This month the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, comprised of 65 state House and Senate members, released its 2020 legislative priorities ahead of the group’s 2020 Heritage Dinner.
The group, entirely Democratic and chaired by State Rep. Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), put forth its goals for the 2020 legislative session, currently in the midst of a break as legislators study the budget.
Among them is expanding broadband access, not just in rural communities but for students statewide in disadvantaged school districts. Continuing to address criminal justice reform, an issue championed by former Gov. Nathan Deal and one that will hopefully continue under Gov. Brian Kemp, is also included.
Perhaps the biggest 2020 issue that the Caucus hopes to push revolves around healthcare, most notably expanding Medicaid and increasing healthcare access.
“We believe Georgia should catch up with other states across the nation and expand Medicaid, insuring hundreds of thousands more of our residents,” said Rep. Patty Bentley (D-Butler).
The Georgia Democratic Party followed up on those concerns at a press conference at the State Capitol Tuesday, where party chair and state Sen. Nikema Williams (D-Atlanta) slammed Kemp for his proposed budget cuts that the Democrats claim put Georgians’ health at risk.
