The Democratic nominee for governor says she wants voters to decide if they want casino gambling revenue to fund education, while the Republican nominee wants to build on the state’s existing Pre-K program.
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Channel 2’s Richard Elliot reports both candidates squared off at a forum even though only one showed up in person.
Republican candidate Rick Jackson was a no-show at the candidate forum, but he did send in a video.
The group asked questions, and Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms was there to answer.
“Show me your budget, and I will show you your priorities,” Bottoms said.
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She answered questions about her plans for early education in Georgia if elected.
It was part of a larger candidate forum by Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students or GEEARS.
Bottoms plans to fully fund Georgia Pre-K and expand it to include 3-year-olds, and she plans to help families of the children by expanding Medicaid.
“To the supporters of GEEARS, thank you for all the hard work you do,” Jackson said.
He said he wanted to expand on Georgia’s existing Pre-K program and help families with child care.
“The program is ranked among the best in the nation for quality, and we’ll build on that foundation,” Jackson said. “I’ll also make quality care less costly for providers and more affordable for families.”
While Jackson was not there to talk to Elliot, Bottoms did after her appearance.
She explained that she would like to ask voters if they want to approve casino gambling in Georgia and use the revenue to help fund her education and health care goals.
“We know that we’ve got neighboring states that do have casino gambling, but it would allow us to keep that revenue within the state and then plug in the gaps where we can whether it be with education or health care in this state,” Bottoms said.
GEEARS also talked with candidates for school superintendent and lieutenant governor, though the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor did not show.
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