Burt Jones 2-19-26

Burt Jones, Lieutenant Governor has been endorsed by President Trump. His resume is included below: 

Burt Jones is a successful businessman, community leader, former State Senator and the 13th Lieutenant Governor of the state of Georgia. Burt has a proven record of creating jobs, growing a successful business, and delivering results for Georgia families. A sixth-generation Jackson native, Burt works with his family’s business, Jones Petroleum, where he has served as an integral part of growing the diverse, multi-faceted company, employing nearly 2,000 Georgians. Burt also founded JP Capital & Insurance, Inc., a risk-management company specializing in retail insurance brokerage.

Before his business career, Burt was a student-athlete and a four-year letterman for the University of Georgia football team. As a former walk-on, Lt. Governor Burt Jones was elected by his teammates as permanent team captain for the 2002 season, helping guide the team to its first SEC Championship in 20 years. 

Burt was elected to the State Senate for Georgia’s 25th District in 2012. During his time in the State Senate, Burt delivered significant wins for his district, including the creation of hundreds of new jobs and two new rural hospitals. Burt also focused on expanding educational opportunities with 8 career and technical colleges.

As Lieutenant Governor, he has focused on lowering taxes, improving our K-12 and higher education system, standing with law enforcement to strengthen public safety, and creating more opportunities for every family in Georgia to succeed.

Burt lives in Jackson with his wife, Jan, and their two children, Stella and Banks, where they are active members of Rock Springs Church.

https://ltgov.georgia.gov/burt-jones

Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones lives in Jackson, Georgia, where he is active in his community and family business. Rock Spring, a rural, unincorporated community in Walker County, Georgia, is located in the northwest part of the state, approximately 30 minutes south of Chattanooga, TN, near LaFayette and Chickamauga. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=where+does+Burt+Jones+live+and+where+is+rock+springs+in+walker+county+georgia+located

Based on information from early 2026, Burt Jones is not the only Georgia Republican candidate Donald Trump has endorsed for the upcoming election cycle, although he is the only one he has backed for the 2026 gubernatorial race so far. 

Burt Jones (Governor): Trump has given his "complete and total endorsement" to Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones for the 2026 Georgia governor's race, praising him as a loyal ally and "warrior".

Clay Fuller (U.S. House): In February 2026, Trump endorsed former district attorney Clay Fuller in the crowded special election to replace former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's 14th Congressional District. 

While Jones has highlighted his endorsement to differentiate himself in the gubernatorial primary against competitors like Attorney General Chris Carr and Rick Jackson, Trump has weighed in on other races in the state. 

No, Burt Jones is not the only Georgia Republican candidate Donald Trump has endorsed for the 2026 election cycle. 

While Burt Jones is currently the only Trump-endorsed candidate for Governor, Trump has also officially backed candidates in other Georgia races: 

Clay Fuller: On February 4, 2026, Trump endorsed Clay Fuller for the special election to fill the 14th Congressional District seat formerly held by Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Burt Jones: Trump first officially endorsed Burt Jones for Governor on August 11, 2025. 

Trump has reportedly issued an "array of posts endorsing candidates for various state races" recently, though Jones and Fuller are the most prominent beneficiaries in high-profile Georgia contests as of early February 2026. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=is+burt+jones+the+only+georgia+republican+candidate+trump+has+endorsed+google+ai

Comments

Burt Jones lives in “Rural Georgia” and understands the need for job reshoring to “Rural US”
cities and counties.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Georgia Tax Reduction 2-19-26

Based on proposals from a special Senate committee initiated by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in early 2026, the primary state tax slated for reduction and eventual elimination is the Georgia personal income tax.  

As part of a plan to phase out the personal income tax by 2032, Jones is pushing for significant tax changes affecting the 2027 budget year: 

Massive Standard Deduction Increase (Targeted 2027): The core proposal involves raising the state's standard deduction to $50,000 for individual filers and $100,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Impact: This change is designed to effectively make the first $50,000/$100,000 of income tax-free for residents, which would eliminate state income tax liability for approximately two-thirds of Georgia workers starting in 2027.

