Governor Perdue Signs Legislation Preserving HOPE Scholarship

TYRONE, GA - Governor Sonny Perdue signed legislation today to preserve the HOPE Scholarship Program for future generations before an assembly of parents, students, and teachers at Flat Rock Middle School in Fayette County.

"The HOPE Scholarship has made a college education accessible and affordable for thousands of students across our state, and this legislation will preserve Georgia's commitment to the thousands of deserving students yet to come," said Governor Sonny Perdue. 

The key provisions of House Bill 1325 to maintain HOPE through 2010 are as follows:

• A 3.0 grade point average will be needed to qualify beginning the summer of 2007.
• Fee payments will be capped at the amount paid on January 1, 2004.  Fees may still be increased by colleges and universities with students paying the difference.
• Triggers will kick in when the year end balance for HOPE funds falls below the previous fiscal year.

√  The first year the year end balance is lower than the year prior, book fees will be reduced to $150.00.

√  The second year the year end balance is lower than the year prior, book fees will be eliminated.

√  The third year the year end balance is lower than the year prior, student fees will be eliminated.

• The triggers relating to books will not apply to students eligible for the Pell Grant.
• All full-time students will undergo a new spring review to evaluate whether they have maintained a B average.  In addition, the current 30-60-90 hour reviews will remain.
• A joint legislative committee will be organized to monitor HOPE, Pre-K programs, and other programs that receive lottery funds.