ATLANTA (March 30, 2023) | Senator Jason Esteves (D – Atlanta) concluded his first legislative session in the Georgia General Assembly after achieving numerous bipartisan victories and fighting to advance his legislative priorities: education, healthcare, public safety, and economic opportunity.
“In my first speech on the Senate floor, I shared the story of my mother, Linda, who is facing the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Sen. Esteves. “My mother inspired my public service by teaching me two lessons as a child: leave your community better than you found it, and treat others how you’d want to be treated. Informed by these values, I am proud to have worked with my constituents to make a meaningful difference in Georgians’ lives in my first three months in office— stopping divisive ‘Buckhead cityhood’ legislation, passing legislation to expand healthcare access, and taking a stand against harmful policies that threaten our rights. I want all hardworking Georgians to know that they have an advocate in me under the Gold Dome, and I look forward to continuing this work in the years to come.”
Among Sen. Esteves’ legislative accomplishments in the 2023 session:
Passed SB 199 to make health savings accounts available as a pre-tax deduction for state employees, including teachers.
Served as a leading opponent of Buckhead cityhood legislation, successfully defeating SB 114 with bipartisan support.
Introduced a total of nine billsencompassing tenant rights (SB 278), healthcare (SB 199), campaign finance reform (SB 276), education funding (SB 284), public safety (SB 176), human trafficking (SB 201), teacher salaries (SB 207), local government operations (SB 251) and early childhood learning (SR 144).
Cosponsored 48 bills, including SB 45, which provides for the care of students in K-12 education who are being treated for epilepsy or a seizure disorder as well as training of school personnel.
Hosted three virtual town hallsfor constituents, including a town hall to provide updates and receive input on the Sterigenics facility in Cobb County.
Advocated for his constituents by speaking out against legislation that contradicts their shared values, including speaking in opposition to SB 233, a voucher bill that would divert funds from Georgia’s public schools, and speaking in opposition to SB 140 to restrict the medical treatment of transgender youth.
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Sen. Jason Esteves represents the 6th Senate District which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton County. He may be reached by phone at 404.463.1562 or by email at Jason.esteves@senate.ga.gov.