Reduced Income Tax Rates: Under Senate Bill 477, the personal income tax rate is proposed to decrease to 4.49% for tax year 2027, following a reduction to 4.99% in 2026.

Business Tax Changes: The plan includes lowering the corporate income tax rate to 4.99%.

Elimination of Tax Breaks: To pay for these cuts, the proposal includes eliminating or modifying numerous tax breaks, including those for high-tech data centers and certain insurance company investments. 

These proposals are part of a broader campaign by Jones to eliminate the state income tax entirely by 2032. 

For 2027, Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones is spearheading a major plan to significantly lower personal income taxes by increasing exemptions and accelerating rate reductions. As a centerpiece of his 2026 gubernatorial campaign, Jones aims to fully eliminate the state income tax by 2032. 

Key Tax Changes Planned for 2027

According to the report from the Senate Special Committee on Eliminating Georgia's Income Tax, the primary changes proposed for the 2027 tax year include:

Massive Exemption Increases: Raising the standard deduction so the first $50,000 of income for single filers and $100,000 for married couples filing jointly would be tax-free.

Personal Income Tax Rate Cut: Reducing the flat individual income tax rate to 4.49% in 2027, down from a projected 4.99% in 2026.

Tax Relief Scope: The proposed increase in exemptions is estimated to completely eliminate state income tax liability for approximately two-thirds of working Georgians starting in 2027. 

Broader Long-Term Tax Strategy

Beyond the immediate 2027 targets, Jones' broader fiscal platform includes:

Corporate Income Tax: Lowering the corporate rate to 4.99% as early as 2026 to remain economically competitive with neighboring states.

Property Tax Reform: Limiting year-to-year increases in home values for property tax purposes to address rising housing costs.

Offsetting Revenue Loss: To fund these cuts, the plan suggests eliminating or modifying roughly two dozen corporate tax breaks and "giveaways" while utilizing state budget surpluses. 

5.19% 2025

4.99% 2026

4.49% 2027

3.99% 2028

0%      2032

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+georgia+state+taxes+is+burt+jones+planning+to+lower+in+2027+google+ai

Comments

I expect Burt Jones may be able to join the “no state income tax group” before 2032.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Education Plans 2-19-26

Lt. Governor Burt Jones is prioritizing the expansion of school choice, fostering, and safety measures for Georgia public schools in the 2025-2026 legislative sessions. Key initiatives include expanding the Georgia Promise Scholarship to foster families, supporting Senate Bill 446 for continued scholarship funding, implementing strict school safety measures, and focusing on workforce development through educational partnerships.  

Key 2025-2026 Education Initiatives & Planning:

Georgia Promise Scholarship Expansion (SB 233/SB 446): Jones championed the Georgia Promise Scholarship, which provides funds for educational expenses outside the public school system. For the 2025-2026 sessions, he is focusing on expanding eligibility to foster children and securing permanent funding for these scholarships.

School Safety Measures: Following legislative action in early 2025, plans include mandatory mobile panic alert systems in schools, increased penalties for threats, and requiring high-needs schools to adopt positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).

Workforce Development & Teacher Prep: Jones supports linking education to workforce needs, including fostering partnerships between businesses and schools. He also supports initiatives like the new elementary education program at Savannah State University.

Parental Rights and Curriculum: A central theme of his agenda is "putting parents in the driver's seat" of their children's education, emphasizing educational freedom and, as {Link: of Jan 2026 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUBNKk2gCOD/} indicated, continued support for school choice initiatives.

While there is active implementation of artificial intelligence curriculum (AI4GA) in some Georgia schools to improve digital literacy, Lt. Governor Jones' public, legislative priorities currently focus more on school choice, safety, and funding mechanisms. 

Lt. Governor Burt Jones’ current plans for Georgia public school improvement focus heavily on expanding "school choice," enhancing safety infrastructure, and addressing the teacher shortage. 

1. Expansion of School Choice

Jones has positioned school choice as a primary driver for school improvement, arguing that empowering parents through competition forces schools to improve. 

