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Sen. Sheikh Rahman: Weeks 2 & 3 of the Legislative Session 

As we enter the heart of the legislative session, work under the Gold Dome is moving full speed ahead. Even as ice and snow swept across South Georgia and Atlanta last week, our commitment to serving the people of Georgia never wavered.

We hit the ground running when we returned to the Capitol this past Monday. Some highlights included the Senate Democratic Caucus Press Conference, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Day and Chamber of Commerce Day. I am always excited to see these events full of Georgians getting involved in our state government.

As budget hearings for the next fiscal year continue over the remainder of session, we have a critical opportunity to shape investments that will directly impact our communities. Governor Brian Kemp’s proposed budget includes $50 million in security grants for individual schools—an essential step toward keeping students safe. However, proper school safety goes beyond physical security; it requires a commitment to addressing the broader issues affecting student well-being. I will continue advocating for a budget that supports working families, invests in underserved communities, and ensures every Georgian has the opportunity to succeed.

On Tuesday, the Senate Democratic Caucus announced several key legislative priorities for this session. We introduced Senate Bill 50, a bipartisan effort to close health insurance gaps, expand mental health and maternal care access, and ensure working families can afford quality healthcare. Too many Georgians rely on emergency rooms for primary care because they lack affordable insurance. We believe every Georgian deserves reliable, accessible healthcare, and we will continue pushing for solutions that lower costs and expand coverage. In the coming weeks, we will introduce bills to raise the state minimum wage, improve public schools, and expand access to affordable childcare. Our focus remains on legislation that puts people first.

I am pleased to have worked across the aisle and cosponsored several pieces of bipartisan legislation, including Senate Bill 9, or the “Ensuring Accountability for Illegal AI Activities Act.” Sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R—Roswell), SB 9 would create sentencing penalties for individuals who utilize artificial intelligence to develop obscene materials that could endanger vulnerable members of our population. 

I encourage students between the ages of 12 and 18 to apply to spend a day as a Senate Page. This program allows students to participate actively in the legislative process at our State Capitol for a day during the legislative session. This program is an invaluable experience, and I encourage my younger constituents to participate. Interested students may apply for the program here.

The weeks ahead will be eventful, with key debates and legislation shaping Georgia’s future. I’m committed to keeping you informed and ensuring your voice is heard. Thank you for your trust—I encourage you to stay engaged as we work toward a stronger, fairer Georgia.

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Senator Sheikh Rahman represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of Lawrenceville, Norcross, Duluth, Tucker and Lilburn in Gwinnett County. He may be reached at (404) 463-5261 or by email at sheikh.rahman@senate.ga.gov.

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COLUMN: Sen. Sheikh Rahman: The 2025 Legislative Session is Underway

By: Sen. Sheikh Rahman (D – Lawrenceville)

The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway! On Monday, January 13, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome, marking the start of this year’s legislative session and the beginning of a new biennium. Over the next 40 legislative days, I’m committed to fighting for policies that create a more equitable and inclusive Georgia for all its residents.

I am honored to continue serving on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, Government Oversight, Natural Resources and the Environment and Urban Affairs. On these committees, we will address pressing issues such as budget allocation, environmental concerns and exactly how our state should proceed with addressing its growing, diverse population.

The first week of a new biennium is always filled with important events and meaningful connections. This week was no exception, with highlights including the annual Eggs & Issues event and the Governor’s “State of the State” address. These events offered the General Assembly several perspectives on issues of Georgia’s small and large businesses, citizen concerns and the priorities of our state and local public institutions. These gatherings remind us of the collaborative spirit needed to address our communities’ challenges.

On Thursday, Governor Brian P. Kemp delivered his annual “State of the State address” to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. While I welcome some of his proposals, including pay raises for teachers, state employees, and first responders and efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce, I believe we must go further. We must ensure every Georgian has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions, and tackle the growing need for affordable housing across the state. These priorities are essential for creating a Georgia where every family can thrive.

