Candidate website

Said, "This 'debate' is scripted,” ... Each question was designed to drive home the point that schools were actually flush with money. ... Wellstar opposed the Lt. Governor’s bill to eliminate hospital regulations in rural Georgia, a measure that stood to benefit the Lt. Governor’s family. ..."

Said, "Senate leadership slashed $105 million in University System funding in next year’s budget... And they’ve stripped another bill of tax credits that would have benefitted Wellstar."

Said, "I was relieved to see all of my budget priorities — $4 million for a technical school in Doraville... included in the budget..."

Said, "We ended the week by passing the Senate’s version of the “Big Budget” for FY 2024... It includes good things such as pay raises for teachers and law enforcement, cost of living adjustments for state retirees..."

The candidate's website says, "Fuel Tax: SB 146 allows the state to collect a fuel tax at electric vehicle charging stations like we do for gas."

The candidate's website says, "GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurray briefed the Democratic Senate Caucus about SB 165 and HD 189, companion bills that increase truck weights allowed on Georgia roads to 90,000 lbs as a potential solution to our supply chain issues."

Said, "It could turn 20-year pavement into 12-year pavement and cost the state billions of dollars to strengthen our roads and bridges... Federal law limits trucks to 80,000 lbs, so heavier trucks wouldn’t be able to use the interstates which could mean more truck traffic on state and local roads..."

Supports SB 19, which would redirect fee revenue from individual compensation to funding county services, reflecting changes from the past when Clerks weren't salaried.

Supports strengthening Georgia-Japan economic ties, highlighting $8 billion trade, 660+ Japanese offices in Georgia, and the Georgia-Japan Caucus's role in fostering this relationship through events like dinners with Japanese dignitaries and business leaders.

Said, "The Governor’s proposed budget maintains record state reserves and gives politically-motivated tax refunds... I often wonder how many people would choose to forgo these modest tax refunds in order to keep their local school system and government whole."

Believes a budget comprises numerous impactful items, reflecting Georgia's values through its funding choices and omissions, directly influencing residents' lives.

Supports educational affordability with a 40% cut in University Fees, increased higher education funding by $230 million, and advocates for the disabled through over 500 Community Support Medicaid waivers.

Said, "My last piece of outstanding business was to get SB 610, my bill addressing the low wages of workers who take care of disabled Georgians, over the finish line... The Senate merely needed to agree to the changes made by the House..."

Supports the unanimously passed Senate budget, praising state employee raises and Medicaid extension for new mothers, and humorously entertains the notion of adjourning the session post-approval.

Opposes rushed legislative process for significant tax code changes, criticizing lack of review and explanation before voting on a compromise between differing House and Senate proposals.

The candidate's website says, "Over the last decade, Georgia’s state government has been defunded and our infrastructure is crumbling."

Said, "Passing a balanced budget is the only Constitutionally-mandated requirement of the General Assembly... we agreed to the Conference Committee report for HB 916, reconciling the House and Senate versions of the FY 24/25 budget."

Said, "The Amended 24/25 Budget: The Senate approved the conference committee report from the House on this year’s amended budget. With the “little budget” done,” we’ll be working to pass the big budget for fiscal year 2025/26 in the coming weeks."

Said, "SB 354, which proposes to eliminate licensing requirements for the folks that wash, dry, & style hair, and those who apply makeup..."

Opposes SB 362 for hindering labor unions in Georgia, criticizes SB 438 for targeting transgender youth in sports and facilities, and disapproves SB 390 for stripping libraries of certification and funding due to alleged Marxist affiliations.

Said, "Last summer a Senate Study Committee conducted a critical review of all Georgia’s licensing laws. Out of that work came SB 354, which proposes to eliminate […]"

The candidate's website says, "There are two proposed budgets: The (1) amended FY 2024 and (2) the proposed FY 2025. The 2025 budget year begins July 1, 2024."

The candidate's website says, "Hurricane Crossover started with a slew of bills aimed at chipping away people’s ability to access the courts to seek damages when harmed by big corporations... This year... these tort bills were ultimately tabled, weakened by floor amendments, or never brought to the floor for a vote."

The candidate's website says, "Georgia’s Economic Health Report: Slowing, but Stable"

Said, "The highlight of my week was coming together with colleagues on both sides of the aisle for a press conference on 'Wages and Waivers'... It was an incredible show of support for an issue that was barely getting any attention from lawmakers and state leaders just a few years ago."

The candidate's website says, "There were no surprises in the Governor’s State of the State Address. Three weeks into the session, most of the Governor’s priorities have already been revealed, especially during the budget hearings. The Governor failed to mention some impactful budget omissions."

