HR 275: State of Georgia; increase minimum school drop out age from 16 to 17 years old; support

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 the State of Georgia; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, in 2014, the State of Georgia had a high school graduation rate of 72.5 percent, significantly lower than the national average of 81 percent in 2013, and states with higher graduation rates have historically maintained a higher compulsory education age; and

WHEREAS, a previous Atlanta Regional Commission study projected that by 2020, 60 percent of jobs in Georgia would require post-secondary education, yet only 38 percent of high school sophomores at the time were expected to pursue a degree or certificate; and

WHEREAS, the economic impact of high school dropouts is substantial, with dropouts from the Class of 2010 alone estimated to cost the nation over $337 billion in lost wages over their lifetimes; and

WHEREAS, the Alliance for Excellent Education found that over the course of their lifetimes, high school dropouts earn about $260,000 less on average than graduates, with additional research in 2006 revealing that 74 percent of dropouts later regret their decision as adults; and

WHEREAS, data published by the Journal of Public Economics indicates that individuals with additional years of schooling report better health, lower rates of depression, and greater life satisfaction; and

WHEREAS, a report from the National Education Association showed that nearly 71 percent of incarcerated individuals lacked a high school diploma and that an additional year of schooling reduces arrests by 11 to 18 percent; and

WHEREAS, a 2021 analysis from CNN Money found that Georgia spends approximately $20,000 per year per inmate but only about $10,000 per student; and

WHEREAS, research consistently demonstrates that states with a higher school-leaving age have better educational outcomes, higher employment rates, and greater economic stability, with a 2012 article from The New York Times estimating that for every dollar invested in increasing graduation rates, there is a return of $1.45 to $3.55; and

WHEREAS, increasing the minimum dropout age to 17 will better prepare Georgia's workforce, strengthen the state's economy, and provide students with the opportunities necessary for long-term success.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body support the increase of the minimum school dropout age in the State of Georgia from 16 to 17 years old.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.