Sen. Rogers Tackles Tough Issues

Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) tackled such issues as illegal immigrants, the HOPE Scholarship and the General Fund at Thursday's Town Hall Meeting at the Mountain View Library in Marietta.

Of greatest concern to attendees: the HOPE Scholarship Program.

Since 1993, more than one million high school students have attended college with the state paying the tuition through the HOPE Scholarship Program, funded by the state lottery. The program is the largest state-run merit-based scholarship program in the nation.

But now parts of the program are drying up.

According to Gov. Nathan Deal, the 2012 budget does not authorize HOPE expenditures beyond what the lottery brings in. 

“Therefore, we must act now to maintain this jewel known as HOPE,” he said during a recent legislative address.

In order to remain in the program, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Requirements to get the HOPE scholarship could change now that money is tight.

One thing is certain, the program will not disappear.

“HOPE is a unique treasure to Georgia,” Rogers recently told Fox 5 News. “This vital program is one of the greatest things Georgia has done to advance higher education and enhance economic development. HOPE has positive impact on our economy, our families, and our communities. The time to act is now. We must work toward a solution to ensure a bright and prosperous future for this grand legacy.”

The meeting, which started at 6:30 p.m., was well attended by taxpayers expressing concerns about the available money for the HOPE Scholarship, and the handling of illegal immigrants.

The meeting finished shortly before 8 p.m.

Rogers represents the 21st District, which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. He can be reached at 404-463-1378 or chip.rogers@senate.ga.gov.