Recent News

GSSA Capitol Report – Day 40 – Sine Die
The end of this session could not come soon enough. It ended at 10pm but the impact will be measured throughout the 20-21 school year. At first glance, the FY21 budget which started at a dismal projection only improved as time moved forward and all three players the House, Senate, and Governor really worked together […]
GSSA Capitol Report – Day 39
The FY21 Budget has finally arrived. The House and Senate conference committee went through the highlights of the newest version of the agreed upon budget: FY21 budget tracking sheet Education on pages 63-72 QBE cut by 10% or $950,000. Equalization, Sparsity, Pupil Transportation, Enrollment. growth, T & E all fully funded. LFMS adjusted upward to […]
GSSA Capitol Report – Day 38
Today there was a lot of work being done in the halls of the Capitol trying to get ready for the flurry of activity that will sure be on display the final two days. The three bills discussed yesterday that passed out of the Senate Education Committee will be taken to the floor of the […]
GSSA Capitol Report – Day 37
This legislative day was filled with debate and passage of a Hate Crimes Bill HB 426. The majority of the time discussing this bill took place in the Senate. It ultimately passed the Senate then later the House. It has been sent to the Governor for his signature. He plans to sign the bill. Senate Education […]
GSSA Capitol Report – Day 36
We begin this week knowing we are headed toward the end of the session. The budget for FY21 remains in the conference committee where the acknowledgement of a grinding process is staring everyone in the face. The committee held its first meeting and they we will be back at it tomorrow with some recomendations from […]
GSSA Capitol Report – Day 35
The House and Senate met today for day number 35. A few education bills were passed: HB 957 Charter school employee bill that permits their participation in the State Helth Benefit Plan. (Passed) SB 430 College and Career Academies – allows Home study and private school students to access CCA courses if space is available. […]
GSSA Capitol Report – Day 34
This may have been the most unusually chaotic one legislative day as a part of any session I have monitored in my 10 years of being involved in state politics for GSSA. It started innocently enough but began to build to a quiet crescendo as legislators held side conversations centered around the FY21 budget, adjournment […]
GSSA Capitol Report – Day 33
Today was the slowest day since our return to the Gold Dome as far as moving legislation. As one who tracks the session each year, i am very happy with days like today. There were no education bills on the calendar for today. There is a lot of speculation on how long the session will […]
GSSA Capitol Report – Day 32
Early this morning the Senate Appropriations Committee revealed their long awaited version of the FY21 budget. Even though the predictions were dire and it is still financially challenging to districts- some of the key points of concern were addressed. Here are some highlights of the current Senate version: Deductions from this version: QBE cut by […]
GSSA Capitol Report – Day 31
This second day of this suspended session was much like the first. Very few advocates present and most legislators keeping their distance. There were no education related bills taken up today. The Senate made quick work of a couple of bills and then adjourned while the House voted on two bills and adjourned a […]