HB 87 is titled the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011. You likely have heard and read much about this bill, which ultimately passed both the House and Senate and now awaits the Governor's signature. HB 87 will require employers with 10 or more employees to ensure that their new hires are eligible to work in the United States. The bill also gives police the authority to question suspects about their immigration status. I voted against HB 87.  First and foremost, I believe immigration is a federal issue, but beyond that, if our state wanted to truly address the problem of illegal immigration, requiring employers to verify the immigration status of their employees and contractors in every instance is the only way to truly get to the root of illegal immigration: the availability of jobs to undocumented workers. HB 87 does not address all employers and fails to require verification of contractors at all. In addition to not adequately addressing the employment issues, HB 87 overburdens our law enforcement community without providing funding for their  increased responsiblities under the new law.

SB 10 is the much anticipated "Sunday Sales" legislation.  SB 10 passed both the House and the Senate and is now on its way to the Governor's desk for his signature.  After years of discussion, this legislation allows local communities to decide whether they want to allow Sunday sales of alcohol.  SB 10 would do this by allowing city councils and county commissions to call for referendums on whether Sunday alcohol sales should be allowed at stores in their cities and counties.  The state already permits the purchase of alcohol at bars, restaurants, and special events on Sunday, but does not allow for the purchase of alcohol at retail stores.  SB 10 simply gives our community the opportunity to directly decide Sunday alcohol sales for ourselves. I supported this bill.

SB 178.  This bill establishes the "assisted living community" as a new category of long-term health care provider.  Assisted living communities meet the needs of older Georgians who require more assistance than what is available at personal care homes, but who do not need the high level of care provided by nursing homes.  Under SB 178, seniors will be able to age in place at assisted living communities, where they can receive an intermediate level of service between that of personal care homes and nursing homes.  These communities would be allowed to have medication aides on staff and would also be able to take care of residents who cannot move on their own in an emergency, so long as there is enough staff to see that the residents remain safe. I supported this legislation.

Atlanta Camp Sessions

Session 1 - June 13th to June 17th in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia from 9am to 1pm