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Shazam! Fury of the Gods

By
Justin Hall
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Shazam! Fury of the Gods doesn’t have nearly as much fun with its characters and dialogue as its 2019 predecessor did. For my money, it has too many bloated action sequences, and the humor misses more than it hits.

Zachary Levi is back again as Shazam/Billy Batson and his family of superheroes who emerge after he says his crusading moniker. This time around, they’re feeling the fatigue of always saving the day, so Billy decides to go on his own fighting crime. That is until he discovers Atlas’ daughters, Hespera and Kalypso (Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu), who have stolen the Wizard’s (Djimon Hounsou) staff.

The family reunites to stop them with help from the Wizard, and they’re treated to some rather bizarre inventions, including a self-writing pen that looks like it could’ve come straight out of a Harry Potter movie. Another artifact the daughters need is something called the Golden Apple which can either resuscitate the Greek world where the daughters come from, or they can use it to conquer the world.

Rachel Zegler from the remake of West Side Story costars as a girl that one of the male heroes has a crush on. He tries to impress her by showing off his superpowers.

Fury of the Gods is a movie that tries to have too much fun with itself, but it ends up not having enough. For one thing, the action sequences suffer from what I call Pinball Machine Syndrome, meaning that sometimes they’re too hard to follow, and we can’t tell who is doing what. Plus, the story seems to be serving the special effects instead of the other way around.

Levi tries to infect the same amount of goofy charm he brought to the first Shazam movie, but the script fails him and the rest of the cast with wannabe thrilling moments punctuated by one-note one-liners.

The 2019 film did a fine job of finding a balance between action and humor, and it allowed Zachary Levi moments of discovery in which he could do something with the character. This sequel turns things up a notch and blasts us with repetitive action. Some of the computer animation works, but other scenes are too cartoonish to take seriously.

Thankfully, the movie was not released in 3D.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods is nothing more than a sloppy cash cow that fails to capture the magic of the original.

Grade: C

(Rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, and language.)

History made for TFS tennis in 4-1 victories over Jefferson

By
TFS Athletics
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Ariel Kelsick (Austin Poffenberger)

Playing on the road against Jefferson, the Lady Indians and Indians put their unbeaten seasons on the line. In typical fashion, both the boys and girls dominated to the tune of 4-1 wins to win their 10th straight matches.

“It was a really good tuneup before our last regular season region match,” says coach Anthony Cox. “I feel like we’re getting a little better every practice, every match.”

Both teams move to 10-0 on the season ahead of next week’s regular season finale and senior night match against Rabun County. The Lady Indians tied the single-season program record with their 10th win, matching the 2021 season. The Indians notched the program’s third-ever 10-plus win season and the most since the record 14 set in 2013.

GIRLS:

#1 Singles: Ariel Kelsick (10-0) W 6-1, 6-3
#2 Singles: Jaeda-Lee Daniel-Joseph (9-0) W 6-1, 6-1
#3 Singles: Ava Carnes (4-1) W 6-1, 6-2
#1 Doubles: Katarina Foskey & Azaria Junaid (4-0) W 6-0, 6-1
#2 Doubles: Cassidy Hayes & Landry Carnes (4-1) L 3-6, 6-2 (8-10)

BOYS:

#1 Singles: Tanner Davis (10-0) W 6-0, 6-1
#2 Singles: TJ Cox (10-0) W 3-6, 6-0 (10-5)
#3 Singles: William Xu (2-2) L 7-6 (7-2), 5-7 (3-10)
#1 Doubles: Zach Carringer & Jake Owensby (5-0) W 7-6 (7-5), 6-4
#2 Doubles: Justin Graham & Aiden VanOrman (3-1) W 6-2, 6-2

 

Tractor driver airlifted to hospital after being hit by semi

By
Staff Report
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Paramedics airlifted a Northeast Georgia woman to the hospital after a tractor-trailer crashed into the farm tractor she was driving. The impact of the crash split the farm tractor in two.

