Looking Back on 2024 

As we reflect on Georgia's 2024 legislative session, it's clear that this year brought both significant progress and notable challenges. From bolstering education to defending civil rights, lawmakers tackled critical issues that will shape the state's future. Here's a breakdown of the key moments that shaped the year.

Wins for Education 

There were some significant wins for Democrats in education. Namely, K-12 public teachers across the state saw a $2,500 raise and the implementation of a duty-free planning period, giving our educators the resources they need to teach the next generation of Georgians. 

Additionally, the General Assembly's FY 2025 budget has allocated more than $100 million to education programs, including increased funding for free breakfast and lunch programs, student transportation, and lower class sizes. Georgia continues to spearhead efforts to reduce class sizes nationwide, with Representative Lucy McBath introducing a similar bill in Congress.

Affordable Housing Progress

The Legislature made incremental progress on affordable housing. Notable achievements include expanding tax credits for developers building low-income housing and passing the "Safe At Home Act." This legislation mandates all rental housing be "fit for human habitation," caps security deposits at two months' rent, and requires landlords to give tenants written notice and a three-business day right to pay overdue rent due before an eviction is filed. These changes align Georgia's tenant protections more closely with national standards.

However, broader reforms proposed by Democrats failed to pass, including a statewide rent control framework and a bill to create a fund for emergency rental assistance. The failure to adopt comprehensive solutions leaves Georgia grappling with a growing affordable housing crisis. Rising rents and stagnant wages disproportionately impact low-income families, but the effects ripple across all demographics. By failing to tackle the root causes of the crisis, Republicans missed an opportunity to ensure stable housing for all—a foundational element of thriving communities and a robust economy.

Defending LGBTQ+ Rights

Democrats successfully blocked five proposed bills targeting LGBTQ rights. The most significant defeat was a sweeping "Don't Say Gay" bill, which aimed to ban discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in K-12 public schools. Another high-profile bill seeking to block gender-affirming care for minors and penalize medical professionals was also defeated. 

The defeats were significant not only for LGBTQ rights in Georgia but also for setting a precedent in Southern politics. Blocking these bills highlighted the growing strength of progressive coalitions and shifting demographics, sending a clear message that discriminatory legislation will face fierce opposition.

Setbacks in Public Policy 

Despite the wins, there were notable losses this year, including the expansion of the school voucher program. Rather than improve our public education system, Republicans have decided to throw more money at private institutions that have little to no government oversight. 

The General Assembly also failed to expand Medicaid, leaving Georgia as one of ten states that have not taken this step, tying second with Oklahoma on the list of states with the most uninsured individuals. 

A Way Forward in 2025

Taking Action on Gun Violence 

Earlier this fall, students at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia suffered a school shooting that left four people dead and nine injured. Georgians know how important it is to issue gun safety legislation to keep our state safe. Ending gun violence is an urgent necessity that needs all hands on deck as we head into the next legislative session. Among the bills passed we hope to see in 2025 is Rep. Michelle Au’s “Pediatric Safe Storage Act.”

Fighting for Reproductive Justice

Georgia needs to eliminate its six-week abortion ban to protect reproductive rights and ensure access to essential healthcare. In October, the Georgia Supreme Court halted a ruling striking down the 6-week abortion ban in Georgia. Georgians know how detrimental this ban is to the health and survival of women. The ban violates the state constitution’s guarantee of privacy and unfairly restricts personal medical decisions. 

Raising the Minimum Wage

Georgia Republicans have repeatedly blocked attempts at raising Georgia's minimum wage while failing to address rising healthcare, housing, and energy costs. In casting votes for Donald Trump in November, some Georgians blamed the Biden/Harris administration for their financial hardships. But who's really responsible for Georgia's economy? The folks who've been in charge for 4 years – or the ones who've been in charge for 20?

A fair question, especially when considering 23 states are increasing their minimum wage in 2025, but not Georgia. As of January 1st, ten states will have a minimum wage of $15/hour – twice that of Georgia's minimum wage. You can find the complete list of states raising their minimum wage here. 

Thankfully, Democratic State House Representative Carl Gilliard has pre-filed a bill for the 2025 Legislative Session called the "Georgia Livable Wage Act," aiming to establish a minimum wage of at least $15 an hour, ensuring hardworking Georgians can better meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life. 

Georgia stands at a crossroads, and the path forward is clear: bold, compassionate leadership is needed to address the issues facing our state. From enacting gun safety measures and protecting reproductive rights to raising the minimum wage,Democrats have the opportunity to show Georgians that a brighter, fairer future is possible. By fighting for policies that uplift working families, ensure safety, and protect personal freedoms, they can inspire hope and deliver real change. Georgia’s best days lie ahead, but it will take determination and unity to build a state where everyone has the chance to thrive. The time to lead is now.

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