As we move into our second week—commonly known as Budget Week—the focus will shift to the state’s financial priorities. Beginning Tuesday, leaders from state agencies will present their budgetary needs to the General Assembly. Budget Week is not just about numbers; it’s about values. This is our chance to advocate for funding that reflects the needs of working families, invests in underserved communities, and ensures every Georgian has the resources they need to build a better future.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I am committed to working with my Senate colleagues to ensure that the values and priorities of Georgia’s 5th Senate District are reflected in our state budget. Senate District 5 is rapidly growing, and with that comes a need for budgets and allocations that address shifting demands. My caucus colleagues and I will continue to advocate for the resources our districts need to support our expanding population and foster progress.

I encourage students between 12 and 18 to apply for a day as a Senate Page. Participants in the Page Program are granted the opportunity to join the Senate for a day at the State Capitol, during which they participate in, observe, and learn about the legislative process. This program is truly excellent, and I encourage my constituents to participate. Interested students may apply for the program by clicking here.

Please never hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns. Thank you for trusting me to represent you under the Gold Dome. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to share your ideas and concerns as we work together to build a stronger, fairer Georgia.

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Senator Sheikh Rahman represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of Lawrenceville, Norcross, Duluth, Tucker and Lilburn in Gwinnett County. He may be reached at 404.463.5261 or by email at sheikh.rahman@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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AAPI LEAD, First National Membership Organization for AAPI Elected and Appointed Officials Launched

ATLANTA (July 11, 2024) — During a 3-day summit (June 19-21) hosted by the Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation (APALF) in Las Vegas, Nevada, alongside NALEO, over 350 leaders from 26 states (plus the District of Columbia) convened to launch AAPI LEAD (Leadership Elected and AppointeD), the first-ever national membership-based organization for and by elected and appointed officials.

The summit convened the largest gathering of AANHPI elected and appointed officials from state, national, and local levels in U.S. history, aiming to organize elected and appointed officials.

“As the first president tapped to serve with the newly formed AAPI LEAD Board of Directors, I want our new organization to unleash the incredible leadership potential that AAPI elected and appointed leaders represent, because we are truly stronger together,” said Hon. David Chiu, San Francisco City Attorney & AAPI LEAD President. “We have much more work to do, to ensure that progress continues and that AAPIs have a seat at every table.”

“I am grateful to have been on the working committee to create this organization, the first-ever national membership-based organization for and by elected and appointed officials across the United States,” shared Sen. Sheikh Rahman (D–Lawrenceville). “I’m honored to be part of the inaugural board for AAPI LEAD and look forward to the meaningful collaboration and work that will be accomplished with my colleagues.”

The Honorary Advisory Board of Directors (non-voting) and inaugural AAPI LEAD Board consist of AAPI elected leaders from 15 states and territories, representing all levels of government — local, state, and national. The next convening is scheduled for July 23-25, 2025, once again alongside NALEO in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit www.aapilead.org.”

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Senator Sheikh Rahman represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of Lawrenceville, Norcross, Duluth, Tucker, Lilburn and Peachtree Corners in Gwinnett County. He may be reached at 404.463.1318 or by email at sheikh.rahman@senate.ga.gov.

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State Legislators Hold Press Conference with Hog Hammock Residents, Call on McIntosh County Officials to Reconsider Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment

ATLANTA (September 6, 2023) | Today, State Representatives Sandra Scott (D – Rex), Kim Schofield (D – Atlanta), Viola Davis (D – Stone Mountain), State Senators Nikki Merritt (D – Grayson), Sheikh Rahman (D – Lawrenceville) and residents from Sapelo Island’s Hog Hammock community held a press conference to urge the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners to reconsider its scheduled vote on a proposed zoning ordinance amendment for the Hog Hammock District. Both residents and lawmakers discussed the effects that the amendment may have on Hog Hammock residents and the Gullah Geechee community.

Continue reading “State Legislators Hold Press Conference with Hog Hammock Residents, Call on McIntosh County Officials to Reconsider Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment”