HR275: HR275 State of Georgia; increase minimum school drop out age from 16 to 17 years old; support

25 LC 112 2921 House Resolution 275 By: Representatives Glaize of the 67th, McQueen of the 61st, and Dawson of the 65th A RESOLUTION Supporting an increase in the minimum school drop out age from 16 to 17 years old in the1 State of Georgia; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, in 2014, the State of Georgia had a high school graduation rate of 72.5 percent,3 significantly lower than the national average of 81 percent in 2013, and states with higher4 graduation rates have historically maintained a higher compulsory education age; and5 WHEREAS, a previous Atlanta Regional Commission study projected that by 2020, 606 percent of jobs in Georgia would require post-secondary education, yet only 38 percent of7 high school sophomores at the time were expected to pursue a degree or certificate; and8 WHEREAS, the economic impact of high school dropouts is substantial, with dropouts from9 the Class of 2010 alone estimated to cost the nation over $337 billion in lost wages over their10 lifetimes; and11 WHEREAS, the Alliance for Excellent Education found that over t he course of their12 lifetimes, high school dropouts earn about $260,000 less on ave rage than graduates, with13 additional research in 2006 revealing that 74 percent of dropouts later regret their decision14 as adults; and15 H. R. 275 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2921 WHEREAS, data published by the Journal of Public Economics indicates that individuals16 with additional years of schooling report better health, lower rates of depression, and greater17 life satisfaction; and18 WHEREAS, a report from the National Education Association showed that nearly 71 percent19 of incarcerated individuals lacked a high school diploma and th at an additional year of20 schooling reduces arrests by 11 to 18 percent; and21 WHEREAS, a 2021 analysis from CNN Money found that Georgia spen ds approximately22 $20,000 per year per inmate but only about $10,000 per student; and23 WHEREAS, research consistently demonstrates that states with a higher school-leaving age24 have better educational outcomes, higher employment rates, and greater economic stability,25 with a 2012 article from The New York Times estimating that for every dollar invested in26 increasing graduation rates, there is a return of $1.45 to $3.55; and27 WHEREAS, increasing the minimum dropout age to 17 will better p repare Georgia's28 workforce, strengthen the state's economy, and provide students with the opportunities29 necessary for long-term success.30 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that31 the members of this body support the increase of the minimum sc hool dropout age in the32 State of Georgia from 16 to 17 years old.33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the35 public and the press.36 H. R. 275 - 2 -