Said, "With no bills on the floor this week, we dove deeper into the Governor’s proposed budget to talk about issues hiding below the surface, such as enormous costs rolling down to our local school districts."

Plans for Georgia's fiscal management include originating the budget bill in the House, with HB 19 proposed for FY 2024 and HB 18 allowing 2023 budget adjustments, prioritizing the "little budget" in Appropriations Committees' discussions.

Said, "This year, big ticket items like the 2023 budget, an income tax overhaul, and yet another elections bill were still hanging in the balance..."

The candidate's website says, "The State Budget Slows Down the Senate ... the House was late in sending the FY25 budget to the Senate. ..."

The candidate's website says, "The budget is now in a Conference Committee where the House and Senate will work out their differences. Things can and do happen at the last minute..."

Supports amending Georgia's Constitution to permit sports betting, pending a House decision and a November public referendum, following the Senate's approval of the necessary resolution.

The candidate's website says, "Georgia’s budget was already lean. Now the GOP has made Georgia mean."

Said, "I have seen many politicians make “tax cut” promises... Commissioner of Human Resources, Candace Broce."

Said, "Immediately following the Governor’s State of the State speech he released his proposed budget... Next week will focus exclusively on budget hearings... prior to the legislature taking up the budget."

Said, "Ironically, this week I noticed that HB 545, an Agricultural Commission for Citrus Fruit, was moving right along through the Committee process... Citrus Farms in Georgia: 70..."

Supports unions, citing their role in securing fair wages, benefits, and worker protections. Notes increasing popularity, especially among youth, and personal family experiences with union activities.

Supports unions, citing their role in securing fair wages, benefits, and worker protections.

Said, "We have 10,000 fewer state employees than ten years ago. Republican budgets have cut our public schools by ten billion dollars over ten years. Georgia cannot afford another lost decade."

Believes Georgia's $6.6 billion "surplus" is misleading, as it stems from low revenue estimates and ignores unmet needs like disability services, suggesting the Governor manipulates these figures for a certain narrative.

The candidate's website says, "Every time the Governor suspends the gas tax, the burden of funding roads and bridges is shifted to the general budget... This shifts the tax burden for roads from those who use them the most, including corporate trucking companies, to the citizens of Georgia..."

Opposes suspension of the gas tax, saying that it shifts the burden of funding roads and bridges to the general budget, putting it on all citizens instead of those who drive.

The candidate's website says, "We must further invest in programs to subsidize quality childcare in Georgia and make post-secondary education more accessible so that more parents can re-enter the workforce and increase wages... The average cost of childcare ($8,729 per child) is beyond the reach for too many young families, and fuel and food costs are pushing prices up higher."

Supports further investment in programs to subsidize childcare in Georgia and make post-secondary education more accessible.

Said, "At my core, I believe taxes should fund basic government services rather than revenue produced by harmful industries such as gambling."

Opposes legalization of sports betting in order to collect tax revenue.

The candidate's website says, "Reject Privatization of Public Services"

Will reject the privatization of public services.

"Wages for full-time workers need to be adequate for covering childcare costs and paid time off needs to be available for parents to take care of sick family members"

- Opposes suspension of the gas tax, saying that it shifts the burden of funding roads and bridges to the general budget, putting it on all citizens instead of those who drive.
- Supports further investment in programs to subsidize childcare in Georgia and make post-secondary education more accessible.
- Opposes legalization of sports betting in order to collect tax revenue.
- Will reject the privatization of public services.
- "Wages for full-time workers need to be adequate for covering childcare costs and paid time off needs to be available for parents to take care of sick family members"

Economy

The candidate's website says, "Due to your strong Environmental Voting Record in the House, the Georgia Chapter Sierra Club endorses your candidacy for Georgia Senate 40. The Sierra Club wholeheartedly extends our support for your campaign to re- elect you to the Georgia Senate."

The candidate's website says, "HB 374 was originally a bill outlining a new procedure for municipalities de-annexing land... it was amended to include the language from SB 145, a bill preempting cities from banning gas leaf blowers..."

Supports climate action; lauds Biden's Inflation Reduction Act for clean energy investments and tax credits; commends Georgia's role in welcoming solar and electric vehicle companies.

Supports climate action; specifically Biden's Inflation Reduction Act for clean energy investments and tax credits and Georgia's role in welcoming solar and electric vehicle companies.

Believes research and development in clean energy should be rewarded.

- Supports climate action; specifically Biden's Inflation Reduction Act for clean energy investments and tax credits and Georgia's role in welcoming solar and electric vehicle companies.
- Believes research and development in clean energy should be rewarded.

