Georgia Senate Passes Legislation to Establish Georgia Council on Literacy

Senate Bill 211, sponsored by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education Sen. Billy Hickman (R – Statesboro), passed in the Georgia Senate with bipartisan support. SB 211 would create the Georgia Council on Literacy, which would be tasked with conducting comprehensive reviews of educational programs for all ages, state support for said programs, and other issues related to improving the literacy outcomes of Georgians from birth to adulthood. The Council will be composed of 24 members appointed by the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“I am so honored to sponsor legislation that will brighten the future of all students in the Georgia public school system,” said Sen. Hickman. “I want to thank each of my colleagues for their support in passing Senate Bill 211. This has been a priority for the Majority Caucus this year, and I’m proud that it passed with support from both sides of the aisle. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, the betterment of education for all Georgians is a policy area that I am passionate about. Our Senate body needs to do what is necessary in order to solve the issue of literacy in our state. It is reported that over 57% of our third graders enrolled in Georgia public schools are unable to read at the national reading standard set for third graders. We will not be able to maintain an educated work force if the incoming generation is unable to read. The Georgia Council on Literacy will ensure a better future for Georgia’s students by creating a common metric system to measure literacy in Georgia. We need to start considering education in Georgia as an investment, not an expense. If we continue to pass legislation to support Georgia’s education systems, we will be able to positively impact generations of Georgia students to come.”

“I want to thank Sen. Hickman for his efforts and his passion in carrying this bill,” said Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega). “Our Senate body agrees that increasing Georgia literacy rates is the key to a strong economy and stable workforce. Cultivating an educated workforce is a top priority of the Majority Caucus and I am thrilled to see this legislation pass.”

First Reader Summary – A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 20 of the O.C.G.A., relating to education, so as to establish the Georgia Council on Literacy; to provide for consultation with subject matter experts; to provide for automatic repeal; to require local school systems to develop and implement five-year literacy plans for such school system and individual literacy plans for students in kindergarten through grade five; to replace the Education Coordinating Council with the Alliance of Education Agency Heads; to provide for related matters; to make conforming changes; to provide for legislative findings; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Read more on SB 211 here.

Sen. Billy Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 4^th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, and a small portion of Chatham. He may be reached at 404.463.1371 or by email at billy.hickman@senate.ga.gov

legis.ga.gov