Issue Position: Higher Education

Issue Position

Our first priority as legislators when it comes to higher education is preserving the HOPE Scholarship. The HOPE program has benefitted thousands of Georgians with good academic standing to help pay their higher education costs. A growing concern with the sustainability of the HOPE scholarship is the ever-growing cost of higher education. It would be irresponsible of us, as legislators, if we do not attempt to reign in the costs for an individual to go to college.

Student loans have now surpassed credit cards as the highest debt percentage in the United States. We are doing a disservice to our young people for requiring them to take out student loans even if they acquire the HOPE scholarship, graduating with a pile of student debt looming over their heads. This can delay their choice to purchase a home or start a family, which can have long-term effects on an already sluggish economy. Sustaining the HOPE scholarship and reducing the costs of college tuition and housing are some of my top priorities to make higher education more affordable.

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