Energy & the Environment

Said, "The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission recently met to hear from the public before approving regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries... since the initial legislation allowing use of low THC oil was approved in 2015."

The candidate's website says, "HEALTHCARE IN RURAL GEORGIA NEEDS OUR SUPPORT"

Said, "Prior to Crossover Day, I officially requested the Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee to allow a vote on the bill in his Committee... He wouldn’t budge. It only takes one powerful person to cancel a show at the Georgia General Assembly."

Believes Georgia's abortion ban hampers ob-gyn training, reducing doctors' inclination to practice in the state, thus worsening access to women's healthcare services.

Said, "I believe that government can have a positive impact on people’s everyday lives. All our citizens deserve affordable healthcare... It’s time that our government works for the people."

Said, "While the courts hash out the constitutionality of Georgia’s abortion ban... the Reproductive Freedom Act (RFA)... not only reverses Georgia’s abortion ban, it also eliminates many of the barriers to access such as restrictions on insurance coverage and unnecessary waiting periods."

Introduced the Reproductive Freedom Act (RFA), which would reverse Georgia’s abortion ban and eliminate many of the barriers to access such as restrictions on insurance coverage and long waiting periods.

Opposes the amendment to HB 1170 that bans puberty blockers for transgender kids, noting political pressure on Republican leaders from far-right challengers influenced the shift in Georgia's stance on transgender care.

Opposes the amendment to HB 1170 that bans puberty blockers for transgender kids

Vows to fight to expand Medicaid in Georgia and push for the state to provide a Public Option for healthcare.

- Introduced the Reproductive Freedom Act (RFA), which would reverse Georgia’s abortion ban and eliminate many of the barriers to access such as restrictions on insurance coverage and long waiting periods.
- Opposes the amendment to HB 1170 that bans puberty blockers for transgender kids
- Vows to fight to expand Medicaid in Georgia and push for the state to provide a Public Option for healthcare.

Healthcare

The candidate's website says, "Republicans appointed an election denier to the State Elections Board (SR 443), voted to remove the Secretary of State from the State Election Board (SB 358) and voted to ban ranked choice voting statewide, at all levels of government, except for overseas voting (SB 355)."

Believes Georgia's 2021 maps violate Voting Rights Act; supports redrawing to enhance Black representation in Congress and state legislature, specifically in Atlanta suburbs and Macon area.

Believes SB 321 raises proof standards for voter eligibility challenges and notes SB 202's removal of challenge limits led to numerous unfounded claims, burdening DeKalb County Elections with over 1,700 challenges, now requiring adequate evidence for such claims.

Said, "This bill also makes voter challenges easier by allowing unreliable change of address data to be used in voting challenges... I filed SB 321, a bill to strengthen the burden of proof for voting challenges..."

Opposes SB 221, believes ending automatic registration suppresses young Democratic voters, despite claims of ensuring accurate records and verifying citizenship.

Opposes ballot barcodes, citing lack of public verification; recalls Republicans rejecting 2019 amendment to remove them, predicting future repercussions.

Said, "I am in favor of the Democratic maps proposed by the Senate and House Democrats because they more directly address the Voting Rights Act violations identified by the court, benefit more Black voters in Georgia, and minimize disruption to voters..."

Believes Republican-led redistricting protected incumbents by racially reconfiguring districts and renumbering them, potentially leading to court-mandated revisions.

The candidate's website says, "The backdrop is a series of court cases starting with the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, when the U.S. Supreme Court ended the federal voting oversight of southern states... This led to this year’s June ruling in Allen v. Milligan when Alabama was told by the U.S. Supreme Court to redraw their maps because they had “packed” Black voters into the same districts, while “cracking” smaller Black communities into white districts, resulting in fewer Black districts than population numbers support... and now Georgia is in a similar place with a U.S. District Court. How much Georgia will push the limits is still to be seen."

Believes the State House map largely adheres to the court order but contends House Republicans manipulated it to pit prominent Democrats against each other in Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Cobb counties.

Believes SB 321 raises proof standards for voter eligibility challenges and counters SB 202's removal of challenge limits, which led to excessive unfounded claims overwhelming DeKalb County Elections with over 1,700 cases, now necessitating adequate evidence for challenges.

Said, "But this week the 'Calendar' contained a bill to allow Ware County to change its Elections Board from a bipartisan board chosen by the political parties to one appointed by the all Republican County Commission — a partisan power grab... Democrats wanted to go on record opposing this, but by voting against the entire Calendar, we would also inadvertently kill a Constitutional Amendment Resolution..."

