Parent Press: 2022 Legislative Session Begins
The 2022 Legislative Session began Monday, and all signs point to it being a fiery one. The divisiveness in our politics is likely to drive this election year session. Here are some things to look out for.
State of the State
Yesterday we saw the Governor lean far right in a contested election year State of the State address. The Georgia coffers are full, with a $3.7 B surplus, in large part due to Federal Covid relief funds from the American Rescue Plan. I agree with his proposals to increase teacher pay, fully fund our schools, and extend Medicaid to 1 year for new moms. These have been priorities of mine and my Democratic colleagues for years. But at a time when we still haven’t fully expanded Medicaid and many Georgians are still struggling in a variety of ways, I disagree with the Governor’s call to use a large portion of the surplus on returning $250 to each taxpayer. It makes no sense to spend so much, $1.6 billion, on so little individual return to taxpayers when we have basic priorities that go unmet. This was all about politics and very little about the real work of helping the people of Georgia.
Georgia Senate and House Democrats delivered a response yesterday outlining our legislative priorities that will help Georgians and protect our democracy.
Expanding Medicaid to cover almost 500,000 uninsured Georgians
Reducing maternal mortality by expanding Medicaid coverage to cover new mothers for a full year and create and fund rural birthing centers
Establishing a $15 minimum wage
Expanding access to the ballot through same day and automatic voter registration and requiring that everyone have reasonable access to drop boxes
Expanding access to healthcare in rural Georgia
Protecting women’s right to an abortion by making Roe v. Wade the law of the land in Georgia
Bills to Watch Out For
But this is an election year, and not only the Governor, but many members of the General Assembly are running for office and face tough Republican primaries. We expect to see many bills appealing to the extreme right wing of their base.
Anti-‘CRT’ and ‘Book Banning’ Bills
These terms don’t accurately reflect the goal of the bills. Our K-12 schools are not teaching Critical Race Theory or trying to blame any child for events in the history of our country. ‘CRT’ is being used by Republican activists and organizations like the Heritage Foundation as a term to sow fear regarding growing support of inclusion and diversity and teaching a broad and balanced history of our country. So, what will these bills try to do? One bill has been filed so far, HB 888. This is an 18-page bill micromanaging what and how teachers can teach, adds layers of bureaucracy and reporting, and even bans state funding of diversity and inclusion training in school districts. This won’t be the last bill we see on this subject so stay tuned.
There is more that we agree on to make sure our children understand the truth of our history so that they better understand our future, can thrive in today’s diverse and international community, and that we protect our rights to free speech. I hope we will have the opportunity to have conversations about what unites us -- and the kitchen table problems facing Georgians -- not just what divides us, in these coming debates.
Permitless Concealed Carry
This has been referred to by Governor Kemp and members of the Republican Party as ‘Constitutional Carry’. What they mean is eliminating the restrictions imposed in the permitting process for a concealed carry license. One bill has been filed in the Senate, SB 319, to allow concealed carry without a permit. Georgia’s current weapons carry license permitting requirements are very common-sense restrictions, supported by over 80% of gun owners, non-gun owners, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. In fact, most gun owners believe in strengthening permitting laws to include safe gun handling training.
I will continue to fight against dangerous bills like this and for common sense gun legislation. Please see my op-ed in Decaturish on this issue:
Voting Rights
We began the week on a high note with the President and Vice President visiting Georgia to push for Federal voting rights legislation. After SB 202 passed last year, we in Georgia and in states across the country, need the Senate to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, now more than ever.
We are ending the week on a less optimistic note that the Senate will be able to pass this legislation, but I am not giving up hope yet. I encourage you contact our US Senators. Even though they are leading the fight for voting rights, public pressure is crucial. Encourage your friends in other states to do so as well. Never underestimate the power of your voice.
Voting Restrictions
A bill has been filed to create a constitutional amendment to ban non-citizens from voting. This is unnecessary since our laws already limit voting to US Citizens. It is an attempt to keep the focus on the false claims that election security is a problem and fire up the Republican base for the mid-term elections. This may move fast through the Senate.
Covid-19 Update
We are once again in the middle of a Covid-19 surge. Cases in Georgia are still rising, and the Omicron variant is highly, highly contagious. We need to protect each other and avoid further burdening our health care system and hospitals. I strongly encourage everybody to wear a mask when with other people and to get vaccinated and boosted. By taking these actions, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our community.
Covid-19 Testing and Vaccines resources in DeKalb County:
Testing is available at the following locations. To register and make an appointment: https://www.dekalbhealth.net/covid-19-testings/
Stonecrest (former Sam’s Club parking lot): 2994 Turner Hill Rd., Stonecrest, GA 30038. Monday - Friday: 8 am - 6pm. Saturday: 8 am - 3pm. Sunday: Closed
North Dekalb Health Center: 3807 Clairmont Rd., NE, Chamblee, GA 30341. Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm. Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church: 1879 Glenwood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316. Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4 pm. Saturday - Sunday: Closed
Covid-19 rapid tests will be distributed at the following locations on Monday January 17th at 9am (this will be rescheduled in case of inclement weather):
The Gallery at South DeKalb: 2801 Candler Rd. | Decatur, Ga. 30034.
North DeKalb Mall: 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy. | Decatur, Ga. 30033
Plaza Fiesta: 4166 Buford Hwy. | Atlanta, Ga. 30345
Covid-19 vaccine locations and appointments can be found at the following link: https://www.dekalbhealth.net/covid-19-vaccine-appointment/
Virtual Town Hall
We will have a Virtual Town Hall on January 31 at 6:00 pm. I will be joined by Representative Bee Nguyen, DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, and Atlanta Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari.
Register at: https://bit.ly/Jan31-TownHall
Submit Questions in advance: https://bit.ly/Jan31-Questions
Questions? Please contact me at elena@elenaparent.com.