Legislative Week 2 (Jan. 16 – 21, 2018)

Hello HD117. Week 2 has come and gone and even with a snow day and only two legislative days, the week was full. Legislative days are days we are actually in session. But a lot goes on before and after session in the chambers.

Slide from CRSA presentation.

 

Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Started the day at the CRSA Legislative Breakfast. CRSA is the Coalition of Refugee Services Agencies (https://crsageorgia.wordpress.com).   This is the coalition of organizations that work with refugees and immigrants in Georgia. Their presentation was very informative and full of facts I didn’t know. For example, refugees who are approved for resettlement in the US go through a minimum of a 24-month security screening period (and 28 different checks/interviews) and have to pay the US government back for their airfare to the US.

 

 

 

With the President of GA Head Start.

Back at the Capitol, Head Start was in the house. I remember Head Start fondly because my younger brother attended. Head Start (http://georgiaheadstart.org) is a great program that is completely funded by the Federal Government. It strives to promote school readiness of children under 5 from low-income families through education, health, social and other services. One thing we know is that the earlier we get kids engaged in reading and learning the better their lives turn out to be when they are older.

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 was a snow day. Capitol offices were closed but the work did not pause. Participated in a conference call regarding the new Democratic Caucus sub-committee on Sexual Misconduct in the Capitol. I am proud to have been asked to be the committee secretary and to serve in this capacity considering how important this issue is. We are working on providing recommendations to the Speaker of the House on best practices to implement in the General Assembly. We are also in support of Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick’s Sexual Misconduct bill. Be on the lookout for more on this soon.

Self Portrait by Stanley Bermudez

 

Avery and I braved the afternoon sludge and met up with local Athens artist, Stanley Bermudez (www.stanleybermudez.com). Stanley has accepted to be my first Artist of the Month and have his work on display in my office at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building (509-C). I am excited about being able to highlight local artists from Athens and District 117 at the Capitol – I get a lot of visitors, as well as my fellow legislative colleagues so I get a lot of opportunities to “show off” our local talent. His artwork will be on display until March 1st. If you are or know of a local HD117 artist who may be interested, have them contact Avery Murdie, my chief of staff, at chiefofstaff@votedeborahgonzalez.com and send a letter of inquiry plus a couple of images of the work. Stay tuned for the official announcement.

 

 

Representatives and Senators Members of the Working Families Caucus

Thursday, January 18th was a legislative day. But before heading back to session was able to complete a few client calls and contracts. We also started two of our interns on Thursday – Paige Meirehofer and Cris Ortiz. The big news for the day was the Working Families Caucus meeting that focused on Employment Equity: Putting Georgia on the Path to Inclusive Prosperity (http://bit.ly/2Bvvgh1), a study and report by PolicyLink (http://www.policylink.org) and presented by Partnership for Southern Equity (http://partnershipforsouthernequity.org). While discussing the report, an op-ed was also mentioned that relates to this issue and can provide additional information: http://bit.ly/2mTlEYZ.

Ended Thursday by joining fellow representative Spencer Frye at his Habitat for Humanity Committee of 1000 Annual Gala (https://www.athenshabitat.com/gala-2018/). It was an inspiring evening with stories shared by those whose lives were changed by Habitat because of their new homes and those whose lives were changed by providing those new homes. Bob and I enjoyed it and two funny things happened: 1. Bob knew more people than I did; and 2. I was a bit overdressed. Oh well, guess I will eventually learn the dress code in Athens.

Some of the Female Reps voicing their support of the Women’s Marches.

 

Friday, January 19, 2018 was our 6th Legislative Day of the session. At 9:30 I was proud to take part in a Press Conference called by Rep. Erica Thomas and Rep. Park Cannon so that legislators could voice their support of the Power to the Polls and Women’s Marches happening throughout Georgia and the US over the weekend (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOPhykhvQos). In addition, four of us gave a morning order congratulating all women legislators who have served or are currently serving in the General Assembly.

 

 

Some of Team Gonzalez: Stephen, Alison, Avery, Cary Lynn, and Noor.