Opposes SB 222, citing past unfunded mandates on county elections without financial support, and criticizes its passage despite these concerns.

Opposes SB 221, a bill that could end ballot drop boxes, simplify challenging voter registrations, and impose extra steps on election staff, potentially violating the National Voter Registration Act; relieved it stalled in committee.

Plans to utilize non-committee time to strategize against problematic bills and regrets not being on the Senate Ethics Committee to support the removal of barcodes from ballots, a measure they previously championed.

The candidate's website says, "Everyone needs to check their voter registration now and often... Check to make sure the green status checkbox is marked “active,” and that your address is correct. Changes of address must be made 30 days prior to Election Day... Everyone must vote in the same county where they are registered."

The candidate's website says, "Election Frankenbill: Just after midnight on Sine Die, Republicans pushed through a Frankenstein bill that cobbled together several bad election bills. Here’s some of what SB 189 does:"

The candidate's website says, "Allows third-party candidates on the statewide ballot if at least 20 other states do the same. This opens the door for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to challenge President Biden here."

The candidate's website says, "Places additional undue administrative burdens on county elections offices by requiring them to report absentee ballot counts within one hour of polls closing,"

Said, "Eliminates QR codes on election ballots after July 2026. (If only they had listened to me in 2019 when I warned them that voters would be suspicious of codes they can’t read.)"

The candidate's website says, "Defines “probable cause” for mass voter challenges. Republicans claim this will help clarify these challenges, but Democrats want to do away with them altogether because they perpetuate the myth of widespread voter fraud and overwhelm our local elections staff, and"

Said, "In May, I am facing a primary election opponent due to my vote on HB30... My abstention on HB30 was a vote to protect the free speech of every American... we may find ourselves in that position again, depending on the outcome of our 2024 election."

Believes Republican control limits Democratic bill passage in the Senate, citing disproportionate Democratic representation on key committees like the Senate Rules Committee relative to their Senate membership.

Supports redrawing Doraville's boundaries to eliminate unincorporated areas, advocating for a referendum to let residents vote on incorporation into the city.

Said, "SB 198 didn’t make it out of Rules until the day before Crossover Day... But just being on the calendar for a floor vote on Crossover Day doesn’t mean it will actually get called up for a vote."

Believes Georgia's "Qualifying Week" for candidates is misleadingly simple, requiring only a fee and an affidavit, unlike the local Democratic Committee's thorough vetting process.

Said, "This week, I paired up with a Commission member ... to draft the local bill that will make these changes after voters approve them in a November ballot referendum."

Said, "The time to eliminate barcodes was then... there is no time to make this change with a presidential election around the corner."

Said, "Republicans frequently having only the minimum 29 votes to pass their bills... Democrats aren’t yet the majority, we’ve narrowed the gap significantly... Republicans have to be careful to stay close to their seats because they don’t have votes to spare."

Said, "I hear a lot of talk in the hallways about it being an election year. ... What this means in our Republican controlled legislature is that bills coming to the floor serve as a prelude to the battles that will be fought in Republican primaries. ..."

The candidate's website says, "Republicans also voted to create a special investigations committee to investigate Fani Willis (SR 465), which stated that verifying the truths of allegations about her... will 'cast doubt as to the validity of the charges her office has brought in regard to the 2020 Presidential election.'"

The candidate's website says, "A federal judge ruled in late October that Georgia’s 2021 maps violate the 1965 Voting Rights Act by diluting Black voters..."

Said, "On Wednesday, the Gwinnett delegation was handed a bill creating the City of Mulberry. On Friday, the bill came to the floor for a vote, but with the signature of only one Republican Senator. The Gwinnett delegation, which has a Democratic majority, had been bypassed... Following a quick study of the rules, we appealed to the Secretary of the Senate, who agreed that the bill had been improperly moved out of Committee..."

Said, "A few days after Christmas, federal district court Judge Jones ruled that the Republican redistricting maps drawn during the November special legislative session meet the demands of his order... These maps target several Democratic leaders and change the borders of many Democratic districts."

The candidate's website says, "Republicans say their new maps meet the court order because they create the required number of Black districts while protecting their incumbents... But if it was that simple, the order wouldn’t be 516 pages long."

Believes every voice matters in the redistricting legal battle, noting the judge's awareness of legislative debates and public comments ahead of the December 20th court hearing.

The candidate's website says, "TL;DR A federal judge ruled in late October that Georgia’s 2021 maps violate the 1965 Voting Rights Act by diluting Black voters (see last week’s Snapshot for background details). Now the legislature has until December 8th to fix the problem."

