Georgia educators wary of Deal promises as Legislature readies for session

Officials with the Georgia Association of Educators and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators say they are wary of new Gov. Nathan Deal's State of the State address promises to end teacher furloughs and have schools funded for a full academic year without increasing taxes.

Lawmakers in North Georgia and across the state have all but promised that education - which accounts for well over 50 percent of the state budget - will be the primary target of budget cuts when the General Assembly reconvenes Jan. 24.

PAGE spokesman Tim Callahan said educators are "encouraged" by Deal's remarks last week, but he believes Georgia education's financial picture still is grim.

Marcus Downs with GAE says his group remains "cautiously optimistic" about the governor's plans and the upcoming session of the General Assembly. He said the association plans to support the pro-education proposals.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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