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Elena Parent

DEMOCRAT

Elena Parent is running for Georgia State Senator, District 44, Democratic Primary.

Personal background

Elena resides in Atlanta with her husband, Briley, and their two young sons. The family are members of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Atlanta.

Professional background

Elena Parent began her career as a litigation attorney at Eversheds Sutherland LLP. She has also served as the Executive Director of Georgia Watch, the state’s leading consumer rights non-profit. A graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia School of Law, she has been recognized with awards such as Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 'Who's Who Sustainability' and the Fulton County Daily Report’s 'On the Rise'.

Political background

Elena Parent was first elected to office in 2010. She was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2014 and has served there since. In 2020, she was elected Chairwoman of the Democratic Caucus.

Economy

Said, "We also took up legislation that pays tax payers a one-time refund from our budgetary surplus funds. This will cost $1 billion and taxpayers will receive max $500, if married filing jointly... I almost voted for HB 162, because tax relief could be a worthy goal as part of a budgetary philosophy that provides balance between important governmental needs and duties... First, these refunds are not going to many in dire need and are being sent to many who don’t need them... I believe the funds would be much more effective if used in a collective way in the form of a Georgia Work Credit or to fund the $20 million needed for the CAPS program... Budgets reflect our values, and our failure to fully fund education and health care for all highlights the majority party’s priorities – their own pockets."

Supports SB 118, the Georgia Work and Family Credit Act, for state tax refunds via earned income and childcare credits saying it would boost local economies and workforce participation

Supports workforce development, infrastructure investment, and education to boost business. Advocates for Georgia Earned Income Tax Credit, transit, broadband, and training high schoolers for modern economic skills.

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Energy & the Environment

Supported House Bill 71, the Okefenokee Protection Act, which would have prevented Twin Pines from expanding its operation. It stalled despite bipartisan support from a majority of members.

Opposes HB 374/SB 145, advocating for local control over gas leaf blower regulations due to environmental and noise concerns, and rejects state interference in such local matters.

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Healthcare

Supports "Reproductive Rights - like abortion and birth control"

Filed SB 564 -- the Right to Contraception Act -- and SB 565--the Right to IVF Act following Alabama's State Supreme Court decision on IVF.

Opposes SB 140, which would deny medical treatment for gender dysphoria in youth, citing it contradicts medical guidelines and criminalizes physicians

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Voting & Elections

Believes the 2021 state maps violate the VRA by denying Black voters equal opportunity, opposes the Supreme Court's stance on partisan gerrymandering, and views gerrymandering as detrimental to democracy.

Opposes SB 414, asserting it shields 'dark money' by letting 501(c)4 groups donate to PACs without revealing their donors, obscuring who influences elections and policy in Georgia.

Opposes SB 355, which would ban rank choice voting in Georgia

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Public Safety

Advocates for gun safety, including legislation to close Georgia’s loopholes that allow convicted domestic abusers and the seriously mentally ill to still possess weapons.

Supports creating a voluntary "Do-Not-Sell" gun list for those with suicidal thoughts

Believes in balancing individual rights with public safety, advocating for gun control to ensure domestic tranquility and address the high frequency of mass shootings.

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Education

Supports bipartisan amendment for Georgia's Technical College System to enable awarding associate degrees to students with partial four-year credits, reducing issues of debt without degrees and improving job prospects. Advocates for more accessible, affordable post-secondary education.

Supports increased funding for early child care in Georgia, advocating for an additional $20 million to secure 2,600 more child care seats, recognizing the investment's importance for the state's current and future workforce.

Opposes legislation (SB 154, SB 390, SB 394, SB 501, SB 532) that introduces chaplains, promotes Christianity, bans books, and severs ties with the American Library Association in Georgia schools.

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