NEWS & OPINIONS
Add South Carolina and Indiana to the list of states enacting nearly universal educational opportunity
Key states are adopting education legislation while Georgia continues to fall behind and leaves students and parents out of the conversation.
Are Work Requirements Good or Bad?
The discussion around work requirements is important because it challenges us to ask, “What is the purpose of our safety net system?”
Businesses fleeing cities over crime is a warning sign we can’t ignore
Crime is causing businesses to flee communities already experiencing a lack of opportunity. This is having an impact on healthcare, jobs, and social health.
National Police Week: Community Benefits of a Strong Police Force
Along with remembering these local heroes, Police Week is an opportunity to reflect on the role law enforcement has in building vibrant communities where everyone can achieve their potential.
Georgia parents deserve full transparency from state school systems
Key Points Georgia received a waiver from reporting its College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) metrics, including the A-F grading system for schools. The CCRPI metrics assess student performance, including comprehension of class content and preparedness...
Inflation is becoming worse for Americans on a fixed income
Today, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that in April the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.4%, not seasonally adjusted. Year over year, the CPI has gone up 4.9% in the last 12 months. The Georgia Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) take: “Not only has the...
Free the Future Campaign Making an Impact in Columbus
Key Points Free the Future is an initiative of the Mayor of Columbus Georgia’s Commission on Reentry, in partnership with the Urban League of the Chattahoochee Valley. The Georgia Center for Opportunity’s BETTER WORK Columbus program director, Kristin Barker, is...
Navigating the current economic crisis: A guide to surviving the job market
Key Points As of March 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a nationwide unemployment rate of 3.5%. Well-known companies are conducting large-scale layoffs—in some cases, laying off tens of thousands of employees. The BETTER WORK program can help you take...
Why parental involvement is key to a child’s health
Key Points Parental involvement makes a big difference in children's development. Students with involved parents have better attendance and behavior, get better grades, demonstrate better social skills and adapt better to school. Parents need access to tools, which is...
Education successes from the 2023 Georgia legislative session
We have much to celebrate as the 2023 Georgia legislative session comes to a close. At the same time, there is still much work to be done. That’s what this blog post is all about. First, we’ll take a look at recent victories in the area of education during the...
Lyft and BETTER WORK Unite
Key Points Transportation is a barrier for some when it comes to maintaining employment. Lyft saw a need in the community and stepped in to fill the gap. Lyft’s free rides have assisted BETTER WORK participants and given them time to make a plan. “You’re hired!”...
Georgia is poised to expand workforce opportunity
Key Points Georgia General Assembly, lawmakers unanimously approved House Bill 155, which creates a pathway for thousands of Georgians who might face roadblocks to getting an occupational license to smooth the path for doing so, provided they held a license One in...
MEDIA MENTIONS
Opinion: A path that could reduce Atlanta’s juvenile crime
In January, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens launched the “Year of the Youth” plan to combat juvenile crime rates in the city. The issue is a pressing one. Consider that in 2022, 19 of the 170 homicide victims in Atlanta were children. Deshon DuBose, a 13-year-old, is...
State’s occupational license requirement for lactation consultants violates the state constitution
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled late last week that the state’s occupational license requirement for lactation consultants violates the state constitution. As the Institute for Justice reports, “The licensure law would have required even experienced lactation care...
Facing Difficulties Due to Criminal Background
A bipartisan group of lawmakers made their case for school choice in Georgia, saying parents should have the opportunity to choose better schools for their children. During this year’s session, Georgia lawmakers killed Senate Bill 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship...
Brockway: Utah’s ‘One Door’ Policy Shows The Way Forward On Safety-Net Reforms
Below is an opinion column by Buzz Brockway: The April unemployment report shows that job opportunities remain at historic highs across the country. In fact, the report came in better than expected at a 3.4% unemployment rate, exceeding expectations for the resilience...
Group says Georgia lawmakers missed a chance to expand educational opportunities
Georgia lawmakers missed an opportunity to expand educational opportunities for Peach State students when they failed to pass a bill to establish state-funded education savings accounts, a nonprofit said Thursday. The Georgia Center for Opportunity pointed to Indiana...
Utah’s ‘One Door’ Policy Shows the Way Forward on Safety-net Reforms
By Buzz Brockway The April unemployment report shows that job opportunities remain at historic highs across the country. In fact, the report came in better than expected at a 3.4% unemployment rate, exceeding expectations for the resilience and strength of the labor...
Indiana and South Carolina join a growing list of states expanding educational opportunity in 2023
“We’re seeing an increasing tide of states choosing to give all students access to the best education for their unique needs. It’s a shame that Georgia didn’t join that list this year,”
Leland Conway: Josh Crawford Talks Robbery, Homicide, Pro Criminals and more on Apple Podcasts
Josh Crawford Talks Robbery, Homicide, Pro Criminals and more with Leland Conway. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on iHeart
