Governor Brian P. Kemp, alongside Speaker Jon Burns and members of the Georgia General Assembly, has enacted four new laws aimed at enhancing Georgia’s workforce and supporting students and families statewide. The legislation includes HB 192, HB 38, HB 172, and SB 85, which focus on investing in Georgia’s talent pipeline and updating existing programs.
Governor Kemp stated, “We’re proud Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business for an unprecedented 11 consecutive years. To build on that success, I announced at last year’s Workforce Summit that we would make Georgia not only the best state for business but the Top State for Talent! Today, I am proud to sign the Top State for Talent Act, further aligning our education pipeline with the knowledge and skills that job creators are looking for.”
The Top State for Talent Act (HB 192), sponsored by Representative Matthew Gambill and Senator Drew Echols, codifies the Georgia MATCH program into state law. The College Completion Grant Extension (HB 38), sponsored by Representative Chuck Martin and Senator Max Burns, extends the college completion grant program through 2029 while lowering degree completion thresholds to increase student eligibility in both the University System of Georgia (USG) and Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).
The Rural Veterinary Loan Program Update (HB 172), sponsored by Representative David Huddleston and Senator Matt Brass, increases loan amounts for veterinarians specializing in food animals in rural areas from $80,000 over four years to $90,000 over three years. The Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Program (SB 85), sponsored by Senator Matt Brass and Representative Trey Kelley, offers up to $30,000 annually to eligible foster youth pursuing postsecondary education after other grants or scholarships are applied.
Governor Kemp thanked all bill sponsors and stakeholders involved in these initiatives:
– HB 192: Rep. Matthew Gambill, Sen. Drew Echols
– HB 38: Rep. Chuck Martin, Sen. Max Burns
– HB 172: Rep. David Huddleston, Sen. Matt Brass
– SB 85: Sen. Matt Brass, Rep. Trey Kelley
