June 11, 2025

Summer 2025 Updates

I’m glad the Safe at Home Act is getting attention, but there’s much more to do for affordable and decent housing. I’ve raised concerns about the DeKalb Elections Board nominees, and I’ll be joining the “No Kings” protest on June 14th. From Pride and Juneteenth celebrations to education workshops and community events, there’s a lot happening this summer.

MEET AND GREET WITH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CANDIDATE JOSH MCLAURIN

I hope you will join us for a meet and greet with State Senator and Lieutenant Governor candidate Josh McLaurin on Wednesday, June 18th. I consider Sen. McLaurin a friend and am happy to support him! Learn more about Josh McLaurin here. You can also listen to his podcast with Rep. Ruwa Romman here. See you on the 18th! RSVP to kate@kmmconsultingllc.com

Donations are welcomed but not required to attend!

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/6.18.25jm

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UNSAFE LIVING CONDITIONS HIGHLIGHTED IN NEWS SEGMENT

I am glad the Safe at Home Act passed in 2024 is getting attention. Progress—- much more to do for affordable and decent housing. Thanks to WSB-TV for interviewing me in this news segment on June 8th entitled "GA law gives tenants at a Southwest Atlanta apartment complex protections against unsafe conditions," where tenants at Bolden Townhomes say they have been living without power for months.

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DEKALB REGISTRATION AND ELECTIONS BOARD SHENANIGANS

The DeKalb Republican nominees for the DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections should not be approved, and there is a process to object to their qualifications to serve. See my letter to Judge Shondeana Morris, and tell me what you think.

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ANTI-TRUMP PROTEST ON SATURDAY

As you may know, there are nationwide protests against the Trump administration happening throughout the state of Georgia and the nation this Saturday, June 14th. The No Kings in Atlanta protest will take place at Liberty Plaza by the Georgia Capitol from10am-noon. I would recommend taking MARTA to the Georgia State Station if you want to attend. There will also be a protest at Clairmont Place in Decatur at 10:30am. Here are the other places where protests are taking place throughout Georgia:

Albany: "No Kings Albany, GA" 10 a.m. to noon.
Athens: "No Kings Athens" 5-7 p.m. at College Square.
Atlanta: "No Kings in Atlanta" 10 a.m. to noon at Liberty Plaza; "No Cake for False Kings Atlanta" 1-4 p.m. at Atlanta Station Bridge/Overpass.
Augusta: "No Kings Augusta" 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Brunswick: "No Kings Brunswick, GA" 3-8 p.m.
Columbus: "No Kings Columbus GA" 9-11 a.m. in front of the River Center in uptown Columbus.
Decatur: 10:30am at 1670 Clairmont Rd in Decatur Douglas: "No Kings Douglas" noon-2 p.m. at Trojan Lane intersection.
Fayetteville: "No Kings Fayetteville" 3-4:40 p.m. at Old Fayette County Courthouse.
Forsyth County: "No Kings Forsyth County" 1-2 p.m.
Gainesville: "No Kings in NE Georgia" 3-4 p.m. at Gainesville Square.
Greene County: "No Kings Greensboro GA" 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Griffin: "No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance: Griffin" 10-11:30 a.m. at the Griffin Auditorium.
Macon: "Kick Out the Clowns | No Kings Day of Action Macon" 10 a.m. to noon at Poplar Street median between 2nd and 3rd streets.
McDonough: "No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance; McDonough" 12:30-2 p.m. at MCDonough City Hall.
Savannah: "No Kings Savannah" 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Thomas Square Park.
Statesboro: "No Kings Statesboro" 10 a.m. to noon.
St. Mary's: "No Kings St. Mary's" 3-6 p.m. at St. Mary's Waterfront Pavilion.
Suwanee: "No Kings Gwinnett County" 2-4 p.m.
Tucker: "No Kings March Tucker" 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tucker Recreation Center.
Valdosta: "Valdosta - No Kings Day of Defiance" 2-3 p.m.
Waycross: "No Kings Waycross" 9-11 a.m. at the sidewalk area between Checkers and Hog and Bones facing Memorial Drive.
Woodstock: "No Kings in Woodstock: We Took the Same Oath" 2-4 p.m.

Source: Athens Banner-Herald

Marches will take place nationwide in the cities below:

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VOICES FOR GEORGIA'S CHILDREN LEGISLATIVE REPORT 2025

Voices compiled a comprehensive report from the 2025 Session on legislative actions for children. This is worth reading, and will be relevant when we know more about the federal budget disaster currently moving forward in Congress. All our possible good works from the recent Session may be vulnerable if we are forced to cut back when the federal funding sources are slashed.