Three more interns started with us: Stephanie Flores, Cary Lynne Thigpen and Noor Samdi. They were given an orientation and got their first taste of “Capitol” food at the Sloppy Floyd Cafeteria. Legislative Fellow, Alison Neufeld, joined us for the day and got a chance to meet with Legislative Counsel regarding an upcoming bill we are working on. More on that later.

After lunch Kathryn Grant from an organization who opposes guns on campus came and spoke with us about what lobbyists do, how lobbyists and representatives interact, and the latest on the Campus Carry law. Seems it is coming back because those who sponsored it are not happy with the restrictions it currently has. I am not against guns. I am against guns on campus.

 

Earlier that day Rep. Jonathan Wallace and I issued a joint statement regarding the current situation with the Athens Sheriff Ira Edwards reversing his policy of not detaining undocumented individuals who have not committed a felony until ICE comes to deport them. You can read our statement here: http://www.house-press.com/?p=6880.

Mariposas – Butterflies – are a symbol for Immigrant Activists. This is a scene form the Athens Rally.

 

After a short session I returned to Athens to attend the rally put on by Dignidad Immigrante en Athens and an Interfaith Coalition of churches and religious organizations in support of immigrants and DACA students (https://www.facebook.com/events/400418613723871/). I do not believe immigrants or DACA students are negatives in our community. I believe the immigrant story is one of the integral building blocks of our country, as is the history and struggles of African Americans. Neither story invalidates the other and I am committed to work on both fronts.

 

 

Some of the participants at the SJS and Lisa Lloyd.

Saturday, January 20th was an early day as the Social Justice Symposium (https://www.facebook.com/events/187934041756044/) was set to begin at 8:00 am. I didn’t have a lot of time but wanted to support these amazing students from UGA’s School of Social Work. The dean definitely knows what she’s doing with these committed and talented young people. My biggest problem was I was short on time and there were so many great panels to go to. Maybe next year I can stay the entire day.

 

 

Activists come in all ages – but the message is clear.

 

But I had to go on – this time to Gainesville and their Women’s March where I was to speak. They heard about my election and wanted someone to inspire them on the anniversary of the Women’s March in DC. I gave my usual speech – don’t complain, don’t get depressed – run for office! And if you can’t, support someone else who can. We can’t change the situation until we change who is sitting at the table and making decisions that affect ALL of us.

 

 

 

Bob, me, Kristina and Rep. Wallace

Got home in time to clean up and fancy up as both Rep. Jonathan Wallace and I were invited to Mayor Dave Shearon’s Inaugural Ball in Watkinsville’s Chops and Hops. We had cocktails at a secret location but needless to say that’s a story for another time. So great to support another progressive individual who is ready to take us forward. Although Bob and I love to dance and there was schmoozing to do, we gracefully bowed out and went home earlier than the others. But we did have a good time especially since the ball was a fundraiser for the Charles Ivie Foundation (the former mayor who died in 2017).

 

 

Just “some” of the people who were thanked for their role in making Athens Library System the Library of the Year.

Sunday, January 21st was a relatively slow day – one client meeting and then off to celebrate Athens Regional Library System’s Library of the Year award (http://bit.ly/2DGs9ZF). I am so proud of what they do for our communities. Libraries hold a special place in my heart because I spent so many of my summer vacation days there since my mom had to work. But I loved it – so many books to read and things to do. When I walk into any library that feeling of excitement and exploration comes back. I presented my second proclamation to Valeria Bell, the Library Director. Valeria demonstrated why she is so good at what she does by inviting everyone who works for or supports the library in any way to share the stage with her. Remember their motto: engaging communities…exceeding expectations.

 

That’s it for week 2. In between all of these events that I highlighted are various visits, meetings, conversations, etc. Will you be next?

Some of my fellow Representatives.

I hope that my session updates will help you to stay informed on legislative matters that impact our community and state as a whole, as well as my comings and goings on your behalf. The House website, www.house.ga.gov, has several tools that might be useful to you throughout the legislative session: a live stream of House proceedings, live and archived committee meeting videos and detailed information on all legislation we are considering in the General Assembly.

