Parent Press: Week 4 of the 2024 Legislative Session
While we debated moving forward with the Sports Betting bill on the Senate floor this week, I couldn't help but think about all that we don't need to bet on. We know we will continue to see a slew of bills that fail to address the elephants in the room, namely Medicaid expansion, support for education, and gun violence. Meanwhile, we vote on bills that address issues from the sublime to the ridiculous.
Sports Betting - A Good Bet?
With 38 states having made sports betting legal, it's not surprising that we here in Georgia are considering this an option again. Seeing an opportunity to increase funding for pre-school education and the HOPE scholarship fund, Democrats are taking a hard look at legalizing sports betting. Georgians are already engaged in this on illegal markets, we know, and if that's the case, should we try to legalize and regulate it here in Georgia and capture the revenue?
I voted yes on SB 386 which passed the Senate and it will now head to the House. The version that passed the Senate anticipates a Constitutional Amendment, meaning that the voters would be the ultimate deciders. Sports betting could be on your ballot as a Constitutional Amendment soon and I urge you to do some homework and decide whether you think this is a good bet. Here are some recent articles I encourage you to read so you will be ready to vote if this makes it as a constitutional amendment on your ballot. There are some downsides to legalization, including addiction and what I view as an inadequate regulator, which under this legislation would be the Georgia Lottery Corporation. We need to make sure there are consumer protections and gambling addiction programs, in addition to making sure that the revenues go toward Pre-K and HOPE.
Go to https://bit.ly/SportsBettingAJC; https://bit.ly/SportsBettingGAREC; https://bit.ly/SportsBettingSaporta
Lock 'Em Up Legislation
SB 63 was brought to the floor at the end of the session on February 1. I voted "NO." Like many bills appearing on the floor, this one came with a claim that it will make communities safer. Nothing could be further from the truth. The floor debate was not long. As Sen. McLaurin said we cannot persuade the proponents of this mean legislation because our underlying values are so different. Under Gov. Kemp, we have been moving quickly away from former Gov. Deal's legacy on criminal justice reform, and adding lots of new offenses with mandatory minimum sentences. Bipartisanship seems like a far off fantasy world when it comes to having a comprehensive strategy to fight crime.
Town Hall Turnout
Thank you to Glenn Memorial Church for hosting us for a Town Hall meeting on Feb. 4. We had great turnout at the church and on Zoom. This was a an engaged crowd with many thoughtful questions who wanted to discuss the issues.
I was so pleased to see my Emory intern there, Madison Tiaffay, along with many Emory students.
If you missed this opportunity, there will be more to come. I will join Rep. Saira Draper on Thursday, February 15 at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church at 6pm. Sign up HERE to join us!
Black History Month
Inspirational Start to the Day
The Democratic Caucus was honored to have Senator Warnock join us at the start of the day to inspire us to continue to work for Georgians to gain access to health care, education and good jobs.
Always BE Vote Ready
Many of you have reached out asking if your district has changed. With the March presidential primary around the corner and February 12 being the LAST DAY to register to vote in the primary, be sure to check My Voter Page to confirm your registration - even if you've been voting for years. If you see an inconsistencies or have any questions, call the Secretary of State's office or your county Board of Elections office immediately. You can reach DeKalb County BOE at 404-298-4020.
Young People....Our Future
There’s always something to smile about at the Capitol. I loved meeting Elena, a Decatur constituent, who’s served as a Page at the Capitol last week. I like to think that the Page program nurtures tomorrow’s leaders. You can learn more at Lieutenant Governor's web site.