Believes the judge must swiftly decide if new maps comply with the order, potentially assigning a special master to redraw them, considering existing proposals, to meet election preparation deadlines for the Secretary of State and candidate qualifications in March.

The candidate's website says, "Once the maps are signed into law, federal judge Steve Jones will decide if his Order has been met... Should he rule that any of the new maps violate his Order, a 'special master' will redraw the maps outside of the legislative process..."

Believes legal challenges are the avenue to contest maps, as Democrats lack votes to stop them; legislative actions and speeches serve as a record for court consideration.

Opposes Republicans' use of Privileged Resolutions for controversial votes, which may affect 2024 elections; finds embedded language concerning, yet strives to vote aligned with personal values.

Believes temporary rule changes in Senate & House expedite bill passage, criticizes late Republican map release and insufficient hearing notices, and anticipates U.S. House map Senate vote with subsequent required approvals, culminating in Governor's signature to enact law.

Opposes the state legislative maps by House and Senate Republicans, citing severe disruption in DeKalb/Gwinnett County without benefits for Black voters and a disservice to local constituents.

The candidate's website says, "The 2021 map reduced Democratic Congressional districts by one... The new proposed map holds Democratic seats to 5, creating a majority-Black district on the west side of Atlanta... Charles Bullock, a highly respected UGA political science professor said Georgia legislators appear to be going 'down the Alabama path.'"

Believes Georgia legislators must swiftly create fair electoral maps by December 8th, as mandated by court, to prevent dilution of Black voters' influence.

The candidate's website says, "The Backdrop: ... despite Georgia’s 13 percent growth in minority populations, they could get away with maintaining, and even growing, their current advantages. That’s called gerrymandering, and even though partisan gerrymandering is legal, racial gerrymandering is not."

Said, "Although Georgia decided not to 'stay' the Federal Court decision, Republicans still plan to take the case to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. It’s actually possible that we could run on redrawn maps in 2024, reverting back to the original maps for 2026, should the appeal be successful..."

The candidate's website says, "Last year just before midnight on Sine Die, Republicans waived their own rules, forcing Senators to vote on a bill no one had laid eyes on — a situation deserving nothing but a “no” vote. The GOP majority voted “yes.”"

The candidate's website says, "It takes a two-thirds vote in each chamber to pass a Constitutional amendment, which means the Republicans cannot pass certain ballot initiatives without some help from across the aisle. This is an important negotiation power for the Minority Party."

Said, "...only a local legislator has the ability to pull out a bill from the Local Consent Calendar to be voted on separately. So we explained the dilemma to the Rules Chair, who convinced a Senator from Ware County to pull out the Elections Board bill to be voted on separately. Problem solved. Democrats got their opposition vote recorded..."

Said, "Two members of the Senate Democratic Leadership were removed from the powerful Rules committee — the committee that decides which bills move on to the Senate floor for a vote. Now Senate Rules is only 17% Democratic... leaving the gates unguarded and wide open for lots of bad bills."

The candidate's website says, "Senate Republicans also passed SR 65 honoring former US Senator Kelly Loeffler and her partisan voting group, Greater Georgia, that explicitly registers Conservative voters...”"

Said, "You can sign Amplify Georgia’s petition to send a message of support and get updates on ways you can advocate for the bills. Let my Republican colleagues know that we are not going away on this issue."

The candidate's website says, "Had Stacey Abrams been elected in 2018, Georgia would not have passed the abortion ban... Stacey is on the ballot again in November and every single vote in the entire state matters."

Said, "If your precinct or county is already “blue,” getting people to turn out can be even harder. We need all the voters in the blue areas. Every single one. Because, again, each vote counts individually."

The candidate's website says, "Mid-Term elections are not an electoral college situation... You don’t have to 'win' your county — the vote still counts."

Said, "Every single vote you turn out, no matter where, counts just as much — really more — than 'flipping a county.'"

Said, "Finally, Stacey will have veto power... we now have enough Democratic votes in the legislature to block legislative veto overrides... I’m working to ensure every Democratic House candidate in Senate 40 has what they need to successfully communicate their message."

Said, "Down Ballot Races Drive Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV): State House & Senate candidates are local messengers... While people often think of down-ballot races riding the coat-tails of popular top-of-the-ballot candidates, it’s the state House & Senate campaigns that drive GOTV efforts... If there is one lesson we learned last week, it’s that state legislative races matter."

Said, "Get up in the morning, look into the mirror, and say, “What am I going to do today to save my country?” ... Convince a young person to not give up on voting. ... Have a hard conversation with a Republican leaning friend about why we need Stacey. Talk a friend out of despair and show them that they too can find the votes that make a difference. ..."

