ATLANTA – State Representative Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) today commented on House Bill 54, the Fallen Heroes Bill, which recently unanimously passed the House Higher Education Committee. HB 54 would provide additional funding for college tuition for the children of fallen public safety officers. The legislation now awaits approval from the Rules Committee before it can be called for a vote on the House floor.
“Regardless of party affiliation, every member of the Georgia General Assembly represents members of Georgia’s public safety community and communities served by them,” said Rep. Waites. “In my opinion, this is a very small way that we can honor the families and officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice. I am hopeful that the Rules Committee will send a powerful message to the public safety community and their families around the State of Georgia by sending this bill to the House floor for a vote by the full body of the House. Approval of this bipartisan legislation would demonstrate that the State of Georgia stands unified in support of the public safety community and their families.”
HB 54 would supplement the existing Georgia Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission by providing additional funding to cover any tuition expenses not provided by the grant. Under this legislation, the increased cost would be funded by adding a voluntary donation option to the filing forms for Georgia Income Tax forms and Georgia Motor Vehicle Driver’s License forms. HB 54 has been endorsed by the Georgia Association of Police Chief’s, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Georgia Firefighters Association and the Georgia Association of Fire Chief’s.
For more information on HB 54, please click here.
Representative Keisha Waites represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Juvenile Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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