Big news for Peach State educators as Governor Brian P. Kemp signs Senate Bill 464 into law, bringing in additional funds for teachers to purchase school supplies. The bill, shepherded through the Senate by Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Gwinnett), mandates the State Board of Education to establish a new program within the Department of Education. This program will allocate funds to eligible teachers for online purchases. Additionally, the bill includes a provision to implement universal reading screeners in every Georgia public school.

"In signing SB 464 into law, Gov. Kemp has taken a significant step toward advancing education in Georgia," Sen. Dixon said in a statement obtained by the Senate Press. He touts the bill as a one-two punch that not only puffs up the Georgia Early Literacy Act but also gives teachers and students a hand they badly need. Dixon tipped his hat to Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro) for not dropping the ball on literacy advocacy and gave a shout out to those who had their oars in the water on this legislation.

School’s not out for Senator Hickman either, who praised the bill's dedication to Georgia's teachers, parents, and young learners. "SB 464 significantly contributes to supporting our teachers, parents and students here in Georgia," he said, acknowledging Sen. Dixon's lead role on the legislation and his continuous efforts to bump up the state's educational marks, as reported by the Senate Press.

With Governor Kemp's signature drying, the bill is officially Georgia law. This new legislation stacks the deck in favor of educators, promising they’ll have what they need to keep classrooms full of pencils, paper, and potential. A state getting behind its teachers – now that's an assignment worth completing.