The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire thanks Georgia Governor

Brian Kemp for signing new legislation that provides tuition grants to any public university in

the state for the families of public safety workers and educators who made the ultimate

sacrifice in serving their communities.

Georgia Senate Bill 20 applies to the children and spouses of law enforcement officers,

firefighters, emergency medical technicians, highway emergency response operators, prison

guards, public school employees and teachers who are killed or permanently disabled in the

line of duty in the State of Georgia.

The 200 Club initiated the measure, which was originally sponsored by GA-Representative

Jesse Petrea (R). Representative Petrea worked with Senator Kay Kirkpatrick to add the

language to one of her bills, so the law could take effect this year. The Savannah-based

nonprofit serves 18 counties in southeast Georgia and provides immediate support, significant

financial assistance and a fully funded college education to the families of first responders who

lose their lives in the line of duty.

Jeff Jepson, chairman of the 200 Club said,

“The 200 Club is the first responder for our first

responders. When the worst happens to families, this legislation will fund up to $18,000 a year

for four years, totaling $72,000, for tuition in approved schools for the children and spouses of

these professionals who serve our communities.”

Passing SB20 will alleviate the enormous financial burden on donors and supporters of

the 200 Club as the cost of funding education for dependents continues to grow. Since 2001,

the 200 Club has covered the college tuition costs for 26 spouses and children of first

responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In the House, the primary sponsor GA

Representative Jesse Petrea (R), was supported by

GA

Representative Bill Hitchens (R), GA

Representative Devan Seabaugh (R),

GA

Representative Eddie Lumsden (R) and GA

-Representative Steven Sainz (R). In the Senate,

this bill was sponsored by GA–Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R).“The 200 Club is very grateful to Rep. Petrea and Sen. Kirkpatrick and all those members who

supported the passing of HB56 and SB20. This legislation will directly support the families of

those who give their lives and health to protect all of us in Georgia,

” said Mark Dana, 200 Club

President and CEO.

For more information, visit www.our200club.com, call (912) 721-4418 or email

[email protected]