AFC Stands with Parents as Georgia House Votes to Slash Funding for Georgia Promise Scholarship Program
DALLAS, TX – The American Federation for Children (AFC) is deeply disappointed in the Georgia House’s vote to cut funding for the Georgia Promise Scholarship program in half despite robust demand from families who urgently need options. AFC will stand behind families in ensuring this funding is restored.
Governor Brian Kemp originally appropriated $142 million for the program to help ensure Georgia students assigned to low-performing schools have access to educational options that better meet their needs. This budget bill would severely reduce funding, imposing a ceiling that is more strict than the law currently allows. The House plan, if passed, would allow only about 2,300 new students to participate.
Applications for the Georgia Promise Scholarship are currently open for the 2026–2027 school year, and families across the state are already seeking access to the program.
The Georgia Promise Scholarship program was created to empower families with more education choices and provide students access to learning environments where they can thrive. The program allows eligible families to use scholarship funds for expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, curriculum, and specialized services including therapies provided by licensed professionals, services which can be critical for students with disabilities.
Statement from Ryan Cantrell, Chief State Strategy Officer, American Federation for Children:
“We regret the House’s decision, for the second consecutive budget cycle, to gut funding for the Georgia Promise Scholarship program. This year, despite a $14 billion dollar surplus and guidance from the Governor to fully fund the program, the House failed to prioritize students who desperately need a different option.
“Georgia students, especially those struggling in poorly performing, ZIP code-assigned schools, deserve the opportunity to thrive in the school that works best for them. This decision will harm the students and families who are most in need of educational options they would not otherwise be able to access.
“We urge the Georgia Senate to restore full funding for this crucial program in its final budget.”
About AFC:
The American Federation for Children is the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and a leading force in advancing education freedom. AFC has helped pass more than 200 school choice laws nationwide, empowering families with meaningful options and elevating parent voices in education policy. The organization’s affiliated Super PAC, AFC Victory Fund, is focused on electing education reform champions at state and federal levels.
