Democratic representative’s move could prompt school choice passage in Georgia

by Kimberly Sawatka | Jul 11, 2023

Georgia news, in the news, current events, Georgia happenings, GA happenings

Democratic representative’s move could prompt school choice passage in Georgia

Could a state lawmaker’s jump from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party lead to the passage of school choice in Georgia?

Rep. Mesha Mainor of Atlanta announced her intention Tuesday to switch to the Republican Party, drawing expected responses from her new and old parties.

During this year’s legislative session, Mainor voted in favor of Senate Bill 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, a measure other Democrats and some Republicans opposed. It would have created state-funded education savings accounts.

“Our state and nation would be far better off if there were more principled lawmakers like Rep. Mainor around,” Buzz Brockway, the Georgia Center for Opportunity’s vice president of public policy, said in a statement to The Center Square when asked what the move means for school choice. “She has prioritized the best interests of her constituents, especially those who are impoverished and reside in zoned zip codes with limited educational options.

“Rep. Mainor’s decision is reflective of a growing national movement in favor of educational opportunity — the most recent example being a poll showing that 71% of Americans support the concept of school choice,” Buzz Brockway added. “Crucially, 73% of African Americans and 66% of Democrats back school choice as well.

Read the full article here

Georgia allocates $83.5 million in grants to enhance public safety

by Kimberly Sawatka | Jun 26, 2023

Georgia allocates $83.5 million in grants to enhance public safety

n a recent announcement, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp revealed that the state will distribute over $83.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds as grants for 118 public safety projects across Georgia.

The aim of these grants is to bolster law enforcement staffing, support initiatives to reduce violent crime, invest in technology and equipment, and address personnel shortages stemming from the pandemic.

Kemp emphasized the significance of the grants in a statement following the decision. “Public safety has always been a top priority of my administration and will continue to be,” he said.

He further highlighted the need to provide resources for law enforcement agencies to combat surging crime.

Josh Crawford, director of criminal justice initiatives for the Georgia Center for Opportunity, applauded the state’s commitment to public safety.

“We commend Gov. Kemp and the legislature for continuing their commitment to public safety, especially in an environment where we continue to see high crime rates in cities across the state,” Crawford stated. “Ensuring safe communities requires involvement from all of us, including partnerships between state and local officials.”

Read the full article here

It Takes a Community

by Kimberly Sawatka | Jun 21, 2023

It Takes a Community

A few years ago, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries (NCM) acquired a complex to further the mission of helping neighbors who sincerely want to break their cycle of poverty and regain financial independence. To remind the community of its expanded facilities and partnerships with other nonprofits, NCM invited the community to an event called Tacos + Tours.

Luisa Beeco, a program manager for Better Work Gwinnett, part of the Georgia Center for Opportunity, (GCO) explained that GCO focuses on family work and education.

“Our goal is removing barriers, and we do it in many ways so that every person, no matter their race, past mistakes or the circumstances of their birth, can have access to quality education, fulfilling work and a healthy family life,” she said. “We have people who are working on research and policy and working on trying to keep families together.”

One way to keep families together is by making sure the adults have jobs. That’s where the Better Work program comes in.

“It’s not like a staffing agency — it’s different,” she said. “I would call it a referral program.”

Better Work has partnered with multiple employers in the area that have agreed to reach out to job candidates within 3 business days for an interview or a conversation to be able to go through their process.

“We have people go through our portal. It takes five minutes. They can do it on their phone,” said Becco.

Once the applicant signs up, Better Work has a 30- to 60-minute conversation to understand where they fit in the work world. They assess the barriers to work — transportation, childcare, etc. Instead of creating more programs, Better Work connects clients to existing resources such GED classes and English language classes.

Read the full article here

Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Women at Whitworth Correctional Facility for Successful Re-entry

by Kimberly Sawatka | Jun 20, 2023

Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Women at Whitworth Correctional Facility for Successful Re-entry

Key Point

Those reentering society need a plan for gaining stable employment after serving time.
Local businesses will hire and support those reentering society.
There are tools, resources, and support available to former inmates.

