A Georgia bill set to be introduced this week seeks to extend HOPE scholarship benefits to some Tennessee residents.
The bill by Rep. Tom Weldon, R-Ringgold, would give benefits to residents who live south of the 35th parallel, the disputed area of Tennessee that Georgia contends actually is part of the Peach State.
“Tennessee and Georgia have both recognized the 35th parallel as being the border between the two states,” Weldon said.
So, Weldon said, it’s only fair that Georgia extend benefits such as HOPE to those residents.
The problem started in 1826 when a stone marker was laid to note the state line. Because of a math error, the marker was placed a mile south of the actual 35th parallel.