Parent Press Weeks 6 and 7 of the 2024 Legislative Session

We are more than halfway through the 40 day legislative session and Crossover Day is February 29.  As a reminder, for the most part, if a bill has not crossed over to the other chamber by the end of this day, it's likely dead for the session and will have to be re-filed, if the author so chooses, next year.

The State Senate this past week felt like a train gone off the rails, as Republicans jammed problematic and radical bills through committees on a moment's notice, often using members of their Caucus who are not on those committees to pass them. In my view, this was an abuse of power, and worse, reflected a complete lack of seriousness in making laws.  This disrespects all Georgia citizens, who deserve for their legislators do their jobs with a sense of duty and sobriety.  Meanwhile, we are trying to secure some small wins that reflect our values.  Neither time nor reason are on our side, particularly in an election year. 

Bills That Progress Our Values

I am proud to co-sponsor SB 522 with Senator Sally Harrell.  Otherwise known as Donna's Law, SB 522 would allow Georgia citizens with suicidal ideations to place themselves on the FBI’s NICS Firearms Do Not Sell list through a healthcare professional or under oath through a probate court in their county of residence to protect themselves. If passed, Georgia would become the fourth state to adopt this legislation.

The law is named for Donna Nathan, a New Orleanian who suffered from bipolar disorder for 30 years and voluntarily admitted herself to psychiatric treatment facilities to protect herself.  In 2018, she googled "gun stores," drove to one, purchased a gun and shot herself, ending her life. Her daughter has been campaigning for Donna's Law since, convinced that her mother would have taken advantage of the protection it would have provided her in her moment of despair.

With the rate of suicides rising in the midst of a mental health crisis, we are pleased to provide those who are suffering and the professionals who treat them a no-cost tool to reduce the probability of death or self-harm.  SB 522 will be heard in the Senate Committee on Public Safety on Wednesday, February 28th.  You may attend the committee hearing and you can sign up to testify if you wish.  Testimony is allowed depending on any time constraints, so arrive a bit early to sign up.  

As they say, copying is the ultimate form of flattery.  So I was delighted to sponsor SB 360, Republican Senator Hickman's bill, which is identical to SB 98 that I filed 6 years ago in 2017.  SB 360 allows schools to use capital funds for building pre-K classrooms.  3,000 kids are waiting to attend pre-K; yet, we know that quality early childhood education is a key to future success since 90% of our brain is developed by age 5.  This bill doesn't fix everything but it is a start in moving forward on education.  You can hear my remarks on the bill HERE.  In a rare show of unanimity these days, SB 360 passed unanimously and heads to the House.

I am also working in a bipartisan fashion to add an amendment to a bill coming up for a vote on Monday that will require the Technical College System of Georgia to report on methods where associates' degrees could be awarded to students with some credits at a four-year institution. This would help lessen the problem faced by a number of students where they have enrolled in 4-year institutions, accumulated credits, but ultimately do not attain a degree, leaving empty-handed and often with debt. Having an associates' degree would ameliorate that and give them a leg up on employment. I am going to keep pressing on ways to make college and post-secondary attainment more seamless, more accessible, and more affordable for Georgians! 

As you can see, I am working with Republicans on several of these initiatives. While I am very frustrated with them overall, we can still find ways to work together.

Regressive Bills

It feels like we are running backwards, with regressive bills that are opposite to our values.  I may need to offer space in my office for the ACLU as their lawyers seem to be spending so much time at the Capitol!

We have so many bills attacking our schools and students that it is truly hard to keep track.  SB 154, SB 390, SB 394, SB 501 and SB 532 aim to put chaplains in our underfunded  schools instead of counselors, Christianity in our classrooms, ban books, and remove Georgia from the American Library Association.  As a member of the Senate Committees on Education and Youth and Government Oversight, I was able to ask questions and make my remarks on the danger bills like these pose to our children, schools and communities.  Watch and listen HERE and click on the image below for to read the Georgia Recorder.

SB 180, the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act," was debated at length in the Senate Judiciary Committee this week.  I felt like I was in a time capsule back to 2015 and 2016, when this issue took center stage in Georgia politics and a bill was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Deal.  The conservative push for these bills ramped up after the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage.  The issue is that, particularly because Georgia does not have a non-discrimination statute, certain Georgians want to use their religion to discriminate against gay and lesbian residents in public accomodations, etc.  I offered 2 amendments to attempt to moderate the language in the bill but neither passed the committee.  The bill passed, of course, with Republican majority support and unanimous Democratic minority opposition.  

You may have seen in the news that Governor Kemp sent Georgia's National Guard to the border in Texas, at Georgia taxpayers' expense.  This was preceded by the vote on Senate Resolution 543, which assailed President Biden regarding his administration's handling of the border.  The Governor has argued that every state is a border state, contributing to the false narrative that we are being invading by illegal immigrants.  Clearly political games are being played here.  But this is also about values, and once again, we see the stark contrast between Republican and Democrat party values.  While we all agree on the need to secure the border, it is Republicans who have refused to partner with Democrats and act on this matter critical to our national security in recent weeks.   I highlighted history and clarified recent legislative efforts in Washington, urging my Republican colleagues to back away from this legislation.  You can watch HERE (or click on the image below) to hear my remarks and read more at WABE.

Town Halls 

I've had many late nights just as busy as my days recently.  I love meeting with constituents at town halls so I can share what's going on behind the scenes at the Capitol and hear about what's important to you all. 

What can YOU do?

Don't be shy - come down to the Capitol to talk to legislators.  If you haven't ever been to the rope lines, it's easy enough to do.  Just come to the Senate or House chambers and visit the desk outside the door to fill out a form indicating which legislator you want to speak with and what issue you want to address.  We will do our best to break away to come talk with you briefly.

Come to Medicaid Coverage Expansion Day, Cover Georgia, Monday, February 26, Register here.

Bad Bills But Fun Fashion

A small bit of levity among the bad bills the Republican majority is pushing thanks to AJC's Maya Prabhu.  Her fashion contest provides a little fun to keep us going.  Help me make sure I win the first round against Brian Strickland! Go to the survey before Thursday to vote!

Always BE Vote Ready

Many of you have reached out asking if your district has changed.   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.