(Feb. 2025 Edition) The District 67 Dispatch

District 67 Update The 2025 legislative session has officially begun, and I am honored to continue serving you in the Georgia General Assembly. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed about our collective efforts to address the issues that matter most to District 67.

I am proud to serve on several key committees, including the Appropriations Committee, the K-12 Education Committee, and the Higher Education Committee. Each month, I’ll share updates, legislative priorities, and opportunities for you to engage in the important conversations shaping our community and state.

Thank you for trusting me to represent you—I’m here to serve.

Warmly, Representative Lydia Glaize

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Assigned Committees 2025-2026 Biennial

Appropriations: Human Resources

• Committee increased Veterans benefits by $5 Million

• $ 500,000 investment Fulton County Behavioral Health Crisis Center

• $ 3.2 Million To Support the Rescue of Sexually Exploited Foster Children

Higher Education

• HOPE is %100 restored

• Improved College Completion Grants will include Two Year College in 2025

• HOPE Grant for certification at Technical College System of Georgia

K-12 Education

• Schools Safety

• Mental Health Supports

• Lifting Literacy

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Glaize’s Legislative Highlights

Education First

Representative Glaize has introduced House Bill 59 aimed to ensure every student gets the personalized support they deserve. Key highlights include:

• Reduced Student-to-Counselor Ratio: The bill proposes state funding to ensure one school counselor is available for every 250 full-time equivalent students.

• Counselor Responsibilities: The bill mandates that school counselors dedicate at least five-sixths of their time to directly counseling or advising students and parents, ensuring focused support for student development.

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House Resolution 68

Sponsored by Representatives Glaize

HR 68 Supports the revision of the Quality Basic Education (QBE) and Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) funding formulas in Georgia. These formulas are crucial for allocating resources to public schools and ensuring all students receive a quality education.

Key points include:

• The current QBE and FTE formulas may not sufficiently address the diverse needs of students, particularly those requiring additional support through wraparound services.

• Wraparound services, such as mental health support, counseling, and family engagement initiatives, are vital for removing barriers to learning and fostering a holistic educational approach.

• The resolution highlights the importance of federal funding titles that aim to improve educational outcomes for various student populations, including disadvantaged students and those with disabilities.

• It calls for a comprehensive revision of the QBE and FTE funding formulas to better meet the needs of all students, particularly through the implementation and funding of wraparound services.

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Community Highlight: Recognizing Creekside High School's Student Leaders

Summary of House Resolution 92

Sponsored by Representatives Glaize

HR 92 Celebrates the Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) at Creekside High School and designates February 5, 2025, as Career and Technical Student Organizations Day at the state capitol.

Key points include:

• CTSOs (Career and Technical Student Organizations) are a vital part of career, technical, and agricultural education programs in Georgia, supporting educational objectives and the development of academic and technical skills.

• In response to the evolving tech workforce, CTSOs have expanded to include technology and communication, preparing students for successful careers.

• CTSOs foster partnerships with businesses and industries at various levels, ensuring that educational experiences align with workforce needs.

• They provide students with opportunities to engage in conferences, award programs, service projects, and competitive events.

View House Resolution 92

Advocating for Increased Funding for Lower-Income Students

I am proud to co-author and sponsor House Bill 668 known as the Georgia Educational Opportunity Act. This legislation aims to amend Georgia’s QBE funding formula to include a $1,500 per-pupil supplement for K-12 students living below the poverty line.

Why This Matters: Georgia is one of only six states that does not designate funds specifically for K-12 students living in poverty.

Implementing this supplement would provide much-needed financial boost to under resourced schools

Georgia House Approves $40.5 Billion Mid-Year Budget

The Georgia House of Representatives has passed a mid-year budget totaling $40.5 billion, focusing on key areas to enhance public safety and support disaster recovery efforts.

Key Allocations:

• Hurricane Helene Relief: An additional $197 million has been allocated for disaster relief, bringing the total to $811 million.

• Prison System Enhancements: Provisions to hire over 400 new correctional officers, addressing staffing shortages and improving safety within state prisons.

• Education: The budget fully funds Georgia’s Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula for K-12 students and allocates $50 million for school safety grants, providing each public school with $68,000 to enhance security measures.

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Welcoming Georgia PTA in the People’s House

Representative Lydia Glaize hosts along other House for Democrats the

Georgia Parent Teacher Association.

City of South Fulton Fire Chief Chad Jones Visit

Fire Chief Chad Jones of the City of South Fulton visited the Georgia State Capitol to be

honored for his significant contributions to the community. He was warmly welcomed by State Representatives Lydia Glaize and Robert Dawson, who recognized his dedication to public safety.

This acknowledgment underscores the vital role local leaders play in enhancing the quality of life for South Fulton residents. Chief Jones's commitment continues to inspire our community.

Join the Georgia House of Representatives Page Program!

What You Need to Know:

• Eligibility: Pages must be between 12 and 18 years old. Each Page may serve one time during the legislative session.

• Provided Meal: Enjoy a complimentary Chick-fil-A lunch provided by the House of Representatives. If you have dietary restrictions, please bring an alternative lunch, as vegetarian options are not provided.

• Important Notices:

  • Free Speech Disclaimer: Please be aware that political speech is allowed in many areas of the Georgia State Capitol, and you may encounter language that could be considered offensive.

  • Photography Release: The House of Representatives streams sessions online, and photos/videos will be taken. Pages may appear in these recordings.
    

How to Apply: https://www.legis.ga.gov/house/page-program

1. Find Your Representative: Visit the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page to locate your state representative.

2. Contact Information: Go to www.house.ga.gov and click on the Representative tab to find your representative’s office details and their administrative assistant’s email address.

3. Complete the Interest Form: Fill out the form and email it to your representative’s administrative assistant.

4. Await Confirmation: After your form is reviewed and approved, you will be contacted with further details.

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Stay Engaged

As we embark on this legislative session, your voice remains vital to our progress. I encourage you to reach out with your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Together, we can work towards solutions that benefit all of us in District 67.

Looking forward to connecting with you soon!

Best regards,

Representative Lydia Glaize

Follow Representative Glaize

Office Address: Georgia State Capitol, 206 Washington Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

Phone: (404) 656-0116

Email: Lydia.Glaize@house.ga.gov