The Georgia General Assembly has now used 20% of its 40 legislative days, but movement on significant issues is likely to come over the next couple of weeks.

We met with legislative leaders all throughout this week, planning the details of legislation to protect unborn Life, safeguard vulnerable children, lower the cost of adoption, and expand educational opportunities across our state. While leftists have drafted legislation aimed at “making a statement” – including radical abortion-on-demand bills – conservative priorities, including those of Frontline, are set to be rolled out.

On Monday morning, a group of over 20 folks from Gwinnett and Forsyth counties joined us at the Capitol for an impactful legislative day, learning about their General Assembly and capitol, how to lobby their legislators, and how to be a Biblical Citizen in action. They were excited to get to hear from the House Majority Leader – Rep. Chuck Efstration, Senator Ed Setzler, and Representatives Matt Reeves, Soo Hong, Scott Hilton, & Rey Martinez. A special guest joined as well, newly-elected congressman Rich McCormick!

We are grateful for their dedication to being engaged in influencing their elected leaders. We extend an open invitation to our supporters to join us at the Capitol and see the process, meet their legislators, and have an impact! Reach out to me anytime if you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity.

 

 

Later that day, our Church Ambassador Network team had a prayer meeting with new Senate Rules Chairman Matt Brass. This is one of the most important positions under the Gold Dome, and our team was blessed to pray over Senator Brass – one of our strongest allies in the General Assembly.

 

 

On Tuesday, our President Cole Muzio met with Representative John Carson about the newly unveiled HB 54, which will raise the student school choice scholarship tax program from a $120 million cap to a $200 million cap. We have assured Rep. Carson that he has our complete support in this effort.

Erick Erickson also spoke about this bill on his radio show. And Speaker Jon Burns had a positive statement about this initiative as well.

We will have Action Alerts on this bill and other early Frontline supported bills next week.

Also on Tuesday, our Church Ambassador Network team was honored to meet with Commissioner Candice Broce, who leads the Georgia Department of Human Services – which oversees Child and Family Services, Mental Health, and much more. Candice has been a great friend to this ministry and a key ally for the pro-life, pro-family movement. Our team was blessed to hear the heart of her and her team and to pray over her.

We also had some really good discussion about ways to engage the Church, and we look forward to sharing some big ideas and initiatives with you stemming from this meeting.

 

 

Later in the day, Church Ambassador Network was also thrilled to meet with Senator Ed Setzler (formerly Representative Ed Setzler), the Author/Sponsor of Georgia’s Heartbeat Law – which has reduced abortions by 57% across our state. Before we had a chance to pray, Senator Setzler received a call giving him his office assignment (most legislators did not have offices until this week!). We moved our meeting to his new office and were able to pray over him in his new space – a room where we are confident that big, God-glorifying decisions will be made.

 

 

On Wednesday, both houses convened a joint session of the House and Senate to hear Governor Brian Kemp deliver his fifth State of the State address. He emphasized the strong economic position our state is in – as we have stayed the #1 state to do business for the ninth year in a row – new education initiatives, and his administration’s commitment to tackling rising crime rates.

We also appreciate his commitment to protect human dignity by continuing to fight human trafficking and work to protect victims of these and other deplorable crimes. We lauded his resolve to go after those who target our vulnerable children, and his commitment to life-affirming support for expecting moms. We look forward to working with his policy team and floor leaders in legislation that accomplishes these and other crucial priorities to protect our values, and keep Georgia the number one state to live, work, and raise a family.

On Thursday, Scott McInnis spoke to the Georgia Baptists gathered for their largest ever Pastor’s Day. He was able to attest to the great partnership we have with Mike Griffin and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, share his story of why he’s now working in this arena, and discuss the Frontline Agenda.

 

 

Throughout the week, we had great meetings, and we anticipate BIG news about our Agenda next week. We look forward to sharing it with you.

In the meantime, we have also announced three upcoming events. Click links below to register…

February 7 – Luncheon in Thomasville
February 23 – Luncheon at Georgia Tech
March 18 – Biblical Citizenship Academy in Newnan

We anticipate announcing one or two more next week as well so please stay tuned!

 

Excited for what’s next,

Taylor Hawkins
Director of Advocacy
taylor@frontlinepolicy.com