Call or email me if you have any questions or concerns regarding any current or upcoming legislation. My Capitol office is located in the Coverdell Legislative Office Building (CLOB) 509C, across form the Capitol, my office phone number is 404-656-0220, and I can be reached via email at deborah.gonzalez@house.ga.gov. My District Office is at the Butler Building, 337 S Milledge Ave., Suite 224, Athens, GA 30605. We are working on the scheduling of District office hours as well as community forums so stay tuned.

As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

Deborah

Which reminds me – don’t forget you can keep up to date on what’s going on, who I am meeting with, what legislation I’m working on and other news by Liking our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DG4GA.

Legislative Week 1 (Jan. 8 – 15, 2018)

Hello HD117. This is the first of a series of approximately weekly blogs to let you know what is going on as the legislative session progresses. Here you will find out the who, what, where, when, how and why (my reflections) of my days as your State Representative.

Note: Yes, I’m a bit behind in the updates.  It’s been a hectic start.  These are meant as recaps but you can keep up to date on what’s going on, who I am meeting with, what legislation I’m working on and other news by Liking our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DG4GA or following me on Twitter: @DG4GA.

IT BEGINS…

My colleagues welcoming me to the House of Representatives.

The session began on Monday, January 8, 2018. Avery (my chief of staff) and I arrived at the Capitol, dropped our stuff at our office (CLOB 509C) and headed to the House Chambers. I was able to find my seat and my first vote was roll call.   Not much else occurred in the Chambers being the first session, but I did learn about using the voting machine on my desk and calling the page (if any of you visit and I am in session, the page can ask me to come out).

 

 

 

 

Me and Rep. Brenda Lopez at the GA Win List luncheon.

Session was followed by two lunches – one hosted by Rep. Brenda Lopez (HD99, http://votebrendalopez.com) for her interns and the second one was hosted by GA WIN (http://gawinlist.com) with their newly endorsed 2018 women candidates. Newly elected female officials – like me, Rep. Teri Anulewitz (HD42, https://www.teriforgeorgia.com), Rep. Kim Schofield (HD60, https://www.facebook.com/electkim4d60/), and Senator Jen Jordan (SD 6, https://www.jen4ga.com) – then held an informal chat about the realities of being a woman on the campaign trail and shared lessons learned.

Got back to Athens in time to get to the TAG office before they closed and ended the day cheering on the GA Bulldogs (http://georgiadogs.com) in an historic national championship game. Those players were awesome – up to the very last minute. Congratulations to each of them and their coach Kirby Smart.

 

 

The Asian-Latino Caucus: Rep. Pedro Marin, Rep. Lopez, Rep. Gonzalez, Rep. Bee Nguyen, Rep. Sam Park

 

On Tuesday, January 9th session didn’t begin until 1 pm, but we had been hard at work already. Had two meetings before heading to Atlanta (one with a constituent and one with a legal client – yes, I am still working as I represent). One thing that happens at the beginning of every session is a mini-sermon and prayer led by the Chaplain of the Day. This is meant to inspire us as we do the People’s work. A couple of the highlights from this week include “All giants fall” and “stir things up.” I guess these Pastors knew I was in the house.

 

 

 

Rep. Karen Bennett

Wednesday, January 10th gave me a better sense of how things would be. We began at 10 am and after the sermon and Pledge of Allegiance morning orders began. Morning orders is when representatives ask to speak for less than 5 minutes regarding an important issue or bill they are supporting. It is also during this time that members can recognize constituents from their districts for doing an exceptional thing or to acknowledge some who are visiting and sitting in the Gallery. Please make sure if you visit me to let me know so I can give you a shout out.

