State Sen. Jason Esteves appointed to the Georgia Council on Literacy

State Senator Jason Esteves, D-Atlanta, is among the legislative and citizen appointments made to the Georgia Council on Literacy by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. The passage of Senate Bill 211 led to the formation of a new council after this year’s legislative session. 

The new council is composed of 10 lawmakers and 20 citizens who have expertise in literacy and education. They will be tasked with evaluating problems related to literacy outcomes in Georgia and recommending improvements.

Senator Esteves represents part of East Cobb and previously served on the Atlanta school board. Said Esteves, “I look forward to serving as a member of the Georgia Council on Literacy. As a former educator and parent, I have witnessed firsthand the impacts of declining literacy rates in our classrooms. The Council reflects an important step towards combating this issue and working towards the goal of providing every student with a quality education.”

Said Lt. Governor Burt Jones upon making his appointments, “I want to thank Senator Billy Hickman for his leadership on Senate Bill 211 and the Majority Caucus for making literacy a top priority for this session. Increasing literacy rates for students across Georgia is a critical investment to ensure Georgia’s students have the foundation of reading. Each of the appointees are experts on this issue and bring a variety of experience and ideas to the table for a robust and thorough discussion on how we can increase literacy rates across the state and help young Georgians succeed.”

The following members will serve on the 30 member council:

• Senator Clint Dixon (R – Buford) – Chairman Senate Education and Youth Committee
• Senator Billy Hickman (R – Statesboro) – Chairman Senate Higher Education Committee
• Senator Blake Tillery (R – Vidalia) – Chairman Senate Appropriations Committee
• Senator Jason Esteves (D – Atlanta)
• Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D – Dawson)
• Katie Bennett, Teacher
• Jaillene Hunter, Board of Education Member
• Dr. Bubba Longgrear, Superintendent
• Malcolm Mitchell, Literacy Advocate

To review the full text of SB 211 and additional information on the Georgia Council on Literacy, please follow this link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64512