The Thursday afternoon crash on GA 77 seriously injured 66-year-old Elizabeth Peters of Dewey Rose.

The preliminary crash investigation revealed the Kenworth T680 tractor-trailer was northbound behind the John Deere 4520 Peters was driving. As Peters attempted to turn left into a private drive at 2803 Hartwell Highway, the semi attempted to pass her on a double-yellow line, state troopers say.

The front of the Kenworth struck the left side of the John Deere in the southbound inside lane of GA 77. After impact, the Kenworth came to a controlled final rest, facing northbound in the southbound lane. The force of the crash caused the John Deere to split into two separate units, and both came to an uncontrolled rest off the west shoulder of the highway.

The driver of the Kenworth, 60-year-old Michael Lee Firebaugh, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was not injured. Peters was Life Flighted to Greenville Memorial Hospital.

The Georgia State Patrol’s Troop B Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is assisting Post 52 with its investigation. Charges are pending.

 

Larry J. Sain

By
Now Habersham
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Larry J. Sain, age 71, of Homer, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

Private services will be held.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

 

Public hearing on hospital acquisition set for April 13

By
Jerry Neace
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In February, NGHS submitted a sign permit application to the city of Demorest, rebranding Habersham Medical Center as part of the Northeast Georgia Medical Center group. (Source: City of Demorest)

Members of the public will have a chance next month to ask questions and learn more about Northeast Georgia Health System’s pending takeover of Habersham Medical Center. A public hearing on the acquisition is scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 13. The hearing will be held in the community room at Habersham EMC in Clarkesville.

“It’s an opportunity for the public to hear certain details about the acquisition and ask questions or voice their support or concerns,” says Sean Couch, Executive Director of Communications and Consumer Strategy for Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS).

Northeast Georgia Health System announces the addition of the Habersham hospital campus on its website. (Source: Northeast Georgia Health Systems website)

Georgia law requires a public hearing to be held when hospitals change ownership. NGHS officials say they believe they met that requirement with a hearing in 2019 after the original option to purchase agreement was signed. However, since that agreement has been expedited, they’re holding another hearing out of “an abundance of caution.”

“We just want to take the message to the people, hear their response and answer their questions,” says Couch. “Nothing impacts opinions and builds trust like a face-to-face conversation.”

Terms of agreement

In 2019, the Habersham County Commission and Hospital Authority agreed to a five-year, $15 million deal with NGHS and the Hall County/Gainesville Hospital Authority. Under the terms of that agreement, NGHS agreed to invest $3 million annually in capital projects at Habersham Medical Center for the option to acquire the hospital and its assets at no additional cost after five years.

Any dollars HMC generated beyond 20 days of cash-on-hand to support operations were to be transferred into a fund during the five-year period. At the end of the agreement term, the Hospital Authority of Habersham County was to apply the fund balance to the hospital’s bond debt.

Habersham Medical Center President and CEO Tyler Williams says a bank account was opened to establish a debt service fund, but there is nothing in the fund to pay down the county’s bond debt.

“At this time, the account remains unfunded other than the amount required that was required to open the account. HMC has never obtained more than the required 20-days cash on hand from operations to begin to fund the account,” Williams tells Now Habersham.

Habersham Medical Center CEO Tyler Williams appeared before the Habersham County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 19, 2022, to ask for a line of credit to keep the hospital afloat. (Jerry Neace/Now Habersham)

Since 2020, Habersham Medical Center has received millions in additional revenue to prop up its operations, including $22.6 million in federal funds to cover pandemic-related expenses and lost revenue. In addition, in recent months the Habersham County Commission extended to the hospital a $6 million line of credit – $4 million in cash – of which at least $1.5 million has been spent.

None of those funds were applied to the debt service fund.

As of this past January, Habersham County still owed $34.8 million in principal payments on the hospital and $16.4 million in interest. County taxpayers have 21 years to pay off the $51.3 million debt.

Rebranding

While the option to purchase agreement originally ran through the end of this year, in January, all parties agreed to expedite the agreement due to the hospital’s dire financial situation. NGHS will now take over the hospital by July first. When that happens, Habersham Medical Center will be rebranded under the Northeast Georgia Medical Center name.

Proposed hospital signs (Source: City of Demorest)

In February, NGHS submitted a sign permit application to the city of Demorest, revealing the hospital’s name change.

Although the word “Habersham” does not appear on the proposed signage, the hospital campus is expected to be referred to as Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham. It will become NGMC Gainesville’s fourth satellite campus; the others are located in Braselton, Barrow, and Lumpkin County. NGHS administrators say the Habersham campus will serve as a hub for care in the northern part of its service area.

Those wanting to learn more about the acquisition and future plans for the hospital are encouraged to attend the hearing on April 13. Habersham EMC headquarters is located off Highway 115 in Clarkesville. The hearing will be streamed live on the county website.

Turpin, Greene tie for low medalist as Indians beat Rabun Gap

By
TFS Athletics
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Tate Turpin (Austin Poffenberger)

The Indians hit the links against Rabun Gap on Friday afternoon at The Orchard in Clarkesville. Both Tate Turpin and Will Greene tied as low medalists as TFS won by a mere two strokes.

Tallulah Falls scored a 206 against Rabun Gap’s 208, giving the Indians a dramatic win. Greene and Turpin tied with a Rabun Gap golfer as the trio all carded a 47.

Newcomer Jack Thomson shot a 55 to place third, while Henry Bowman and Hunter Bell both turned in a 57. Jedd Thomas also tallied a 58.

Georgia Senate approves $32.4B budget proposal with cuts to higher ed, GPB funding

By
GPB News
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Two bills that passed the General Assembly would prohibit local governments from regulating poultry plant processing wastes or adopting building codes based on the source of energy to be used.

The Georgia Senate passed its version of next year’s $32.4 billion state budget Thursday that includes less money for teachers in higher education and slashes 26% of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s state funding.

HB 19, which passed on a 51-1 vote, would also give state employees and teachers a $2,000 pay increase, fully fund HOPE college scholarships to cover 100% of tuition, and give a $500 cost-of-living increase to state retirees.

Both the House and Senate versions of the budget include more than $13 billion for Georgia’s K-12 education, fully funding the state’s Quality Basic Education Formula, adding $27 million for more school counselors. The Senate would add nearly $5 million in new funds for dyslexia screening.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) said ultimately the House and Senate agree on the vast majority of budget items.

“If you take a look at just where two of the bodies agree, just the House and the Senate, there are 1,176 lines where we already agree, that’s 83.29%,” he said. “You see folks in this building will try to stir you sometimes and get you worried. I want to remind you, they’re getting you worried about 236 lines, 236 lines out of 1,412.”

Some key differences between the Senate’s version and the House budget passed earlier this month stem from a protracted fight between the chambers over a bill that would reduce barriers to opening new healthcare facilities in rural communities.

Senate Bill 99 would eliminate health care providers from needing to seek a certificate of need (referred to as CON) from the state before adding additional facilities or services for counties that have fewer than 50,000 residents, something supporters say is needed to expand health care access and lower costs for patients. Opponents argue the CON process protects existing providers.

The chamber’s proposal would boost pay raises for some law enforcement like state troopers to $6,000, up from the governor’s $2,000 request and the House’s $4,000 recommendation. Some of that money would come from an $87 million reduction in the teaching budget for the state’s colleges and universities.

“The Senate’s budget also supports conservative budgeting by requesting that our Board of Regents utilize carry-forward funds to support the teaching formula and conserve valuable state dollars at a time that I’ve told you where the clouds on the horizon are beginning to look a little darker,” Tillery said.

