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Legislative Caucuses Call for Full Restoration of Unemployment Insurance

ATLANTA (September 17, 2012) – Elected officials from both the Georgia Working Families Legislative Caucus and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus held a press conference last Friday calling on Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler to restore the unemployment benefits for thousands of private sector workers in the State of Georgia.  This press conference was held in response to Labor Commissioner Mark Butler’s letter to the United States Department of Labor stating that the issue of unemployment insurance for private sector seasonal employees is a states rights issue.

At the event, elected officials highlighted the letter from the U.S. Department of Labor that instructed the Commissioner to retract his decision that fails to comply with federal law. Legislators called for full restoration of unemployment benefits for the thousands of private sector employees affected by the actions of Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. Continue reading “Legislative Caucuses Call for Full Restoration of Unemployment Insurance”

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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