ATLANTA (January 26, 2024) — Sen. Kim Jackson of Georgia State District 41 is set to stand with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the SPLC Action Fund, as well as fellow legislators, community advocates and constituents at the Georgia State Capitol. The gathering, scheduled for January 29 at noon ET, is a call to action for the state to halt the criminalization of individuals dealing with homelessness and to implement the recommendations presented in the 2022 final report by the Senate Study Committee on Unsheltered Homelessness.
Continue reading “Kim Jackson Announces Upcoming Release of SPLC Report on the Intersection of Homelessness and Criminalization in Georgia”MEDIA ADVISORY: Senate Majority Caucus to Hold Press Conference Announcing 2024 Legislative Priorities
ATLANTA (January 26, 2024) — On Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., the Georgia Senate Majority Caucus will hold a press conference to announce their 2024 legislative priorities.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Date: Monday, Jan. 29, 2024
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: South Steps of the Georgia State Capitol, 206 Washington St, Atlanta GA 30334
ABOUT THE PRESS CONFERENCE:
The press conference will include remarks from Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), and Senate President Pro-Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) on the 2024 Majority Caucus priorities.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
We kindly request members of the media to confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Emily Leonard at the Senate Press Office (Emily.Leonard@senate.ga.gov).
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Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov
Sen. Islam Parkes Introduces Legislation Related to Women’s Health
ATLANTA (Jan. 25, 2024) — This week, Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D-Duluth) introduced Senate Bill 372, which would make an exemption from sales and taxes for certain goods that are designed and customarily used for child-rearing, specifically those used from prenatal through age three.
Continue reading “Sen. Islam Parkes Introduces Legislation Related to Women’s Health”Senate Adopts Senate Resolution 323 to Improve Caregiver Services Across the State
ATLANTA (Jan. 25, 2024) – Yesterday, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 323 with bipartisan support. SR 323, sponsored by Democratic Whip Sen. Harold Jones II (D-Augusta), would create a Senate Study Committee on Improving Caregiver Services to enhance caregiver services throughout the state of Georgia.
Continue reading “Senate Adopts Senate Resolution 323 to Improve Caregiver Services Across the State”President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Applauds Final Passage of Legislation to Combat Antisemitism
ATLANTA (January 25, 2024) — On Thursday Jan. 25, House Bill 30 received final passage by substitute through the Georgia General Assembly during the 2024 Legislative Session. Sponsored by Rep. John Carson (R–Marietta) and carried through the Senate by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), this significant legislation addresses the escalating issue of antisemitism in Georgia.
The bill, which received support from both sides of the aisle, is poised to make a substantial impact on combating antisemitic acts and harassment within the state. Sen. Kennedy, who served as the author to the bill’s substitute, commented, “This is a meaningful and effective bill that provides a guide to the government as to what antisemitism looks like. This bill sends a message to bad actors that, when committing an already illegal act discriminating against the Jewish community in Georgia, the state is equipped to discern and address this form of discrimination effectively. I appreciate Lt. Governor Burt Jones for prioritizing this legislation and look forward to seeing HB 30 signed into law in the coming months.”
“I applaud President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy and the Senate for Passing HB 30,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Antisemitic speech and hate will not be tolerated in Georgia. Today and every day, we stand with Georgia’s and our nation’s Jewish Community.”
Georgia has witnessed a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, with citizens facing harassment and discrimination based on their religious identity, as well as their perceived national original and race. The substitute introduced by Sen. Kennedy requires government agencies to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when enforcing anti-discrimination policies. The latest push to pass this legislation comes in response to incidents like the hanging of an effigy at a local synagogue in Macon, where congregation members fear attending services due to such acts of hate. Moreover, the substitute outlines the government’s duties, requiring state agencies to consider the IHRA definition when determining sentencing enhancements related to hate crimes. The legislation respects existing criminal procedure and the adjudicatory process.
This measure has now been sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature. You can find more information on HB 30 here.
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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.