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HR 527

CONGRATS-ANDREW FREIHEIT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Tony McCombie

The bill designates Georgia Pre-K Week and honors Andrew Freiheit, but it is ceremonial and does not create law or funding.

Resolution Adopted
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Bill Summary · HR 527

Summary — H.R. 527 (House Resolution) — CONGRATS‑ANDREW FREIHEIT

Status: Resolution adopted (Introduced Jan 16, 2025; Adopted Mar 31, 2025; Final adoption noted Oct 28, 2025)

Main purpose

This resolution performs two largely ceremonial actions:
1. Recognizes October 6–10, 2025 as "Georgia Pre‑K Week," thanks the educators and staff who support Georgia’s Pre‑K program, and encourages public support for high‑quality, accessible early childhood education.
2. Congratulates Andrew Freiheit on his induction into the Samuel K. Gove Illinois Legislative Internship Program Hall of Fame and thanks him for long public service as an Illinois House Republican staffer and chief of staff.

Both elements are non‑binding ceremonial resolutions rather than measures that create law or allocate funds.

Key provisions and language

  • Officially designates October 6–10, 2025 as Georgia Pre‑K Week.
  • Expresses appreciation to Pre‑K teachers, aides, programs and community supporters; encourages parents, educators, community and business leaders to participate in Georgia Pre‑K Week and to support accessible, affordable early education.
  • Notes that the Clerk of the Georgia House is authorized to provide an appropriate copy of the resolution to Voices for Georgia’s Children.
  • Congratulates Andrew Freiheit on his Hall of Fame induction and directs that a suitable copy of the resolution be presented to him as a symbol of respect and esteem.

Background and supporting facts cited in the resolution

  • Georgia Pre‑K began as a 1992 pilot serving 750 students; administered statewide by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning since 2004.
  • The Georgia Lottery Corporation has appropriated more than $9 billion for Georgia Pre‑K since inception.
  • The program currently serves more than 73,000 children annually in about 3,700 classrooms across all 159 Georgia counties; ranked ninth nationally for access for four‑year‑olds.
  • Cites longitudinal research (Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute) demonstrating sustained learning gains through fourth grade.
  • Recognizes two 2024–2025 Teachers of the Year for Georgia Pre‑K: Elizabeth Arthur (public school) and Rachel Robertson (private child care).
  • References recommendations from a 2023 House Working Group on Early Childhood Education (examples: restore class sizes to 20, increase assistant teacher pay, pursue pay parity with K–12 teachers, raise operating funds, count Pre‑K enrollment in public school entitlement earnings, equalize lease payments for private providers).
  • Andrew Freiheit’s résumé highlights included: long service in Illinois legislative staffing, work on Cook County property tax reforms (P.A. 89‑126), roles as ethics officer and general counsel, chief of staff under House Republican leaders, operational leadership during the 2015–17 budget impasse and COVID‑19 pandemic, retirement July 31, 2025, and Hall of Fame induction Oct 27, 2025.

Who is affected

  • Directly: None in a legal/financial sense — the resolution is symbolic.
  • Indirectly: Georgia Pre‑K programs, educators, families, and advocacy groups (the resolution raises public awareness and encourages support). Andrew Freiheit is publicly honored.

Legislative timeline / procedural notes

  • Introduced: Jan 16, 2025; referred to House Committee on Natural Resources (per record).
  • Readings, placement on calendars, and adoption actions occurred through March 2025 (House read and adopted Mar 6; adopted Mar 31). Final adoption and filing entries appear in Oct 2025 (Oct 24 filing with Clerk; Oct 28 adopted as agreed resolution).
  • The resolution is adopted and ceremonial copies are to be provided as directed.

Impact and limitations

  • Impact is primarily symbolic: raises awareness of Georgia Pre‑K Week and acknowledges program achievements and needs; publicly honors an individual’s public service.
  • The resolution does not appropriate funds, change statutes, or establish new programs or mandates. Any policy or funding changes suggested in the working‑group recommendations would require separate legislative action.

Sponsors (as listed)

Brittany Pettersen (primary), Brian K. Fitzpatrick (cosponsor), Jay Obernolte (cosponsor), Carmen Rice (primary), Jan Jones (primary), Bethany Ballard (primary), Scott Hilton (primary), Matt Dubnik (primary), Chris Erwin (primary), Tony M. McCombie (primary).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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