A series of policies and recommendations on how to train the workforce for the future are now laws in Georgia.
Flanked by elected officials and education leaders, Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed into law bills passed by the general assembly defining what the state will do to remain a top state in which to do business.
A key piece of legislation was HB 192 (www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69701), entitled the Top State for Talent Act. It codifies the Georgia MATCH program, launched in 2023 to facilitate a student’s enrollment in Georgia post-secondary institutions. It provides high school seniors with a letter detailing where they are pre-approved for admission based on academic achievement.
“It adds the Department of Education to the annual articulation agreements and ensures state code reflects the work of the Workforce Strategy Team,” said Kemp. “We have made incredible progress in aligning our business and education stakeholders. And with these steps, we’re even closer to reaching our goal of building the workforce of tomorrow and helping all Georgians succeed, no matter their zip code.”
The Top State for Talent law can also be a tool for economic developers attempting to attract new businesses or encourage existing companies to expand.
“Labor is the number one thing companies ask us about: ‘Can I get the people who have the skill sets to run our facilities?’” Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, told ABD. “The more training programs, the more certification programs, the more technical programs we have, the better it will be to market Georgia to the manufacturers that we want.”
Georgia MATCH is already having an impact. Kemp said since the program began two years ago, there’s been a 9% increase in enrollment in the college system of 9% and a 6% increase in university system enrollment.
Wray said it is helping to guide high school students, but there is a need to nurture programs reaching into middle schools.
“You’ve got to get young kids, I mean, we’re talking sixth, seventh, eighth graders, interested at least in the opportunities. So, as they go through high school, or go into college, or technical college, or even straight to work, they have an idea of what it is, and they can be working toward that,” he explained.
Kemp also signed a companion bill, HB 38 (www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69334), the Georgia Completion Grant Extension. It extends the grant program until 2029. It also reduces degree completion thresholds for students. For those in the University System of Georgia (USG), it lowers to 70% the credit requirements toward a student’s credential or program of study in a four-year program. It drops to 45% the requirement for students in a two-year program.
“This common-sense right-sizing of requirements reflects the different demands of these varying degrees to make Georgia the top state for talent,” Kemp said. “We need to break down barriers for Georgians working to get the education that they need to succeed. This program we’re extending has already been met with great success, and this legislation ensures it will be even more accessible and meet the needs of our students in the future.”
Kemp also signed SB 85 (www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69827) establishing the Georgia Foster Care Scholarship.
“It will reinforce our commitment to our state’s foster youth,” said House Speaker Jon Burns (R). “Young people, many times, navigating difficult circumstances by creating a clear path for those students who have the drive to succeed but often lack the resources to get there. This legislation sends a clear message that your circumstances in life do not define your future in life by covering the cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, bills, and books up to $30,000 per year.”
The final bill Kemp signed was HB 172 (www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69649). The Rural Veterinary Loan Program Update. It raises the loan purchase amount for veterinarians practicing food animal specialties in a rural part of the state from $80,000 over four years to $90,000 over three years.
