Chairman Chris Erwin Announces Support from Georgia Education Leaders for the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026

ATLANTA - State Representative Chris Erwin (R-Homer), chairman of the House Education Committee, today announced that he has received a letter from several Georgia-based education organizations expressing their support for House Bill 1193, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026. The organizations offering their support include the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, the Georgia School Boards Association, the Georgia School Superintendents Association and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

"This support from these dedicated leaders in education speaks volumes about the critical need for this legislation," said Chairman Erwin. "We are grateful to Speaker Burns for his leadership in prioritizing early literacy and to these outstanding education organizations for their strong support of the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026. When the voices of educators, school leaders and policymakers come together, it sends a clear message about the importance of getting this right for Georgia's students."

"The House is honored to have the support of these organizations that have been incredible partners as we work to ensure every child across our great state has an opportunity to receive a quality education," said House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington). "Right now, only one in three children can read on grade level by the time they leave third grade, which is why it's time we make this critical investment in the future of our children and our state. We are committed to providing our teachers, literacy coaches and school systems with every resource they need to put this plan in action and get Georgia reading."

"Our organizations-the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders, the Georgia School Boards Association, the Georgia School Superintendents Association and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators-strongly support HB 1193, which affirms the goal of HB 538, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2023, of every student becoming a successful reader by third grade," the letter stated.

HB 1193 would strengthen early literacy across Georgia by funding school-based and regional literacy coaches in every K-3 school statewide. The legislation would also ensure high-quality instructional materials are available in every K-3 school and provide targeted, effective support for all K-3 teachers.

Representative Chris Erwin represents the citizens of District 32, which includes Banks and Stephens counties, as well as portions of Habersham and Jackson counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the Education Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, Insurance, Intragovernmental Coordination, Retirement, Rules and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.

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