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Additional financial aid budgeted for Ga. students
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ATLANTA — An additional 8,722 students in Georgia would receive Pell grants if excessive lender subsidies are cut, according to a new report released by the Campaign for America’s Future. The report shows that this simple change would provide an average Pell grant of $3,010 to about 181,580 students across the state.

With the average cost of tuition at a public college in Georgia increasing by 19 percent between 2000 and 2007 and up 6 percent in the last year alone, President Obama’s budget calls for a cut in lender subsidies to make the financial aid system more efficient.

Campaign for America’s Future co-director Robert Borosage said the president’s budget proposals would make major changes to the federal financial aid system so more families can pay for college.

“Family incomes and college grants haven’t kept pace with soaring tuition costs,” said Borosage. “No student should be priced out of the college they need to succeed in the modern economy. With more and more high school graduates putting off higher education because they can’t afford it, the president’s budget would help provide the change students and families need.”

The college affordability proposals in the president’s budget would increase and expand Pell grants and Perkins loans, make the American Opportunity Tax Credit permanent, broaden the U.S. Department of Education Direct Loan program, phase out bank loan subsidies and create state and federal partnerships to help students complete their college education.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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