Georgia Faith & Freedom Coalition hosted its 2nd Annual Legislative Luncheon earlier this month in Atlanta and had a fantastic crowd for the day! Drawing on their success from last year, they had over 150 activists, pastors, and legislators in attendance to hear from an incredible lineup of speakers, highlighted by Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal.
This annual luncheon focuses on the legislative agenda and policy objectives of Georgia FFC during each session in order to provide accurate information for bills in consideration, as well as to give pastors and activists a chance to speak with their local representatives about these bills being considered.
Governor Nathan Deal highlighted his administration’s priorities of criminal justice reform, the state’s desire to remain the number one state in which to do business (Site Selection Magazine, 11/2013), and his push for more dollars to be poured into the state’s education system. He also committed to more funding for DFCS while calling on families to do their part in keeping Georgia’s children safe.
Jared Thomas, Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Brian Kemp, briefed the attendees on the upcoming presidential election cycle and how the primary dates will change as a benefit to states like Georgia and those bordering it. Newly inaugurated State Schools Superintendent Richard Woods gave a continuation of his campaign’s promises to revamp our education system, give more local control to school boards and the parents, spend tax dollars wisely, and allow teachers to focus on the classroom instead of paperwork. He also furthered his commitment to eliminating Common Core standards from the curriculum in the state.
On the legislative side, Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer highlighted the Senate’s priorities for the session, including seeing a version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed in the Georgia Legislature. Religious Freedom champions, Sen. Josh McKoon and Rep. Sam Teasley, presented the facts on their key legislation and why it is so important to the future of our state.
As crossover day approaches in the Georgia Legislature (the day by which bills must pass in one chamber in order to be considered in the other before potentially being signed by the Governor), Georgia FFC is hot on the trail in pursuit of Religious Freedom, expanded access to scholarships for true school choice, and tax reform that benefits the families of our state while making sure that the government is able to fulfill its promises. At the same time, we’ll work to stop the influx of Medical Marijuana and the expansion of gambling in Georgia in order to protect families across the state.
For any questions about Georgia Faith & Freedom Coalition, or to get involved and start a chapter in your area, please contact State Director Robert Potts at Robert@FFCoalition.com.