SR704: SR704 Raising Expectations; congratulate

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It honors Raising Expectations, a nonprofit co-founded by Maria Armstrong and Tangee Allen, as the organization marks 30 years of service. The resolution describes the group's work serving more than 3,500 youth who qualify for free or reduced price meals and are first-generation college students, offering academic, leadership, and college-to-career programs from middle school through the workforce. It also notes enrichment offerings like the Summer Pathfinder Workforce Programs and Take a Student to College Day. The Senate formally congratulates the organization and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send it a copy of the resolution.

• Formally congratulates and commends Raising Expectations for 30 years of community service work.
• States the Senate's recognition of the organization's programs supporting youth from middle school through college and into the workforce.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Raising Expectations.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a symbolic statement of the Senate's position.

The resolution directly names Raising Expectations and its co-founders, Maria Armstrong and Tangee Allen. It also references the more than 3,500 youth and families in the Atlanta area the organization has served over three decades.

The resolution has no legal effect on Georgians generally; it does not change any law, spend any money, or create any obligation. Its practical effect is limited to giving the organization formal recognition from the Georgia Senate.

• The whereas clauses describe Raising Expectations' 30-year history, its founders, and the population it serves: youth who qualify for free or reduced price meals and are first-generation college students.
• The whereas clauses list specific programs, including the Summer Pathfinder Workforce Programs, the Real Estate Enrichment Program, Take a Student to College Day, and literacy programs.
• The resolved clause has the Senate congratulate and commend the organization and wish it continued success.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Raising Expectations.

1. 2026-02-05Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-04Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)Primary sponsor
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)

• community organizations
• youth programs
• Atlanta
• legislative honors