The candidate's website says, "It all starts with you — a democratic government works best when citizens get involved. Support strong, bold candidates and decide what you can do in the upcoming election. Together, we can make a difference."

Said, "In my ten years of serving in the House and Senate, I have never been asked to vote on a bill I haven’t seen. ... This was an orchestrated effort and the very opposite of policy over politics. ... This is not how democracy is supposed to work."

Said, "For most of his term, he lived that ethos as he stood up to President Trump, took committee chairmanships away from those who promoted The Big Lie, and stopped several bad bills from coming to the floor."

Said, "...Yes, now that the session is finished, it’s campaign season already... But to make a real difference... we have to change the players in charge... So get ready to work hard this fall to get out the vote for our candidates up and down the ballot!"

The candidate's website says, "Building a more reflective democracy and advancing a multi-racial populist agenda that improves gender equality and the sustainability of our planet."

Said, "We can win back Georgia! That’s why I’m endorsing Sally Harrell for Georgia State Senate District 40. With Sally’s candidacy, we have a critical opportunity to gain another seat and another voice for progress in the Georgia General Assembly."

The candidate's website says, "“For too long, the Georgia legislature has been serving special interests over the citizens of Georgia... EMILY’s List is proud to endorse these incredible candidates who will usher in the change Georgia families are waiting for.”"

Said, "It was hard keeping up with what we were voting on. Bill numbers and captions stayed the same even when the content changed."

Said, "Sadly, these bills face opposition in the House. DeKalb County leaders seem quite antsy about any annexations these days. I hope before the end of the session they can see that this small referendum is the right thing to do."

Said, "Sadly, all of these bills passed and are now headed to the House... They could easily come back to haunt us as bill amendments or hijacked bills."

Said, "Then a couple weeks ago, Chamblee leaders asked for a referendum for annexation of Embry Hills... so I doubt we’ll be able to pass an annexation bill for Embry Hills this year."

Said, "It’s not often that a member of the majority party visits with the Democratic Caucus. ... a Republican Chairman, knowing he needs our votes, came to tell us about a Constitutional Amendment Resolution he’s sponsoring. Constitutional amendments require a 2/3rd vote for passage. ..."

Said, "When debate on SB 189 began... one of my Democratic colleagues moved to 'call the question,' which brought the bill to an immediate vote... Republicans passed the bill with 29 votes – the bare minimum needed to pass a bill."

Said, "Lately, it feels like the avenues for making your voice heard at the Capitol are getting more difficult. Email is largely ineffective, Republican bills are pushed through fast, and committee chairs aren’t allowing many hearings."

Said, "With HB 30, I found myself in a situation with more questions than answers, and whether I voted up or down, I knew I would be hurting people... Abstaining was the only way I could recognize all the voices of my diverse district."

The candidate's website says, "Redistricting Redux 2023... Next week legislators from all over Georgia will... head to Atlanta for a Special Session of the Georgia General Assembly... to produce new State House, […]"

The candidate's website says, "The Close of Special Session & What’s Around the Corner Maps Update ... maps were signed by the Governor last Friday — the deadline set by federal Judge Steve Jones. Republicans say their new maps meet the court order because they create the required [...]"

Supports engaging citizens of color in government, evidenced by celebrating Brookhaven's diverse council with the historic elections of Mayor John Park and Councilmember Michael Diaz, efforts attributed to Councilman John Funny's initiatives.

The candidate's website says, "The Plot Thickens: The players in this saga aren’t just Alabama and Georgia — the action could impact the balance of power in Congress, with similar court challenges in Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah."

Believes GOP majority in Georgia needs Democratic support for constitutional amendments but notes that GOP offers don't align with Democratic interests, and Democratic requests are unmet.

Supports parliamentary procedure as a democratic tool that ensures majority rule and minority rights, akin to a captain and crew's cooperation, crucial for preventing conflict in a partisan climate, and is concerned about the neglect of these rules.

Plans to advance voting education, inspired by a successful Voting 101 class collaboration for Chamblee High School's Adulting Day, which demonstrated the effectiveness of teaching students about voting processes.

Believes parliamentary procedure, like Robert's Rules, ensures majority rule and minority voice, critical for Senate decorum, especially in partisan times; concerned that neglecting these Rules threatens cooperation.

Believes GOP requires Democratic support for constitutional amendments in Georgia due to insufficient majority; notes Democrats' leverage is ineffective as GOP offers are undesirable and requests unmet.

