The Last Week of Session, A Candidate Worth Fighting For, and the Camera on Your Corner

Checkpoint Intimidation: ICE Deployed to Airports While TSA Goes Unpaid

President Trump has announced that ICE will be stationed in major airports around the country to help with line control, refusing to sign a bipartisan bill that would fund TSA agents through the partial shutdown. This comes as an attempt to push Democrats into signing the SAVE America Act, which we wrote about in last week’s newsletter, that would require passports and birth certificates to vote. 

It cannot be understated that ICE agents are not trained TSA agents, as they are not certified in aviation security. However, as of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the AJC has observed ICE agents vetting boarding passes and IDs. 

With people across the country on edge with ICE as they roam the streets of our communities, concerns are growing about whether ICE's presence at the airport is the testing ground for ICE stationing themselves at polling stations come November. 

Regardless, it is quite typical of the current administration to create a problem and then produce a tyrannical solution—a pattern we should all be paying close attention to as we near midterms. In a year where President Trump and his boot-licking Republicans are at risk of losing seats in the House and Senate, the best thing they can think of to save their skins is to use force. However, as ICE’s popularity continues to decline, with most Americans disapproving of ICE, these moves by Trump will likely backfire, and our voices will grow ever stronger.

Closing Days of the Legislative Session

• HB 880 — Income Tax Cut to 3.99% 

The biggest fight is still alive. The Republican majority's centerpiece proposal cuts Georgia's income tax rate from 5.19% to 3.99% over time. U.S. News & World Report Last year, Georgia raised more than half of its general fund revenues — $19.5 billion — from income taxes.

• HB 1009, School Cellphone Ban 

HB 1009 - A unanimously passed bill banning the use of personal devices (smartphones, headphones, and smart watches) in Georgia public high schools. This new measure extends upon HB 340, which currently restricts cellphone use in elementary and middle school. Local school boards must provide exceptions for students with documented needs. This ban will go into effect on July 1, 2027. 

• HB 154, Georgia Sunshine Protection Act

HB 154, known as the “Georgia Sunshine Protection Act,” holds the goal of ending twice-annual time changes within the state of Georgia. If passed, the sitting Governor would request that Georgia move to the Atlantic Standard Time zone rather than the current Eastern Time zone. There is no official date when this would take effect. 

• HB 1193 – Literacy Coaches for K-3 

HB 1193 would require literacy coaches for every Georgia school serving kindergartners through third graders. The budget has already been passed with nearly $61 million for literacy coaches. One of the more genuinely positive education items this session.

• HB 1000 - State Surplus Refunds

Good news for Georgia taxpayers: Governor Kemp signed HB 1000 into law on March 20, authorizing nearly $1.2 billion in state income tax refunds. Single filers will receive $250, heads of household $375, and married couples filing jointly $500 — with the Department of Revenue beginning to issue refunds within six to eight weeks. 

• SB 625 – Decatur School Funding 

Decatur parents and residents may soon get a say in how their schools are funded. State Sen. Elena Parent's SB 625, now heading to the House, would require a voter referendum before approving a $23 million, 40-year bond for a new Early Childhood Learning Center and nearly $30 million in modifications to Decatur High School. Parent, along with Decatur Reps. Mary Margaret Oliver and Omari Crawford sent a letter to the Decatur City Commission on March 15, urging a voluntary referendum — putting the decision where it belongs: with voters.

Dunwoody's Surveillance Deal and the Right to Privacy

The Georgia legislature isn't the only place where decisions about your rights are being made right now. In Dunwoody, a quieter but equally consequential debate is playing out — one that asks a question every Georgian should be asking: who is watching, and who are they sharing that information with?

Amid growing fears of authoritarianism within the country, our government continues to give us reasons to be skeptical of how much privacy citizens really have. In Georgia, the city of Dunwoody has fueled skepticism amongst residents and council members due to their renewed partnership with Flock Safety, a surveillance company. 

Flock Safety is an Atlanta-based “safety recognition” system that over 300 Georgia law enforcement agencies use. Despite current concerns, Dunwoody was actually one of the early adopters of the program. Its partnership with Dunwoody law enforcement agencies is being questioned due to the fears that ICE will have access to the program and will use it to continue its inhumane crusades. Dunwoody police chief, Patrick Krieg, has stated that ICE will not have access to these records, but they are willing to cooperate with “any law enforcement agency that’s reaching out to us in a law enforcement capacity for their investigations.” 

Although this is a Georgia-specific issue, it’s rooted in a national fear. How far is this administration willing to go to achieve its extremist agenda? People shouldn’t have to fear knowing that they can be targeted for the simplest crime because they fit the “profile.” Whether that be race, gender, sexuality, or political belief, every person has a right to exist as a private citizen in this country and state. The people have a right to be upset with this program, and law enforcement should recognize that problem as well.

Michelle Kang's Vision for Working Moms in Georgia

This month, we are celebrating our endorsed candidate for House District 99, Michelle Kang. As we observe Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize leaders whose policies continue that legacy today. Michelle’s platform reflects the kind of representation women deserve in the Georgia State House, especially concerning economic opportunities and support for working families.

Electing Michelle would be a meaningful step toward narrowing the gender wage gap. Many people have heard that women earn about 85% of what men earn, but far fewer realize that mothers experience the steepest pay penalties of all. Michelle’s commitment to universal child care directly addresses this issue, offering support that can reduce the “motherhood penalty” and strengthen economic opportunities for working moms across Georgia. When we elect Michelle to the Georgia State House, she intends to:

• Expand Childcare Tax Credits to ease the financial burden on working families

• Increase state investment in affordable, high-quality early childhood care

• Incentivize employers to provide childcare support and benefits

• Ensure fair wages for childcare providers while upholding high standards

• Support single parents and low-income families so no one is left behind

Women’s History Month reminds us that real change happens when we choose leaders and policies that reflect our values. Voting for Michelle supports working moms and Georgia’s economy. Visit her website here for more information.