Senate Bill 446 (2026): Jones is prioritizing this bill to codify Georgia’s permanent participation in a federal tax credit program for scholarship-granting organizations.

Foster Care Expansion: He is championing Senate Bill 152, which would expand the Georgia Promise Scholarship to include biological and adoptive children of foster parents, providing $6,500 for private tuition or tutoring.

Funding Restoration: He has pledged to restore $100 million to the Promise Scholarship program after it was previously cut in House budget proposals. 

2. School Safety Enhancements

Following major security concerns, Jones is backing several "practical initiatives" to harden school campuses: 

"Alyssa’s Law": A priority to require all public schools to install mobile panic alarm systems linked directly to emergency responders.

Security Grants: Support for $50 million in one-time safety grants for school systems to use for their specific security needs.

Stricter Penalties: Pushing for legislation that tries juveniles as adults for attempted homicides or terroristic threats directed at schools. 

3. Teacher Workforce & Literacy

Jones is addressing the "formative years" of education by targeting teacher shortages and early reading: 

Teacher Pipeline: He recently supported expanding Savannah State University’s teacher education program to specifically combat the shortage of elementary school teachers.

Literacy Support: He supports the Georgia Literacy Act of 2026 (HB 1193), which invests in literacy coaches and aligns school curriculum with the "science of reading" to ensure proficiency by the end of third grade. 

4. Other Key Initiatives

Vocational Training: Prioritizing funding for technical education labs in high schools to equip students for high-demand workforce careers.

Mental Health: Allocating nearly $50 million for student mental health support and crisis counseling.

Curriculum Oversight: Continuing to advocate for a ban on "divisive concepts" (critical race theory) and emphasizing civics-based education. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+burt+jones+planning+for+georgia+public+school+improvement+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

School Vouchers 2-19-26

Yes, Georgia Democrats are heavily opposed to the school voucher and school choice initiatives championed by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in 2025 and 2026. 

Based on reports and activities in early 2026, the opposition centers on the following:

Diverting Public Funds: Democrats argue that programs like the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act (SB 233) and new federal tax credit programs—which Lt. Gov. Jones has aggressively supported—divert necessary funding away from public education.

Repeal Efforts: Democratic state lawmakers have introduced legislation to repeal the Georgia Promise Scholarship, which provides $6,500 in taxpayer-funded vouchers to students in low-performing schools to attend private institutions.

Opposition to 2026 Expansion: As Lt. Gov. Jones pushed to expand school choice and participated in opting Georgia into a new federal tax credit program in January 2026, Democrats and progressive think tanks, such as the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, criticized these moves as a "handout to upper-class parents" that does not hold private schools accountable.

Budget Cuts Resistance: In early 2026, as the Georgia House sought to cut funding for the voucher program due to lower-than-expected demand, Democrats generally supported restricting these funds, while Jones and other Republicans pushed to maintain or expand them. 

WRDW +4

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, running for governor in 2026, has made school choice a priority for the 2026 legislative session, including Senate Bill 446 to formalize participation in federal tax credit programs for private education. 

Yes, Georgia Democrats remain firmly opposed to school vouchers in 2026, viewing them as a "scheme" that diverts essential funding from the state's public school system. 

Facebook +1

As Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (a Republican candidate for Governor in 2026) continues to advocate for the expansion of programs like the Georgia Promise Scholarship, Democratic lawmakers have actively pushed for their repeal. 

Democratic Party of Georgia +1

Key Reasons for Democratic Opposition

Diverting Public Funds: Democrats, such as State Sen. Kim Jackson, argue that the state should prioritize investing in public schools rather than subsidizing private education through tax credits and vouchers.

Inequity and Access: Opponents like State Rep. Floyd Griffin contend that vouchers primarily benefit families who can already afford private school tuition, leaving low-income and rural students—who lack transportation or cannot cover the remaining tuition costs—at a disadvantage.

Lack of Accountability: The Georgia House Democratic Caucus has pointed to other states to claim that such programs often lack fiscal oversight and do not lead to improved academic outcomes.

Concerns Over Scaling: In early 2026, Democratic state senators questioned the need to permanently enroll Georgia in new federal voucher programs, preferring annual oversight instead. 

