Panel unanimously advances bill to rename GOSA and centralize education–workforce strategy

A Georgia Senate committee unanimously recommended passage of House Bill 1302, a broad education–workforce bill that renames the Governor's Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) and assigns it a coordination role across state workforce and education programs.

Representative Gamble introduced the bill with Alex Husky, the governor’s education policy advisor, who described the legislation as the final piece of the governor’s "Top State for Talent" initiative. Husky said the bill "designat[es] the governor's office of student achievement, GOSA, as the coordinator, not the doer, but just the coordinator to bring together the other agencies that are involved in this workforce conversation," and that the change consolidates responsibilities across the Department of Labor, Technical College System, University System and Department of Education.

Key provisions codify coordination for federally supported plans (Perkins and WIOA), require development of a cross-agency statewide education–workforce plan, assign the state apprenticeship agency role to TCSG at the U.S. Department of Labor's request, and establish or clarify pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship definitions and program eligibility tied to the state’s high-demand career list. Husky said the measure does not reallocate existing federal Perkins or WIOA dollars and that approximately $400,000 of redirected GOSA funds would be used to support the office's expanded coordination responsibilities.

Committee members asked for and received multiple clarifications about boards and rulemaking authorities (for example, which "board" would adopt implementation rules in certain sections) and about the extent to which the bill changes existing operational responsibilities. Husky and the author repeatedly characterized the bill as primarily organizational and clarificatory for purposes of alignment rather than a substantive program cut or funding shift.

Three witnesses representing education and business groups — Jody Reeves of the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education, Daniella Perry of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Tim Carroll of the Metro Atlanta Chamber — voiced support, saying the measure strengthens existing partnerships, preserves current funding streams and helps align training with employer needs. "House bill 13 o 2 builds on what is already working, but makes us stronger together," said Jody Reeves, executive director of the Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education.

Representative Howard moved that the committee "do pass" the bill; Senator Williams seconded. The chair called for hands and recorded no opposition, announcing a 6–0 vote in favor.

The committee advanced the bill without amendments in the hearing. Supporters said the change should improve statewide coordination of workforce initiatives and apprenticeship oversight while preserving current federal funding rules; committee questions focused on implementation details, agency responsibilities and the timeline for any administrative rulemaking.