Wednesday was special to me because it marked the first bill I signed on to. I was so honored to be invited to sign my name and support a new Hate Crimes Bill (HB663, http://bit.ly/2DnPvjj) sponsored by my friend Rep. Karen Bennett (HD64) and brought forward by the GA Legislative Black Caucus. I stood by my colleagues proudly as we held a Press Conference to introduce the bill to the public. This is an important issue and the bill creates increased punishments for crimes that target an individual due to the individual’s race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or physical disability.

Always great to meet my constituents at the Capitol. Here is Taylor Brown, Public affairs for the Park Service.

Thursday, January 11th we heard Governor Deal’s State of the State Address (http://bit.ly/2Fu37u6) as well as the Democratic response (http://bit.ly/2qUH8Js). You can see videos of these speeches, as well as every session, every day on the GPB Newsmaker’s website (http://www.gpb.org/lawmakers).

Governor Deal gave an inspiring message – using the metaphor of planting trees and orchards for future generations – trees and orchards of opportunity. But I also appreciate Minority Leader Trammel’s response in that not all the trees provide shade for all Georgians; something I will be working on as your representative.

Every day is a special day at the Capitol as every day organizations visit us to provide information and to advocate for their cause. Thursday was Wildlife day and as a surprise I got to meet one of my constituents from Athens who was there representing Georgia Department of Natural Resources (http://georgiawildlife.com). Her name is Taylor Brown and we shared a hug and some conversation about how important nature and wildlife is to the fabric of Georgia.

 

Just see of the Representatives and Senators who form part of the Working Families Caucus.

After visiting briefly the Working Families Caucus (which I am happy to say I am a member of) and meeting my official mentor (Rep. Karen Bennett, HD94, https://karenbennettcares.org), I dashed off to spend some time with the folks representing Addiction Recovery Day at the Capitol at Liberty Plaza. You may have already seen my Facebook post about this event. The stories shared remind you how strong those recovering are. Shout outs to two great organizations doing this work – Georgia Association of Community Service Boards and Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. And guess what? I got to meet another constituent – HD117 is all over the Capitol – Tony Sanchez.

 

Rep. Valencia Stovall, myself, our guide, Rep. Bee Nguyen, Rep. Sam Park

I ended Thursday being a VIP guest at the opening of the Rays of Light: Glimpses into the Ismali Imamat (https://the.ismaili/rays-light-exhibition-atlanta) at the Infinity Center in Duluth. There is still time to see this amazing exhibit that highlights the diplomatic achievements of its leader Aga Khan. It was a wonderful experience made better since I was able to share it with some of my colleagues – Rep. Sam Park (HD101, http://www.samforgeorgia.com), Rep. Bee Nguyen (HD89, https://www.beeforgeorgia.com) and Rep. Valencia Stovall (HD74, http://gostovall.com). Our exhibit guide was a very exuberant and passionate Khatija Meghjani, who enthralled us with her stories and her experiences in service around the world. Two quotes from the exhibit by Mawlana Hazar Imam that resonated with me and our current political climate:

“The right to hope is the most powerful human motivation I know.”

“Without cultural identity, social cohesion gradually dissolves and human groups lose their necessary point of reference to relate to each other and with other groups.”

The sponsors of the exhibit will be showcasing Ethics in Action at the Capitol – South Wing Lobby – on Monday, February 26 from 1 – 5 pm (free and open to the Public). Hope I’ll see you there.

Rep. Brenda Lopez and Rep. Park Cannon try to get me in the shot.

So if you are keeping track, that’s 4 days out of the 40 for session – so 36 more to go. But as you can see, being “in session” is just one part of what we do as your representatives in the Capitol. Remember this is the People’s House – it belongs to you – so I hope you will take some time, grab friends, colleagues and/or the kids, and visit us. Would love to see you there!

Now that the legislative session has officially begun, my House colleagues and I will be working diligently to pass meaningful legislation on behalf of all Georgians. I hope that my session updates will help you to stay informed on legislative matters that impact our community and state as a whole, as well as my comings and goings on your behalf. The House website, www.house.ga.gov, has several tools that might be useful to you throughout the legislative session: a live stream of House proceedings, live and archived committee meeting videos and detailed information on all legislation we are considering in the General Assembly.