Savannah Morning News +4

Political Context (2026)

The voucher debate is a central issue in the 2026 Gubernatorial race. While Burt Jones touts the Promise Scholarship as the "largest school choice victory" in Georgia history, Georgia Democrats label his broader fiscal and educational platform as an "extreme policy" out of touch with the needs of most Georgians. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=are+georgia+democrats+opposed+to+school+vouchers+proposed+by+burt+jones+in+2026

Comments

The Georgia Legislature controls the requirements that Georgia Public Schools must adhere to.    School Vouchers offer Public Schools to clean up their act.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Georgia Education Curricula 2-19-26

For 2026, Georgia is prioritizing AI-powered personalized learning, career-technical education (CTAE) expansion, and comprehensive literacy supports. Key initiatives include integrating AI in classrooms for adaptive tutoring, introducing mandatory K-12 digital literacy standards by the 2027-2028 school year, and expanding high-demand career labs, reported by Fox 5 Atlanta.  

CBS News +4

Key 2026 Curriculum and Educational Improvements:

AI Integration & Digital Literacy: A new mandate requires K-12 digital literacy instruction (covering online safety and AI use) to be incorporated into curricula, with standards for this to be fully implemented in schools by the 2027-2028 school year.

AI Powered Personalization: New charter schools, such as Power Public Schools, are launching with models focused on AI-driven personalized learning and, by 2026, districts are increasingly adopting AI tools for tailored math/literacy support.

Career Focused Curriculum: The state is investing heavily in CTAE, with proposed funding for high-demand career labs in high schools and partnerships like Find Your Grind to prepare students for modern workforce demands, reported by Find Your Grind.

Core Subject Focus: The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is prioritizing expanded access to literacy and math supports, along with increased funding for arts, music, and physical education.

Civic Education: As part of a renewed focus, every 4th-grade student will receive a personal copy of the U.S. Constitution. 

Georgia.gov +6

These initiatives are supported by proposed 2026 budget plans, which include $402.2 million in new K-12 funding, as stated in Georgia.gov.

Georgia's public school curriculum in 2026 is undergoing a significant transformation focused on structured literacy, math proficiency, and digital integration. Key improvements include the full implementation of new English Language Arts (ELA) standards and new legislative pushes for "Math Matters" initiatives. 

Core Subject Overhauls

English Language Arts (ELA): Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, Georgia has replaced its previous standards with new, "Georgia-grown" K–12 ELA standards.

Science of Reading: The curriculum now emphasizes phonics-based learning and a "Foundations" domain for early grades.

Cursive Writing: New standards require students in grades 3 through 5 to receive instruction in reading and writing cursive.

Literacy Coaches: The Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 (HB 1193) proposes funding for dedicated literacy coaches in every K–3 public school to support these new standards.

Mathematics (The Math Matters Act): Proposed legislation (HB 1030) aims to guarantee access to advanced math in middle and high schools and mandates 60 minutes of daily math instruction for grades 4 and 5. 

Georgia Department of Education +5

Digital & AI Integration

Digital Literacy Standards: The Georgia Digital Literacy Act (HB 1269) mandates grade-level instruction in digital literacy for K–12, covering online safety, data management, and responsible technology use, with full implementation by the 2027–2028 school year.

AI-Powered Learning: New charter schools, such as Power Public Schools (opening 2027), are being approved with models centered on AI-powered personalized learning and early college pathways.

Google AI Partnership: The AI Innovation Lab, a partnership between Google and Georgia State University, provides metro Atlanta high school students with hands-on AI and machine learning exposure while training future teachers to integrate these technologies into K–12 classrooms. 

Georgia State University +3

Civics & Fine Arts Expansion

Civic Education: As part of a broader effort to boost civics, the Georgia Department of Education plans to provide every fourth-grade student with a personal copy of the U.S. Constitution.

Fine Arts Pathways: Superintendent Richard Woods has announced the creation of new fine arts pathways for high school students, including expanded access to AP, IB, and Cambridge fine arts courses. 

