As the Representative-elect for Georgia House District 145, I am deeply grateful to the people of Macon-Bibb and Monroe Counties for trusting me to serve them. Our campaign succeeded because we built a diverse coalition of supporters and focused on the issues that matter most to Middle Georgia voters: strengthening public schools, making neighborhoods safer and creating greater economic opportunity for all. As your representative, I will remain steadfastly focused on these priorities to improve the lives of the people I serve.
As a lifelong educator, I’ve seen the challenges our public schools face—and I know these challenges are shared by communities across Georgia. If we want a brighter future for all Georgians, we must invest in our children, listen to our parents and respect our teachers. By doing so, we can build a stronger, more equitable education system that gives every student a real chance to succeed, regardless of where they live or who they vote for.
Education is often called the great equalizer, yet far too many children lack the resources and opportunities they need to reach their potential. In every corner of Georgia, kids dream of what they want to be when they grow up. But for too many, those dreams feel out of reach because their schools are underfunded and under-resourced. Fully funding our schools is the first step toward closing this gap.
This isn’t just about money; it’s about equity. Every child deserves an equal shot at success. Equitable funding means smaller class sizes, modern technology and the tools every learner needs to thrive. It also means paying teachers what they deserve. Too many talented, dedicated educators are leaving the classroom because they can’t make ends meet. That’s not just a loss for our schools—it’s a loss for our communities and our economy. If we want great teachers in our classrooms, we must show them that we value their work.
Parents, too, deserve a larger role in shaping our schools. When parents feel heard, they become empowered partners in their children’s success. Schools should foster meaningful, ongoing dialogue with parents on critical issues like curriculum and policies. By creating a system where parents and educators work hand-in-hand, we can ensure our children get the support they need to thrive.
Safety is another critical priority. No parent should fear for their child’s safety at school, and no teacher should worry about their own well-being in the classroom. A safe learning environment goes beyond security cameras and locked doors—it requires a culture of trust, respect and mental health awareness. Schools need both physical safety measures and robust mental health resources to help students manage stress and emotional challenges. By prioritizing prevention and support, we can create schools where students feel safe to learn and grow.
But education alone isn’t enough to secure Georgia’s future. We must also prepare our young people for high-quality jobs and meaningful careers. Vocational training and workforce development are essential. By investing in these programs and fostering partnerships with local businesses, we can strengthen our economy while opening new career pathways for students. College isn’t the only path to success—a skilled trade or technical career can provide stability and fulfillment. A strong workforce pipeline also makes Georgia more attractive to businesses looking to invest here.
In today’s polarized political climate, it’s easy to get lost in partisan battles. But the goals of stronger schools, safer neighborhoods and greater economic prosperity for all aren’t partisan. These are issues that unite us. When we work together on these foundational priorities, we all win.
Middle Georgia deserves strong, resilient communities and a brighter future for our children. With your continued support, I’m committed to making that vision a reality. Together, we can ensure that our shared dreams become a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Democrat Tangie Herring was elected to serve Middle Georgia’s House District 145 in November