The candidate's website says, "In the Senate, it takes 29 votes to pass a bill... If just five of their members aren’t there to vote, or they join Democrats in dissent, the bill fails... Democrats also now have an unlikely ally in a Republican freshman Senator... infamous for voting “no” on almost everything. That sometimes gives Democrats an additional opposition vote."

Said, "If these bills pass the Senate before Crossover Day, we’ll have another chance to shoot them down in the House. Please keep watch, read and share this Snapshot around, especially when we call on you to take action!"

Believes recent disheartening news should motivate personal action and focus within the community on securing unique votes over the next four months, emphasizing individual responsibility in the electoral process.

The candidate's website says, "Voters in this district are engaged, informed, and know that many important decisions directly affecting their lives will be made at the state level in the years ahead..."

Said, "This session, the new Senate top brass relieved me of some of my prior Committee duties... Two members of the Senate Democratic Leadership were removed from the powerful Rules committee — the committee that decides which bills move on to the Senate floor for a vote. Now Senate Rules is only 17% Democratic... leaving the gates unguarded and wide open for lots of bad bills."

Said, "Congress has made clear its intention to pass down key policy issues ... And with congressional district lines being redrawn after the 2020 census, it only serves to amplify just how important this Senate seat will be."

Said, "The 15-member Commission discussed the form of government ... To make these changes, a two-thirds vote was required, and none of the large proposed changes met that threshold. ..."

The candidate's website says, "Ban on private elections funding (SB 222)"

Co-sponsor of “The Democracy Act,” which proposes to amend Georgia’s constitution to create an independent, non-partisan commission to complete redistricting, rather than the Georgia legislature, in the hopes that this will reduce partisan gerrymandering

- Co-sponsor of “The Democracy Act,” which proposes to amend Georgia’s constitution to create an independent, non-partisan commission to complete redistricting, rather than the Georgia legislature, in the hopes that this will reduce partisan gerrymandering

Voting & Elections

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The candidate's website says, "HB 1105 requires law enforcement officers to arrest and detain anyone involved in criminal activity and suspected of being an undocumented immigrant... This puts additional administrative burdens on local law enforcement and could result in racial profiling."

Supports bipartisan efforts to curb gun violence, endorsing "Donna's Law" (SB 522), which lets individuals at risk of suicide voluntarily join a "Do Not Sell" Firearms list, addressing the prevalence of gun-related suicides in Georgia.

Supports "Donna's Law," SB 522, to let individuals with suicidal thoughts voluntarily join the FBI's "Do Not Sell" list, preventing impulsive firearm purchases; invites advocates to a Senate hearing and press conference for endorsement.

The candidate's website says, "SB 517 immunizes law enforcement officers from criminal prosecution if the officer can prove that the use of force is lawful, justified, or falls within the department’s guidelines... This bill will only make it more difficult for victims of unjustified or excessive use of force to seek justice."

Opposes SB 191 and 203 for reducing trucking safety standards and driver qualifications, increasing driving hours, and undermining Georgia's direct action statute, risking motorist safety.

Said, "Every time we vote on crime bills... These bills are unraveling his legacy of criminal justice reform... It was Governor Deal’s Criminal Justice Reform Council that reported that even just spending two or more days in jail before trial increases recidivism by nearly 40%."

Supports increased penalties for gang recruitment and abuse of disabled adults, and firearm prohibition for domestic violence convicts, as evidenced by party-aligned voting on SB 44 and bipartisan support for provisions in SB 12.

Opposes SB 36's mandatory minimums for pimping and pandering, citing judicial discretion limits, potential political targeting, minimal crime deterrence, and Georgia's high incarceration rate; expects more such bills under the Governor's crime stance.

Said, "We are happy to inform you that your campaign has been given the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction. Thank you again for standing up for gunviolence prevention and recognizing gun safety."

Opposes Georgia's HB 301, believing it could lead to excessive litigation against local governments suspected of lax immigration enforcement, potentially causing loss of funds and removal of officials, despite sanctuary cities being illegal since 2009.

Supports SB 522, noting rare Senate hearing due to Chair's allowance. Highlights testimonies from mental health professionals and advocates, including Katrina Brees, who argues the bill could have prevented her mother's suicide. Press conference followed.

Opposes SB 402, citing increased risks for teen drivers, especially after recent fatal accidents involving young drivers during early morning hours.

Said, "“Donna’s Law” Voluntary Gun Registry: ... a bill she was working on to create a voluntary “do not sell” gun registry for people at risk for suicide."

The candidate's website says, "“Donna’s Law” is named for Donna Nathan... purchased a gun, and hours later shot herself... “Donna’s Laws” have been passed in three states and are pending in several others."