Georgia Department of Education +1

Legislative & Environment Shifts

Distraction-Free Classrooms: Starting July 1, 2026, all public K–8 schools will be required to prohibit personal internet-connected devices (cellphones) during school hours to improve focus.

Workforce Readiness: The state is investing $402.2 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund K–12 education, including grants for high school technical education labs to train students for high-demand careers. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+are+the+current+plans+for+improving+georgia+public+school+curricula+in+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Shutdown Update 2-18-26

Yes, based on reports from February 12–14, 2026, the U.S. Senate failed to pass a funding measure, leading to a partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that began on Saturday, February 14, 2026. 

The Vote: On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Senate voted 52-47 against advancing a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. This failed to meet the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster.

The Cause: Senate Democrats blocked the measure, demanding, reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) following shootings in Minneapolis.

The Shutdown: As a result of the failed vote and Congress entering a recess, funding for DHS expired at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Impact: This partial shutdown specifically impacts the Department of Homeland Security, including agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Border Patrol. 

While this is the second funding lapse in early 2026—following a previous shutdown that ended in early February—it is more limited in scope, focusing on the impasse over DHS funding. 

As of mid-February 2026, the U.S. Senate has not voted "for" a shutdown; rather, it failed to pass a funding bill, which triggered a partial government shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Current status of the February 2026 fiscal situation:

Partial DHS Shutdown: A shutdown specifically for the DHS began at midnight on Saturday, February 14, 2026, after the Senate failed to advance a funding measure.

Failed Senate Vote: On Thursday, February 12, a procedural vote to advance a year-long DHS funding bill failed 52-47, falling short of the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster.

Wider Government Status: The rest of the federal government remains fully funded through September 30, 2026, after a $1.2 trillion appropriations package was signed on February 3.

Reason for Impasse: Negotiations stalled over Democratic demands for reforms to ICE and CBP enforcement practices following high-profile incidents in Minneapolis.

Congressional Recess: Both the House and Senate left Washington for a scheduled recess following the failed vote, ensuring the DHS funding lapse would continue through at least mid-February. 

While the DHS is technically "shut down," most of its law enforcement and security personnel (such as TSA and Border Patrol) are considered essential and continue to work, though they may face delays in receiving full paychecks if the impasse persists into March. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=has+the+us+senate+voted+for+a+shutdown+in+february+2026+google+ai

In early 2026, as a partial government shutdown involving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began, some Senate Republicans and allies of President Donald Trump pushed for a "talking filibuster" (or standing filibuster) to bypass the 60-vote threshold, aiming to end the stalemate with a 51% simple majority vote. This proposal emerged as an alternative to completely abolishing the filibuster, requiring Democrats to physically hold the floor and debate to block legislation. 

Key Details on the 2026 Proposal

The Goal: To pass a House-approved, Trump-backed voter ID/border security bill (SAVE Act) and end the shutdown of DHS, which began after Democrats withheld votes to force negotiations.

The Mechanism: The proposal seeks to change Senate rules to require a "talking filibuster." Instead of the modern, quiet, procedural 60-vote threshold, Democrats would be forced to hold the floor to block action, a method that would eventually allow Republicans to force a vote with a simple majority (50+ votes).

Support & Opposition: Senators like Mike Lee (R-Utah) indicated many colleagues were open to this, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) previously stated there were not enough votes within the GOP conference to "nuke" the filibuster entirely.

Context: This follows a 43-day, wide-ranging government shutdown in late 2025 where Trump strongly urged the "nuclear option" (ending the 60-vote rule entirely), a move that failed due to resistance from multiple Senate Republicans. 

Differences from Previous Shutdowns
Unlike the 43-day, 2025 shutdown which affected all federal agencies, the early 2026 DHS shutdown was narrower, as other departments were funded, notes the New York Times. However, the procedural fight over the 60-vote threshold remained a key point of conflict between the GOP-controlled Senate and Senate Democrats. 

As of February 17, 2026, Senate Republicans are discussing a "talking filibuster" as a potential strategy to break a legislative deadlock linked to a partial government shutdown. 