Gov. Brian Kemp and other top Republican leaders regularly tout the state’s economic prosperity, record-setting tax surplus, and budgeting approach that has led to multiple tax breaks and refunds in recent years.

Additionally, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported earlier this week that University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue met with House Republicans to discuss reasons to oppose the CON bill. The reduction in teaching funds, combined with a rejection of a requested health insurance increase totals for the Board of Regents, matches the amount of funds the state appropriated in the amended fiscal year budget for upgrading a medical records system that could benefit a health provider opposed to the CON bill.

In a statement to GPB News, Perdue said he looked forward to continuing working with lawmakers and expressed confidence the proposed cuts to the University System of Georgia would resolve themselves before the session ends Wednesday.”

“The $113 million decrease would significantly impact all 26 USG public colleges and universities, many of which are already experiencing a negative budget impact due to declining enrollment,” Perdue said. “These additional funding reductions would impact teaching budgets, staff and students.”

During budget hearings earlier this year, the chancellor warned lawmakers of a rise in students choosing to attend college outside of Georgia and the impact it had on the state’s colleges and universities.

Senate leaders also zeroed out the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center budget in Augusta, arguing that the division no longer needed the $5 million in state funds because it was self-sufficient from rental income and other funding sources.

The Senate budget deviates from Gov. Brian Kemp’s original proposal, which included full funding for the Board of Regents, Cybersecurity Center and Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Sen. Josh McLaurin (D-Buckhead) asked Tillery to explain the last-minute push to cut Georgia Public Broadcasting’s funding:

“On its face, there are many members of the public who have a concern about something like that,” McLaurin said.

Tillery said that unnamed “competitors” asked why the state was funding GPB and not other outlets and pointed to the 2021 fiscal year’s budget as a precedent for a decrease in GPB’s funding.

Mandy Wilson, Director of Communications for Georgia Public Broadcasting, said the agency has no comment at this time.

Now that the full Senate has approved the budget, the next step is likely a conference committee where a small number of members from each chamber will meet to hash out differences in a conference committee before the end of the legislative session next Wednesday.

______

This article appears on Now Habersham through a news partnership with GPB News

Slimmed down heavy truck bill makes return trip to Georgia House

By
Stanley Dunlap
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(GA Recorder) — The Georgia Senate passed a bill to increase the maximum weight limit for tractor trailers hauling forestry and agricultural products by several tons despite warnings from government officials that the heavier loads are dangerous and costly.

With few days left in the 2023 legislative session, the Senate bill differs greatly from a House proposal to allow heavier big rigs. Lawmakers argue allowing logging trucks to carry heavier loads is critical to keep small operations rolling and distribute goods more efficiently.

With a 44-to-5 vote on Thursday, senators approved House Bill 189, which increases the weight limit for logging trucks and tractor trailers carrying vegetables, solid waste, and recycling materials from 84,000 pounds to 88,000 pounds. The Georgia House sent HB 189 to the Senate in early March to make the Crossover Day deadline.

This session, as Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s COVID-19 emergency declaration expired that allowed trucks to carry more than the legal limit, the debate over truck weights intensified. A large truck could haul up to 95,000 pounds of goods on Georgia’s state highways and local roads under those orders.

The Senate version sets a sunset clause for July 1, 2024, and lowers the weight threshold by 7,000 pounds from Kemp’s executive orders. Further, the Senate plan restricts the heaviest trucks from traveling in the multi-county metro-Atlanta area, lowers the maximum distance from 250 miles to 75 miles, and grants local law enforcement citation authority.

Republican Sen. Russ Goodman said neighboring states allow loads exceeding 98,000 pounds, placing Georgia at a disadvantage.

“I consider this bill to be a lifeline to the people I represent that supply food and fiber to all of our constituents,” Goodman said. “Without our No. 1 industry we are no longer Georgia.”