Said, "It has been several years since the Senate has had a hearing on a gun bill that decreases, rather than increases, the number of guns in the state."

Said, "On the other hand, antisemitic threats have increased and my Jewish constituents want more protection. Many of them also have family in Israel and are feeling grief and pain at losses incurred in the October 7th attack."

The candidate's website says, "Yesterday six State Capitol buildings, including Georgia, received bomb threats. Although building searches determined the email messages were hoaxes, the threat is real."

The candidate's website says, "The omission of a Study Committee on ambulance response times, as well as gun safety... The new Lt. Governor does not seem to see the value in bringing together legislators, citizens, and subject matter experts in developing quality legislation and policy to benefit Georgia citizens."

Said, "Lillian Hanson, a public policy major at Georgia Tech from my district ... will be working with us as a part-time intern. Lillian’s interested in criminal justice reform ... so she will be tracking relevant legislation and helping me build out a network of experts and advocates in that arena."

The candidate's website says, "Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens...contradicted Republican claims of rising crime...violent crime — crimes against people, for example rape and aggravated assault — in the City of Atlanta is down 7%."

Supports the "Cure Violence" program, which employs community members in high-violence areas to mediate conflicts and aid healing, notably in hospitals where shootings may provoke further violence.

Opposes Senate Bill 63, citing it mandates cash bail for over 60 crimes, including minor offenses, leading to prolonged pretrial detention for those unable to pay, resulting in potential job loss, parental rights forfeiture, and homelessness.

Said, "The Governor’s tough on crime and gang-related bills have been a mixed bag... Democrats presented a united front against mandatory minimum sentencing bills... But some of the bills have good stipulations..."

The candidate's website says, "There are lots of bad bills lurking ahead — ... banning homeless camps, eliminating cashless bail, tougher penalties on crime, ... punishing District Attorneys using prosecutorial discretion, and limiting access to the courts (tort reform) — just to name a few (Whew)!"

Said, "I also joined a ... press conference on Gun Safety organized by Georgia Majority for Gun Safety. The ability of these groups to ... unite voices and create a narrative in the press is impressive!"

Said, "Codifying specific examples of hate into Georgia law has not been done before and I’m uncertain how it will play out. I don’t know if HB 30 will help or if it will cause further harm... Does this law provide a blueprint for them?"

The candidate's website says, "Gun Safety, Mental Health & Reproductive Freedom – Putting Out Fires"

The candidate's website says, "Broce told us during the budget hearings that Georgia is now mostly cured of the “hoteling” practice... Choking back tears while trying to gain her composure, the Commissioner... speaking passionately of the long, hard hours child protective service agents put in, often in highly-charged, dangerous circumstances."

Said, "Security was on the minds of those who entered the Georgia Capitol Monday morning for the 2024 legislative session... I wondered how this new protocol would be received, since I have long suspected some legislators bypass the 'no guns in the Capitol' rule..."

Opposes swatting incidents; concerned for colleagues and families subjected to police raids due to false crime reports at officials' homes, highlighting risks, especially when children are involved.

Said, "Bomb Threat at the State Capitol ... Although building searches determined the email messages were hoaxes, the threat is real. Since Christmas, several of my colleagues in the Senate have been “swatted,” which means someone called the police reporting a horrible crime..."

The candidate's website says, "Anti-Semitism: ... At issue is putting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism into Georgia code. The definition includes specific examples of anti-Semitism which proponents say will help law enforcement and other authorities better identify and hold people accountable for anti-Semitic acts. ..."

The candidate's website says, "The definition includes specific examples of anti-Semitism which proponents say will help law enforcement and other authorities better identify and hold people accountable for anti-Semitic acts... However, the IHRA definition explicitly says 'criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic.'”"

The candidate's website says, "This week, SB 22, a bill requiring chemical testing of post-market consumable hemp products, was a prime example of what can go wrong with hastily written floor amendments and fast moving parliamentary moves."

- Supports the establishment of a voluntary "no-sell" gun registry for individuals with suicidal thoughts through SB522, in collaboration with Sen. Elena Parent, to enable self-protective measures.
- Supports allocating more resources to social services that protect and promote healthy communities and reduce the need for law enforcement; including increasing funding for public mental healthcare systems, unemployment training programs, and safe housing for the homeless.
- Promises to work to decriminalize marijuana and reduce existing sentences for possession of marijuana.
- Supports universal background checks, mandatory safe storage, and red flag protections on guns.

Sally Harrell

Economy

Energy & the Environment

Healthcare

Voting & Elections

Public Safety

Education