Atlanta, January 20, 2026 — Governor Brian Kemp announced January 20 that Georgia will participate in the nation’s first federal school voucher program, joining only eight other states including Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas.
The program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025), allows taxpayers to donate up to $1,700 toward K-12 scholarships in exchange for a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. It begins January 1, 2027, with no funding cap or end date.
Students from families earning up to 300% of their county’s median income. In Fulton County, households making up to $275,000 annually qualify. Funds can cover private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, and transportation.
Georgia’s Existing Programs:
QEEC Program (since 2008): State tax credit scholarships, capped at $120 million/year
Georgia Promise Scholarship (2025): $6,500 awards for students in lowest-performing schools; 7,700+ students funded in year one
Supporters say it empowers family choice in education. Critics argue it will drain public school funding and primarily benefit higher-income families. Federal estimates range from $2.7 billion to tens of billions annually, depending on participation. Treasury regulations are still pending.
