ATLANTA, Ga. (WALB) - Georgia is set to launch its first needs-based financial aid program after lawmakers restored $325 million to the state budget, a move Democrats said will remove “insurmountable barriers” for students who cannot afford the rising cost of college.

Georgia carries the second-highest student loan debt in the country and was one of only two states that did not previously offer this type of financial aid program.

The program is expected to help nearly 100,000 students annually. It takes effect once Gov. Brian Kemp signs the budget.

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