Being interviewed by Mundo Hispanico on the first day of Session.

Call or email me if you have any questions or concerns regarding any current or upcoming legislation. My Capitol office is located in the Coverdell Legislative Office Building (CLOB) 509C, across form the Capitol, my office phone number is 404-656-0220, and I can be reached via email at deborah.gonzalez@house.ga.gov. My District Office is at the Butler Building, 337 S Milledge Ave., Suite 224, Athens, GA 30605. We are working on the scheduling of District office hours as well as community forums so stay tuned.

As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.

~ Deborah

 

BONUS: MLK Weekend

This weekend was busy and full honoring the late Martin Luther King, Jr. By recognizing MLK Jr., we are reminded of all of the sacrifices he, and countless others, have made in their efforts to create a more equitable and just world. Honoring King encourages us to continue the efforts of those who came before us–especially those who lost everything in the process.

Judge Patricia Barron and Judge Ryan Hope at the Free Legal Clinic – so grateful for their service.

 

One of MLK’s quotes making its way around social media is “It is always the right time to do the right thing.” I couldn’t agree more.

On Saturday, January 13th, various district judges and attorneys offered their services for free at the first Pop-Up Legal Clinic held at the AME Church on Hull Street. Organized by the Access to Social Justice group, it offered the community and opportunity to speak to an attorney or judge about a particular legal issue at no cost. The next one is Feb. 24th at the Athens Regional Library on Baxter Street.

 

 

fierce performers at the Lydon House.

 

Later that day the Lyndon House in Athens celebrated Visions of MLK with song, dance and poetry. Now in its 7th year, the celebration is as vibrant and essential as ever.

 

 

 

 

The Reverends do a mean duet to preach the message of inclusivity.

Sunday, January 14th offered a variety of events starting with a joint service held at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church whose congregation welcomed those from the Milledge Avenue Baptist Church. The inspiring service was followed by a fellowship lunch.

 

From there I enjoyed a Voices of Truth Concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Athens. I really do not have a voice for singing, but gladly it didn’t matter. I let the professionals do it and I find Gospel music to be so moving.

 

 

 

 

It seems like all of Athens came out and rocked the house.

Bob joined me Sunday evening for the Athens in Harmony concert organized by Knowa and Mokah Johnson to benefit the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement. This is the third year and should not be missed – ever. It showcased a number of duets by local musicians. There were so many highlights I’ll let the photos and Facebook posts do it justice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends and fellow volunteers at MLK Day Kickoff

MLK Day on Monday, Jan. 15th started early at the Clark Central High School for the MLK Day of Service Kickoff. We had over fifty volunteers come in to set up for hundreds of volunteers to go out to different sites. T-shirts, breakfast and inspiring words from Ovita Thornton sent them all out with a bang.

Midday saw me in Barrow County at the White Oak Spring Baptist Church in Winder for their MLK service. Bringing together local elected offices – the mayor, city commissioners, and law enforcement – to join the congregation in celebrating the life of MLK and urging all to follow in his footsteps – the event was one I will not miss next year.

 

First ride in a parade and in a convertible! With Rep. Jonathan Wallace.

My last event for MLK that Monday was the Athens MLK Parade and Festival. Such a wonderful way to recognize the many great people doing so much great work in our local communities! Thank you to Jonathan Wallace, my legislative colleague in District 119, for joining us! I also met up with friends such as Beto CacaoOvita Thornton, and Moms Demand Action – GA. And a huge “Thank You!” to the awesome Adam Shirley and Emily MyersStephanie Flores, and Cary Lynne Thigpen for marching in the parade with me and being such a wonderful part of the community of Athens, GA!

 

 

 

Know Johnson and Mokah Johnson – two outstanding citizens of Athens, GA!

After the parade I had the honor to present to Knowa Johnson and Mokah Johnson a GA House Resolution that commends and honors their work. You can find a video, photos and the text of the resolution on our Facebook post about the event: http://bit.ly/2FMav3Z.