Senator Sonya Halpern will put her business background and focus on education issues and the principles of economic mobility, equity and opportunity to good use this summer and fall following appointments to serve on four newly created special study committees.
Sen. Halpern was “humbled and honored” to deliver commencement addresses at two of Georgia’s HCBU’s in May – Albany State and Savannah State. She worked with her connections in the non-profit world to raise $35,000 which was presented to the colleges during graduation ceremonies. Learn more about the 39th district, read Senator Halpern’s bio and see links to the commencement addresses here.
As recent headlines have demonstrated, how cities and counties divide the revenue from Local Option Sales Taxes can become divisive for local government officials. Senator Halpern will join six fellow senators and a few local officials to study the issue and make recommendations for improvement. “There are currently few guardrails in place for how local option sales tax distribution agreements should be handled in Georgia,” she said. “LOST dollars are an important revenue source for city and county governments, but often the agreements which determine how this funding is allocated are shaped by local politics in a way that does not benefit the interests of the local taxpayers.”
She will serve on the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce which also includes community and education leaders. “Creating opportunities for Georgians and supporting a thriving workforce is one of my top priorities as a state Senator,” said Sen. Halpern. “Our economy is strong, and as a Senator who represents the heart of Atlanta, I am keenly aware of challenges employers in every sector are facing while recruiting for modern jobs, as well as the challenges job seekers face while searching for employment. As we look to the future, our state’s collective success depends on creating an inclusive, qualified, and thriving workforce.”
The last two of her study committees involve a review of Georgia’s professional Licensing process. She is the only democrat Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger asked her to join the Growing All Workforce Opportunities by Remaking the Scope of Licensing Commission (GA WORKS Licensing Commission) which had its first meeting in May to adopt a mission statement and goals. The other assignment is for the Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing, which will work towards greater transparency and fairness in the occupational licensing process.
Senator Halpern ran for SD 39 in a special election when the previous Senator, now Congresswoman Nikema Williams, sought her Congressional seat. In a General Assembly with 256 ambitious members, vacancies can occur at any time and WIN List always works to recruit great women like Senator Halpern when special elections occur. Of course, qualifying for the 2024 election cycle is just 10 months away and already WIN List is meeting with and encouraging candidates who are considering a run against Republican incumbents for FLIPable seats in 2024.
Your generous support now helps us continue these efforts to recruit, train, elect and re-elect women to legislative seats and statewide office who are committed to reproductive freedom and equality for Georgia women. Please join us with your gift or monthly commitment today!
