Georgia is giving $6,500 vouchers to parents of students in underperforming schools

ATLANTA, Ga. (WGXA) — The state of Georgia is planning on paying parents to either home-school their children or send them to private schools.

The $6,500 vouchers would be available to parents who have children attending Georgia’s worst-performing public schools.

That applies to 23 schools in Bibb County, two in Houston County, and three in Dublin.

The bill was revived after being dead last legislative session but now sees success by passing on Wednesday.

In the past, those opposed argued that the bill barely covers the cost of a private school.

Atlanta-area Senator Greg Dolezal sponsored the bill. He says the median cost for private schools in Georgia is around $8,000.

"Don't tell these parents that a $6,500 bridge can't change the life of their family, because it can," said Dolezal.

Despite critics, the bill passed with 33 yeas and 21 nays. Lawmakers celebrated the passage of the bill with cheers and applause.

Senator Ed Setzler supported the bill. He said it’s for parents who may struggle and want a better education for their children.

"This bill Senate Bill 233 is for those single moms out there working two jobs to keep the lights on who want school choice for their kids," said Setzler.

Once the bill gets signed into law, students who fall 4 times below the poverty line will go first.

The vouchers will help more than 21,000 students in the state.