The "Talking Filibuster" Proposal

While not a formal rule change yet, the proposal involves forcing a "standing" or "talking" filibuster. This would require Democrats to physically hold the Senate floor and speak continuously to maintain their obstruction. 

The 51% (Simple Majority) Goal: Proponents, including Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), argue that if Republicans can maintain a 51-senator "live quorum" on the floor while waiting out Democratic speeches, they could eventually force an up-or-down vote on a simple majority basis.

Status of the Rule: Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has expressed skepticism, stating there are "not even close" to enough votes to formally "nuke" the 60-vote threshold, but he has not ruled out a conversation on using a talking filibuster to advance the SAVE Act. 

Context: The 2026 Government Shutdown

The U.S. entered a limited government shutdown at 12:01 a.m. on February 14, 2026. 

Affected Agencies: The shutdown only impacts the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the TSA, FEMA, and Border Patrol. All other 11 federal appropriations bills have been funded for the fiscal year.

Cause of Deadlock: Democrats blocked a continuing resolution for DHS funding, demanding reforms for federal immigration agents following recent controversial incidents.

Current State: Congress is currently on a scheduled one-week recess, meaning no vote to end the shutdown is expected before members return. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=senate+republicans+proposing+a+talking+filibuster+to+lead+to+a+51%25+vote+to+end+the+shutdown+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

US College Loan Debt 2-18-26

As of early 2026, total U.S. student loan debt is approximately $1.77 trillion to $1.83 trillion, with roughly 43–45 million borrowers. The average federal student loan debt is around $37,000–$39,500 per borrower. Mounting distress has led to significant delinquency, with millions of borrowers in default or severely behind on payments.  

Key statistics for 2026 include:

Total Debt: Estimates range between $1.7 trillion and $1.83 trillion, encompassing federal and private loans.

Borrower Distress: Over 12 million borrowers are in default or delinquent, facing a potential "default cliff".

Average Debt: The average total student loan debt is approximately $43,333.

Policy Changes: Starting July 2026, new loan limits for graduate and professional students will be implemented ($20,500–$50,000 per year) to curb rising debt.

Default Data: Over 3.6 million borrowers have defaulted since January 2025, with $92+ billion in defaulted debt. 

The Education Data Initiative highlights that student loan debt continues to be a major financial burden for many, with 25% of adults aged 18 to 29 reporting student debt. 

Key Debt Statistics for 2026

Total National Debt: Approximately $1.77 trillion as of May 2026, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Borrower Count: Roughly 42.7 million to 45 million Americans hold student loan debt.

Average Debt per Borrower:

The average balance for a borrower with a bachelor's degree is $35,530.

The average federal student loan balance is $39,547.

Generational Breakdown:

Generation X: Highest average balance at $44,240.

Millennials: Largest share of total debt, with an average balance of $40,438.

Generation Z: Fastest-growing segment, though with a lower average balance of $22,948. 

Major Policy and Regulatory Changes in 2026

Significant changes to federal student loans are scheduled for July 2026 under new legislation: 

New Borrowing Caps: Starting July 1, 2026, new annual federal loan limits will be introduced for certain borrowers:

Graduate Students: Capped at $20,500 per year with a $100,000 aggregate limit.

Professional Students: Capped at $50,000 per year with a $200,000 aggregate limit.

Parent PLUS Loans: Capped at $20,000 per year per student, with a $65,000 lifetime limit.

Repayment Plan Shifts: New borrowers after July 2026 may be automatically enrolled in the Repayment

Assistance Plan (RAP) or the Standard plan. Existing borrowers who take out new loans after this date may also be required to consolidate under these new rules.

Interest Rates: Estimates for the 2025-2026 academic year suggest a slight decrease, with undergraduate rates projected at 6.39% and graduate rates at 7.94%. 

Economic Outlook

While total debt continues to rise, the federal government's fiscal cost for new loans is projected to drop significantly due to these reforms. However, delinquency remains a concern, with roughly 12 million borrowers reported as delinquent or in default by early 2026. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+us+college+loan+debt+2026+google+ai

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader