for Georgia Lottery funds to strengthen long-term financial stability for education programs supported by lottery proceeds.
The full text of SB 556 may be found here.
Representative Chuck Martin represents the citizens of District 49, which includes a portion of Fulton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 and currently serves as Chairman of the Higher Education Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education, Creative Arts & Entertainment, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Regulated Industries, Retirement, Rules and Ways & Means committees.
###