Parent Press Week 9 of the 2024 Legislative Session
What good is reaction without action? With all that's unfolding on the local, national and international stages, there is no shortage of stories or events that concern us. Taking action is the best way to neutralize our reactions and channel them into action.
With less than 10 days left in the legislative session and important primary and general elections coming up, I encourage you to take action on the issues that matter most to you.
And it may not change the world, but it's fun! Scroll to the bottom to vote for me in the legislative Best-Dressed Final Four.
Protecting the Okefenokee
Many of you have contacted me about protecting the Okefenokee refuge. State regulators issued draft permits for a strip mine to Twin Pines Minerals in February and public comment was extended to 60 days from the initial 30 day period. In case you haven't followed all the latest news, here are some articles you might want to read. Click on the images to access the no-pay-wall articles.
As Andrew Morse points out so well in the AJC, this is very much about values and politics, local and federal.
"The obstacle to consensus is politics. Last week, the Georgia Legislature failed to bring to a vote two different bills that would have stymied Twin Pines’ plans. House Bill 71, the Okefenokee Protection Act, would have prevented Twin Pines from expanding its operation. It stalled despite bipartisan support from a majority of members. This marks the third straight legislative session in which the bill faltered. The reason why, critics say, is that the legislation was too sweeping and touched a third rail for many key members including Speaker Burns: property rights."
What can YOU do? Don't wait to act! First, before any final decision is made, the Environmental Protection Division must evaluate and respond in writing to every comment received during the public comment period that ends on April 9. You can direct your comments and questions to until 4:30PM on April 9 to twinpines.comment@dnr.ga.gov. The permits can be reviewed here. Second, support HB 1338 and HB 71. Come to Capitol and get in line at the ropes on this issue. We need the legislature and the Governor to help preserve this resource.
Protecting Reproductive Health and Rights
I filed SB 564 -- the Right to Contraception Act -- and SB 565--the Right to IVF Act -- while my colleagues in the House filed a companion bill, HB 1424. Meanwhile, SB 532 would have gutted sex education in our public schools for K-5 students. This "NO Sex Ed" bill did not cross over to the House, but that doesn't mean it can't get "frankensteined" into some other piece of legislation during the chaos of Sine Die.
What can YOU do? Come to the Capitol and line up at the ropes to call House and Senate legislators out to talk about the need for sex education in our schools to protect and educate our kids. Sign up HERE. You don't need an excuse to wear pink, but this is a great way to make sure you have lots of company in pink!
Vote...Repeat...Vote
If you haven't already voted early in the presidential primary, please go to your assigned precinct on Tuesday, March 12. Turnout is our war chest and is the best way to demonstrate our commitment to democracy.
Last week I filed to run for State Senate District 44. I have a primary opponent, and I hope I can count on your support and your vote on MAY 21. Early voting begins on April 29, so I don't have much time to campaign and get the vote out. I am not able to accept monetary donations during the legislative session, but I can receive financial support on March 29 after Sine Die.
Be on the lookout in your inbox for ways to support my campaign financially and by volunteering. As always, I am SO grateful for your support and your faith in me.
What can YOU do? Be sure to check MY VOTER PAGE to confirm your registration - even if you've been voting for years. Call your County Board of Elections if you see any issues with your voter registration. Mark your calendar to vote and SPREAD THE WORD to everyone in your network too! Again, turnout is our secret weapon and we must demonstrate our commitment to democracy with participation.
Money, Money, Money, Money
Decisions are still being made about your taxpayer dollars. Committee hearings continue, including Appropriations committees. I have been paying particular attention to the budget for the CAPS (Childcare and Parents Services) program. CAPS subsidizes childcare for working families in Georgia so they can work or attend school. With $165 million of pandemic era federal funding going away in September 2024, many - too many - families in Georgia are losing access to this essential lifeline.
I will also dig into funding for the literacy programming we called for when HB 538, The Early Literacy Act, was passed and signed in 2023. Literacy coaches and universal screeners are key tools needed to help our kids read on grade level.
Georgia is behind many states on funding for early childcare and literacy, including our neighbors Mississippi and Alabama. I urge you to pay attention.
What can YOU do? Watch committee hearings at the Capitol or online. You can find the schedule and links HERE. Then you can follow up by contacting legislators by phone or at the rope lines to ask your own questions and to lobby for allocating resources to all of Georgia's kids.
Town Halls
Come one come all to a Town Hall! Join me and my colleagues at any of the following:
March 13: 6-7:30pm at Bessie Branham Recreation Center, 2051 Delano Dr.
March 14 : 6-8pm at Neighborhood Church, 1561 McLendon Ave.
March 20: 6-7:30pm at McNair High School, 1804 Bouldercrest Rd.
Work AND Fun
It's the final 4 in Maya Prabhu's best dressed contest and I hope you'll take a moment to vote for me. In this round, I am in competition with a fellow Democrat, my buddy Rep. Michelle Au.
What can YOU do? Go to the survey and vote!
Thank you for the honor to serve you in the Georgia State Senate. I look forward to continuing to represent you in the Georgia State Senate.