NEWS & OPINIONS
School Choice Expands the ‘Success Sequence’
According to scholars, America is increasingly becoming a society polarized between higher- and lower-income people. Whereas until recently a majority of Americans were considered middle class, now good jobs for those who only have a high school diploma are rapidly...
Will Georgia continue to be a leader in school choice?
With more than 17,000 students enrolled in scholarship programs, Georgia is a leader in educational opportunity, according to the 2016-2017 School Choice Yearbook put out by the American Federation for Children (AFC). In fact, the Peach State is seventh in the country...
Report: Atlanta’s charter schools are more cost-effective than traditional public schools
Do public charter schools deliver results in a more cost-effective way compared to traditional public schools? That’s the question addressed by a recent research report from the University of Arkansas (PDF download). The answer, it turns out, is unequivocally yes....
Will Georgia become the seventh state to pass Education Savings Accounts?
On Monday, lawmakers in the Georgia House Ways and Means Committee overwhelmingly passed House Bill 482, a measure that would make Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) a reality in the Peach State. Representatives Paul Battles (R- Cartersville), Allen Peake (R- Macon),...
The Marriage Toolbox
It’s National Marriage Week, so it’s a great time to take an inventory of your marriage. Here are some tools to help you more fully engage with your spouse and help strengthen your marriage. Do you know your love language? If not, or it’s been awhile, take the online...
Marriage is the Greatest Weapon of Our Time
Since the 1970s the marriage rate has gone from 80 percent of adults being married down to 52 percent. This rapid decline in marriage has caused an upward spike in the number of single parents living in poverty. How do we as a community combat this negative spiral...
A “bullet-proof” school choice bill
Georgia lawmakers are poised to consider several bills that would make education savings accounts (ESAs) a reality for students in our state. ESAs empower families with the option of leaving their local public school and choosing an educational option that better fits...
Two major school choice bills to keep an eye on for the 2018 legislative session
With much ceremony, the Georgia General Assembly kicked off the 2018 legislative session last week. Thanks to election-year buzz, candidates have fueled talk of big education reforms that could see needed movement. Because this session is expected to fly by, we have...
GCO advice on increasing employment gets hearing in D.C.
In the post below, Executive Vice President Eric Cochling talks about a recent visit with leaders in Washington D.C. and how GCO's work is being noticed on Capitol Hill. I have to admit that last week was a tiring whirlwind of activity, but it turned out to be a...
Another study confirms Georgians want more choice in education
As lawmakers prepare to head back to the Capitol in January, Georgians have now received a glimpse of some issues that might move the needle in the 2018 election cycle. A new study released by the Georgia College Department of Government and Sociology finds that...
Show some love: The Angel Tree program is about more than gifts
The Christmas season is often marked by joy, but for many children with incarcerated parents, the holidays can be a painful reminder of their mom or dad’s absence. The Georgia Center for Opportunity is committed to building healthy family relationships and enabling...
Georgia’s 3 largest counties show need for the Success Sequence
Georgia Center for Opportunity focuses policy reform efforts around the success sequence. Research shows that those who graduate from high school, get a job, get married, and have kids (in that order) are less likely to end up in poverty. In fact, only 2 percent who...
MEDIA MENTIONS
Meet 5 Chicago Tech Companies on the COVID-19 Front Lines | BUILT IN CHICAGO
They’re looking into 3D-printing N95 and N80 masks. They’re providing medical professionals with personal protective equipment made in-house. They’re distributing fanny-packs stuffed with medical supplies to healthcare providers. Tech companies across the nation are...
Business, policy leaders weigh in on what’s needed to help rebuild Georgia’s economy | BAKER CITY HERALD
While part of Georgia’s economy is scheduled to reopen Friday, business and policy leaders say the state needs to take action to secure long-term stability. Buzz Brockway, vice president of public policy for the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) – an independent...
CENTER SQUARE: Business, policy leaders weigh in on what’s needed to help rebuild Georgia’s economy
While part of Georgia’s economy is scheduled to reopen Friday, business and policy leaders say the state needs to take action to secure long-term stability. Buzz Brockway, vice president of public policy for the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) – an independent...
CENTER SQUARE: What they’re saying about Kemp’s decision to reopen Georgia
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's decision to reopen some of the state's businesses as soon as Friday amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic drew strong reactions. Even Kemp did not hold back in speaking his mind: "I don't give a damn about politics right now." Kemp announced...
BAKER CITY HERALD: Kemp reopens parts of Georgia’s economy; some businesses can open Friday
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced plans Monday to reopen certain businesses across the state, rolling back part of the stay-at-home order scheduled to expire April 30. Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, nail techs and...
CENTER SQUARE: Kemp reopens parts of Georgia’s economy; some businesses can open Friday
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced plans Monday to reopen certain businesses across the state, rolling back part of the stay-at-home order scheduled to expire April 30. Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, nail techs and...
WSAV – Georgia’s May primary could get postponed again
Humanitarian issues are the basis behind some concern that Georgia’s already postponed presidential primary election may get postponed a second time. The issue was brought up again after Governor Kemp’s order to shelter in place. Secretary of State Brad...
THE CENTER SQUARE – SNAP applications in Georgia jump sharply during COVID-19 crisis
Applications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have increased by 79 percent in less than a week in Georgia amid the COVID-19 outbreak, state officials said. The health crisis, which has led to the social distancing requirements and...
