McBath Slams Proposed Tax on HOPE Scholarship

Tens of thousands of Georgia families could potentially be impacted by a new national Republican proposal to tax state scholarship program.

Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) of Georgia’s sixth district, is slamming national Republicans for their proposal to increase taxes on students and families in Georgia.

A document circulating from the GOP outlines revenue-generating strategies, among them a new tax on scholarship dollars that would include Georgia’s hallmark HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship programs.

“National Republicans are attempting to raise taxes on Georgia families,” said McBath. “The HOPE program is a beacon of light for young people who want to go to college and achieve their dreams.

“For decades, students in Georgia have known that if you worked hard in school and got good grades, the state would help you get through college and start a career. This new tax would threaten the financial security of Georgia’s families and undercut the hopes and dreams of thousands of students. I am horrified at this attempt — families in Georgia deserve better.”

About the HOPE Scholarship

During the 2023-2024 academic year, 187,437 students in Georgia received almost a billion dollars in scholarships and grants through the HOPE Program alone.

All of this award money, along with any other scholarships or grants that a student had earned, would now be considered taxable income if this proposal by Republicans were to become law.

The Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally (HOPE) Program launched in 1993 and has since provided more than $15 billion to more than 2.1 million students in financial assistance for educational programs after high school.

For more information, visit mcbath.house.gov.