At the beginning of the summer, Prison Fellowship hosted an inspiring event at the Whitworth Women’s Facility in Hartwell, Georgia.

This event was significant for inmates because many of them will soon be integrating back into society, which can also be referred to as “reentry.” This process can be tough because there are many challenges, like finding a good job. Assisting former inmates in swiftly obtaining reliable employment is crucial as it plays a pivotal role in reducing recidivism rates, or keeping people from going back to prison.

Tony Kitchens, a board member of GCO and a representative of Prison Fellowship, along with Luisa Beeco, BETTER WORK Gwinnett’s program manager, participated in a panel discussion focusing on the options available to women after serving time and the significance of stable employment in their journey towards successful re-entry. With around 150 engaged participants, including former inmates, the event aimed to provide hope, support, and resources for these women as they prepared for their transition back into society.

Incarcerated women are eager for job opportunities and self-sufficiency:

The importance of supporting incarcerated individuals and helping them integrate back into society has become a pressing concern in recent years. The panel of speakers featured former inmates, our GCO team, and representatives from The Georgia Justice Project. Luisa highlighted the need for a plan to secure stable employment as a stepping stone towards a better life after incarceration. One of the most remarkable aspects of the discussion was the unexpected level of engagement displayed by the incarcerated women, who were eager to learn about their job opportunities and how to achieve self-sustenance. With local community leaders showing support for their ambitions, the women left the discussion with a renewed sense of hope and determination for a brighter future.

“The women actively participated by asking thought-provoking questions to the panelists for a substantial period of time,” stated Luisa. “This eagerness to learn and seek guidance demonstrated their genuine desire to better themselves and seize the opportunities that awaited them upon release.”

Stable jobs after prison are key to women finding purpose and success:

One of the recurring themes throughout the discussion was the critical role of stable employment in the re-entry process. Our team highlighted the benefits of having a job after release, such as financial stability, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. The panelists emphasized the importance of using their time in prison wisely to acquire necessary skills and qualifications, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the job market upon release.

“This eagerness to learn and seek guidance demonstrated their genuine desire to better themselves and seize the opportunities that awaited them upon release.”

Hope and resources for incarcerated women returning to society:

GCO provided a comprehensive list of available support networks, job training programs, and organizations dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into society.

The event held at the Whitworth Women’s Facility was an inspiring testament to the power of hope, support, and education in the lives of incarcerated women. By engaging with panelists, seeking guidance, and embracing the importance of stable employment, these women showcased their determination to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities. The collaboration between Prison Fellowship, Tony Kitchens, GCO, and the dedicated individuals within the correctional facility exemplifies the transformative potential of collective efforts in enabling successful re-entry and giving these women the tools they need to thrive.

State’s occupational license requirement for lactation consultants violates the state constitution

by Kimberly Sawatka | Jun 5, 2023

Media statement, in the news, Georgia news, ga news

State’s occupational license requirement for lactation consultants violates the state constitution

The Georgia Supreme Court ruled late last week that the state’s occupational license requirement for lactation consultants violates the state constitution. As the Institute for Justice reports, “The licensure law would have required even experienced lactation care providers to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), involving two years of college courses, 300+ hours of clinical work, and an expensive exam. This would have made state licensure unattainable for many.”

The Georgia Center for Opportunity’s (GCO) take: “Bottom line, the Georgia Supreme Court made the right call here,” said Eric Cochling, chief program officer and general counsel for GCO. “Occupational licensing is needed in some industries and job categories due to public health and safety concerns, but the laws on the books today in many cases are an unnecessary roadblock to employment for workers. When you add the cost of becoming certified as a lactation consultant to the fact that there is virtually no discernable benefit to public safety or health from imposing the new restrictions, the Supreme Court’s decision is clearly the right one in this case. As our state and nation continue to face a shortage of skilled and qualified workers in a variety of occupations, it’s important that government not throw up unnecessary roadblocks. Unfortunately, occupational licenses are frequently one of them.”