Lobbyists and others gather around TV monitor as the Senate votes on HB 189. (Jill Nolin/Georgia Recorder) 

Frank Ginn, a Republican senator from Danielsville, said he knows the dangers posed by heavy trucks prone to tipping. He recalled a truckload that exceeded 131,000 pounds, and a deadly logging truck accident occurring near his home.

State law enforcement officials testified during committee hearings they’re undermanned when it comes to enforcing weight limits.

“Putting grotesquely overweight trucks on the road is dangerous for us all,” Ginn said. “Not only does it destroy our road system but it kills people.”

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Greg Dolezal said the sunset provision was necessary so that the freight and logistics agencies are engaged in discussions about how to fund billions of dollars in road and bridge maintenance. The Senate committee also rejected proposals to add new taxes on products shipped from retailers like Amazon.

“This bill as it came out of the House was dead on arrival in the transportation committee so we came up with a carefully crafted compromise for people in middle and south Georgia to do their work in the industries of forestry and agriculture,” Dolezal said. “A compromise that addressed many of the concerns about the locals who are worried about funding, who are worried about safety, who are worried about things like the sunset. Most importantly those who want  the ability to enforce those laws within their own jurisdiction.”

James Terrell Hamilton

By
Now Habersham
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James Terrell Hamilton, age 81, of the Batesville Community, Clarkesville, Georgia, made his final journey home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

A lifelong native of the Batesville Community, Terrell was born on August 30, 1941, to the late Fred A. & Susie Martin Hamilton. He retired as a mechanic with over 44 years of dedicated service. Terrell, along with his late wife, Nancy, also served as a volunteer EMT and Paramedic with Habersham County for a number of years. In his spare time, he enjoyed restoring antique cars. In his spare time, he enjoyed restoring antique cars.

In addition to his parents, Terrell was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Nancy Ann Canup Hamilton; sons, Jimmy Hamilton and Michael Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Liam & Evelyn Gosnell; sisters, Ellen Elsen, Helen “Birdie” May, & Lexie “Tex” Burns; sisters-in-law, Sandra Kimbrell & Kay Ricketson; & brother-in-law, Sammy Canup.

Survivors include his granddaughter & spouse, Jessica Ann & Jonathan Gosnell of Maysville, GA; sisters, Lessie “Tess” Franklin & Dorothy Tart both of Clarkesville, GA; sisters-in-law, Peggy Ward of Toccoa, GA; Susie Singleton of Eastanollee, GA; Camella Brown of Baldwin, GA; brothers-in-law, Bill Canup, Calvin Canup, Tippy Canup, & Stevie Canup all of Clarkesville, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, & a host of friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Hillside Memorial Chapel with Rev. Kenneth McEntire & Mr. Bobby Parham officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Providence Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Scott Collett officiating at the graveside.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the service hour on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

An online guest registry is available for the Hamilton family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care & professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256

Habersham EMC linemen recognized by Governor Kemp

By
Now Habersham
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Pictured, from left, Terry Rogers, team member Robert Morris, HEMC Community Relations Ambassador Mary Beth Horton, team coach Chris Chapman, HEMC President & CEO Bryan Ferguson, Gov. Brian Kemp, team member Dillon Welborn, HEMC V.P. of Engineering and Operations Josh Allen, team member Tucker Dyer, Rep. Victor Anderson, and HEMC V.P. of Member & Community Relations Tommy Thurmond.

The Habersham EMC Lineman’s Rodeo Team was recognized by Governor Brian Kemp on March 15 for their 1st place overall win in the electric co-op division at the International Lineman’s Rodeo.

A resolution passed by both the House and Senate commended these linemen for “their magnificent efforts and outstanding performance in representing HEMC with exceptional line worker talent and technique.”

The 38th Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo was held Oct. 12-15 in Bonner Springs, Kansas, near Kansas City. Out of 242 journeyman teams and more than 1,000 competitors, HEMC’s journeyman team won first place in the REA Division.

Senator Bo Hatchett and Representative Victor Anderson acknowledged the team in their respective galleries stating, “The Habersham EMC Lineman Rodeo Team’s notable achievement is a source of great pride for our organization, our community, and our state.”

Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees honored at Rangers Conference

By
Now Habersham
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2023 Award Recipients are, from left, John Shelnutt, Ronnie McClure, Shannon Crabb, Emmanuel Stewart, Derek Jackson, Taylor Kimbrough, Michael Teel and Tina Blackstock. Not pictured: Dionne Youmans.

Several Georgia State Park and Historic Site employees were honored recently during a Rangers Conference held at Unicoi State Park.

Around 140 assistant managers, interpretive rangers, administrative staff, and maintenance rangers participated in training activities, team building, and sharing ideas.

The conference included an awards ceremony celebrating the efforts of those who make more than 60 sites outstanding destinations for Georgia’s citizens and visitors.

2023 Award Recipients

Bravery Award
John Shelnutt (Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo)

This award recognizes a ranger whose actions lead to life-saving events. Last year, Shelnutt rescued a severely ill visitor who was camping on a platform 13 miles into the Okefenokee Swamp. For five hours through the night, Shelnutt navigated a boat through shallow water and tight spaces, even getting out to pull the boat over a fallen tree. Thanks to his response, the mother and young daughter were brought safely back to the park where EMS was waiting.

Si Longmire Ranger of the Year Award
Ronnie McClure (Crooked River State Park in St. Marys)

Although McClure is based at Crooked River State Park, he has been instrumental in assisting other parks and historic sites in his region. After the sudden passing of an employee at another park, he stepped in as manager-on-duty as well as lead maintenance ranger overseeing a large project. He has assisted multiple sites with roadway repairs, stump grinding, mulching and equipment maintenance. This award is named after Si Longmire, the first female manager of a Georgia State Park and later became Assistant Chief of Operations.

Customer Service Award
Emmanuel “Manny” Stewart (Vogel State Park in Blairsville)

Over the past year, Vogel has been involved in a complex campground renovation that has impacted more than 1,000 reservations. Vogel is one of Georgia’s most beloved campgrounds, so guests often expressed frustration over cancellations. Stewart was always understanding and courteous while helping them find alternate dates or locations. His outstanding customer service serves as an example of how to best deal with challenging situations. This February, Stewart was promoted to manager of Crooked River State Park in St. Marys.

Outstanding Administrative Award
Dionne Youmans (Wormsloe State Historic Site in Savannah)

This award recognizes those who excel in park administration, including financial, budget, personnel, payroll, accounts payable, cash management, and operating accounts. Youmans developed a training manual for new employees, coordinates the many wedding reservations at this popular site, and helps manage the gift shop. In addition to her many administrative duties, she also ensures “Women Take Over Wormsloe” is a successful annual event.

Most Innovative Program on a Historic Site
Voices of the Past Lantern Tour (Jarrell Plantation Historic Site in Juliette)

This sold-out event included eight tours of the former cotton plantation with a sawmill, cotton gin, gristmill, shingle mill, sugar cane press, and syrup evaporator. It included costumed storytellers at the 1847 House, African-American stories from the site, and recordings from Jarrell family descendants.

Most Innovative Program on a Park
Go Tell it on Black Rock Mountain (Black Rock Mountain State Park in Clayton)

Black Rock Mountain State Park, their volunteer organization Black Rock Buddies, Foxfire Museum, and Rabun County Library partnered to create this program drawing 120 participants to the three locations. It included participatory campfire stories, cooking, creative writing, live music, and an evening storyteller.

Most Outstanding Maintenance Project
Michael Teel (Florence Marina State Park in Omaha)

Assistant Manager Michael Teel did much of the renovation on the park’s Kirbo Interpretive Center, including sheetrock, painting, electrical, HVAC, and lighting. He even contacted local landowners to collect wood from an 1840s schoolhouse to build the front porch. Teel spent eight months working on the museum while fulfilling his regular duties, saving the park $75,000 in contractor fees.