Please read the full report HERE.

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IEP REVIEW WORKSHOPS BY GEORGIA APPLESEED

Are you a parent who is confused about the special education system or needs help with your child's IEP or 504 plans? Georgia Appleseed is offering free virtual clinics on June 12, 16, and 18. Special education experts will review plans and advise parents on how to advocate for the supports their child needs. Please join!

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HAPPY PRIDE MONTH, GEORGIA!

I have watched year after year at the Georgia State Capitol as Executive Director Jeff Graham and Georgia Equality have fought for the rights of so many of my constituents, both in HD 82 and now HD 84. We thank you for your outstanding and brave efforts to "advance fairness, safety and opportunity for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities throughout Georgia." Bravo! I urge you all to support Georgia Equality and to attend their upcoming fundraiser. You may sponsor or buy tickets here.

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POLL RESULTS

Should CHOA deny gender-affirming medical care to children diagnosed with gender dysphoria?

Yes - 9.8% (11 votes) No - 90.2% (101 votes)

112 votes total

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JUNETEENTH EVENTS

Happy Juneteenth! I encourage you to attend one of the many Juneteenth events throughout DeKalb County and the city of Atlanta. The city of Stonecrest will host a Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom on Saturday, June 14th. Learn more about those exciting events HERE.

The Atlanta History Center tells the history of Juneteenth on their website, stating that "on June 19, 1865, a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and two months after Union troops seized Richmond, the capital of the Confederate States of America, the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were declared free people. That momentous date in 1865 was proclaimed Juneteenth and has been celebrated annually since then." The Atlanta History Center will host a day of amazing events on Saturday, including a talk by Atlantan Robell Awake on his book, A Short History of Black Craft.

Democrats in Decatur will host a meal for 200 at DEAM, located at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, on Thursday, June 19th from 11:30-1:30. I will be there to help. Please contact Caroline Ahmann for more information or for volunteer opportunities at decatur@dekalbdems.com.

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SAVING THE CHATTAHOOCHEE EVENT

I look forward to hearing Sally Bethea and Hannah Palmer talk about their new books at the Decatur Library on Thursday night! Hal Jacobs, author of Saving the Chattahoochee, will facilitate the event.

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OUT AND ABOUT

I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's roadtrip with my book club to Andalusia, home of Flannery O'Connor. The home is maintained by Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, and Cathy Cox has done a terrific job for visitors. Great work! English major Tatom was a perfect guide—- thank you.

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Robert Franklin moderated an excellent discussion last night at the Atlanta History Center with Kevin Sack about his new book “Mother Emanuel- Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church."

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I enjoyed a visit on May 29th with my Senator—- very impressive man. I am so grateful for his service, and with him all the way in his race for reelection.

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I have been a member of the Emory University community since kindergarten. I am proud to know both President Fenves and Justice Leah Ward Sears. Both are professionals of the highest standards, people I greatly admire. I wish them both well in their new adventures and look forward to continuing to work with them in every way possible to support Emory -- congratulations to both! Read the article about this transition HERE.

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UPCOMING DATES

Wednesday, June 11th– attend Senate hearing on obstacles created by DHR in relation to the statutory interstate compact agreements.

Saturday, June 14th - No Kings in Atlanta protest

Saturday, June 14th - Stonecrest Juneteenth Celebration

Tuesday, June 17th - Justice For Children meeting

Wednesday, June 18th - Josh McLaurin meet & greet

Thursday, June 29th - Juneteenth DEAM meal

Saturday, June 21st – participate in Georgia Municipal Association panel with Rep. Victor Anderson in Savannah

Friday, June 27th - DeKalb Democrats - Decatur soccer tailgate party

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QUICK LINKS FOR YOU

I am on the following legislative committees. You can watch live every time they meet. Click on the links below for livestreams, agendas, archives and more.

Committees:

Subcommittees:

Appropriations - Human Resources
Governmental Affairs - State and Local Government
Judicial - Leverett (two)

You can search for and track bills, watch the House (or Senate) in Session, watch committee hearings, monitor legislation by committee, and find contact information —- all on the revamped General Assembly website. Here are quick links:

General Assembly website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/
House Session meetings and many committee hearings are available to watch online: https://www.legis.ga.gov/house
Archived videos of meetings and hearings: https://www.legis.ga.gov/house/media-services

Make your views known and tell me what issues interest you the most.

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