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A City in Crisis

By Sens. Emanuel Jones, Rick Jeffares and Gail Davenport

ATLANTA (April 14, 2011) – Throughout its storied history, the City of Stockbridge has built a reputation as a thriving suburban town; a place where people want to live, work and raise a family. However, political infighting among city officials has thrown this prominent community into turmoil.

After Mayor Lee Stuart sued the city council in an attempted power grab last year, the city has been embroiled in a costly lawsuit with no end in sight. However, a bill sits before the legislature that represents an agreement reached by both parties that could put this city and its leadership back on track. We authored Senate Bill 189, which revises the city’s charter to delineate the power between the mayor and city administrator, who would be the chief administrative officer and act as a liaison between the mayor and the city employees.

Continue reading “A City in Crisis”

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Senate Approves MLK Advisory Council

ATLANTA (March 16, 2011) – The Georgia State Senate today voted in favor of Sen. Emanuel Jones’ (D-Decatur) bill to create a Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council to coordinate activities in observance of the MLK holiday. Senate Bill 141 aims to promote awareness and appreciation of the Civil Rights movement and Dr. King’s legacy.

“Dr. Martin Luther King overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to bring peace and justice to his fellow man. Every year, we celebrate Dr. King’s noble work. The council will allow for better coordination at the state and local level to educate Georgians on his teachings,” said Jones. “The MLK holiday should represent more than just a break from our daily routine. His life and work is too important for only a moment’s pause of remembrance.”

The advisory council will be housed within the Department of Community Affairs and will be composed of nine members, including the commissioner of DCA, members of the Senate and House and six governor appointees, two of whom must be between the ages of 18 and 22 years old.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Sen. Emanuel Jones represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry counties.  He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via e-mail at emanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 16, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
Kallarin.Richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

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Sen. Jones Introduces Bill to Give Juvenile Offenders the Opportunity for Parole

ATLANTA (February 17, 2011) – Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) has introduced legislation to give juvenile offenders the opportunity for parole.  Senate Bill 105 establishes a three-person juvenile parole panel within the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) that will have the authority to establish and maintain parole guidelines for designated felons.

“With limited financial resources and the severe overcrowding in our jails, we must begin looking at alternatives to incarceration.  This bill is aimed at juvenile offenders who have committed only designated felonies, a step down from those charged with a serious offense,” said Jones.  “A rehabilitation-focused approach to juvenile justice will help improve our public safety while also saving taxpayer dollars.”

Panel members will be appointed by the DJJ commissioner, and will decide which designated felons are eligible for parole.  If granted parole, they will remain under the supervision of the DJJ until their maximum sentence expires.  Only those who have demonstrated good conduct and completed the educational and program requirements will be considered.  The panel will also be responsible for any parole violations, aiding parolees in finding employment and determining which designated felons are fit for relief from the panel.

The law currently requires all children convicted of a designated felony to be confined to a youth development center (YDC) for 12 to 60 months, with no option for parole. This bill deletes any mandatory minimum time of confinement and allows for parole.

Georgia has the fourth highest incarceration rate in the nation, costing taxpayers $1 billion a year.

Jones has noted that the overall purpose of the legislation is geared toward helping children become productive members of society.  The bill is a follow up to the law Jones passed last year that curbs the abuse of zero-tolerance discipline policies in schools.

Sen. Emanuel Jones represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry counties.  He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via e-mail at emanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 17, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

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Legislative Black Caucus Heritage Dinner Tomorrow

ATLANTA (February 16, 2011) – The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) will host its annual Heritage Dinner at the Georgia Freight Depot tomorrow, February 17.  The Caucus will honor Dr. Joseph E. Lowery with the Man of the Century Award, the highest honor the GLBC has ever bestowed on a member of the community.

WHEN: Thursday, February 17, 2011
6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Georgia Freight Depot
65 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Media will be asked to sign in at will call

Sen. Emanuel Jones serves as chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. He represents the 10th Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb and Henry counties.  He may be reached at 404.656.0502 or via e-mail at emanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov.

ADVISORY
For Immediate Release:
February 16, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028