Outstanding Housekeeping Award
Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo

Four part-time housekeepers are responsible for cleaning nine cottages, 10 lodge rooms, and two conference rooms at this remote park in the Okefenokee Swamp. Several times throughout the past year, they received notes from happy park visitors and positive comments in surveys. These dedicated women include Carlene Rae, Sheryl Rogers, May Baker, Ruby Welch, and Penny Hendrix, who passed away last year.

Golf Superintendent of the Year
Shannon Crabb (Highland Walk Golf Course at Victoria Bryant State Park in Royston)

Crabb does an outstanding job maintaining Highland Walk Golf Course. He oversaw a renovation project to completely rebuild 21 sand traps, revamped the annual aeration process, and re-evaluated chemical application. He also prepared the course to host 30 school team golf matches last year.

School voucher push stumbling to finish with little time left to recover

By
Ross Williams
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Sen. Greg Dolezal walks through the House chamber as representatives debate his school voucher bill. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

(GA Recorder) — The latest plan to expand school vouchers in Georgia was dealt a blow Thursday when the House failed to hold a vote after more than an hour and a half of debate.

A Republican lawmaker said Senate Bill 233 was tabled because it did not have the votes to pass. GOP leadership could revive the bill if they believe they have enough support to pass it, but Wednesday is the final day of the 2023 Legislative session.

Cumming Republican Greg Dolezal’s proposed law would dedicate $6,500 to the family of any Georgia public school family that decided to withdraw their child from a low-performing school and educate them at home or a private school.

Voucher bills have been popular in GOP-led states, but Georgia lawmakers have struggled to grow the state’s limited program in recent years.

Advocates say they allow state funds to follow the child rather than the school district, letting parents tailor their children’s education to their specific needs.

“Instead of a top-down, one-size-fits-all system, we can move together in a grassroots approach that is inclusive and respects the dignity and unique gifts of every single child,” said Peachtree Corners Republican Rep. Scott Hilton. “Some students need specialized attention, a different teaching method, a specific curriculum. By giving families more options, we are not only improving educational opportunities, but we’re giving every child an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Some Democrats disagreed with that last part.

Atlanta Democratic Rep. Phil Olaleye said the bill would not be much help to children in rural Georgia, where there are fewer private schools or to children from families who cannot afford the difference between the scholarship amount and tuition.

“Who really stands to benefit from this voucher program? The winners are the privileged few families who have the means to make up the tuition bill expenses,” he said. “The losers? Hundreds of thousands of families who will be presented with a choice that is virtually out of reach. The biggest loser? Georgia schools that now have the impossible task of serving a concentrated pool of our most vulnerable children, creating even more impossible conditions for improvement and success.”

Powder Springs Democrat David Wilkerson balked at suggestions that the bill would be budget neutral because the $6,500 figure is based on the average state share of funds to educate a student.

The actual state share varies by grade level and other factors, and Wilkerson said he was concerned that passing the law during an economic boom time could put the state on the hook to fund private school educations when school dollars are more scarce.

“The bottom line is, whether you like this bill or not, we need to know the cost because what we’re doing is obligating money to students, making promises to families that we will have to continue going forward forever. And if we don’t know the cost now, how do we make that promise to the families that their kids will have that funding to go to private school?”

While the difference in opinion on the bill fell largely along party lines, some Democrats offered their support for the measure, including Rep. Mesha Mainor of Atlanta.

Mainor said she grew up in an area with an undesirable school system but her mother used a different address to send her to a different school. Comparing education to McDonald’s hamburgers, she said all families should have the same choice.

“If you went to McDonald’s every day and got a burnt hamburger and burnt fries, are you going to keep going back to that McDonald’s?” she asked. “That’s what the children are saying. I don’t want to go where the burnt hamburger is. I don’t want to go where the burnt fries are. I want a fresh hamburger. I want a fresh education. I want something different. Just give me something different.”

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