Information for Action

A CONSUMER HEALTH ADVOCATE’S GUIDE TO THE 2016 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Information for Action

100 Edgewood Avenue, NE, Suite 1015 2016 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (404) 567-5016 www.healthyfuturega.org Contents

About Georgians for a Healthy Future » PAGE 2

Legislative Process Overview » PAGE 3

How a Bill Becomes a Law (Chart) » PAGE 8

Constitutional Officers & Health Policy Staff » PAGE 10

Agency Commissioners & Health Policy Staff » PAGE 11

Georgia House of Representatives » PAGE 12

House Committees » PAGE 22

Georgia State Senate » PAGE 24

Senate Committees » PAGE 28

Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations » PAGE 30

Media: Health Care, State Government & Political Reporters » PAGE 33

Advocacy Demystified » PAGE 34

100 Edgewood Avenue, NE, Suite 1015 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (404) 567-5016 www.healthyfuturega.org ABOUT GEORGIANS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF) is a nonprofit health policy and advocacy organization that provides a voice for Georgia consumers on vital and timely health care issues. Our mission is to build and mobilize a unified voice, vision and leadership to achieve a healthy future for all Georgians.

Georgians for a Healthy Future approaches our vision of ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for all Georgians in three major ways 1) outreach and public education, 2) building, managing, and mobilizing coalitions, and 3) public policy advocacy.

GEORGIANS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE’S 2016 POLICY PRIORITIES INCLUDE: » Close the coverage gap in Georgia. » Set and enforce network adequacy standards for all health plans in Georgia. » End surprise out-of-network bills. » Ensure provider directory accuracy and usability. » Remove unnecessary restrictions on consumer education and assistance. » Ensure access to quality health care services for Medicaid and PeachCare beneficiaries. » Prevent youth substance use disorders through utilizing Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) in Medicaid.

KEY STAFF CONTACTS

Cindy Zeldin Laura Colbert Anna Cullen Executive Director Director of Outreach and Communications Manager 404 567 5016 x 1 Partnerships 404 567 5016 x 3 [email protected] 404 567 5016 x 2 [email protected] [email protected]

Andy Lord Meredit Gonsahn Whitney Griggs Lobbyist Health Policy Analyst Outreach and Engagement Manager [email protected] 404 567 5016 x 6 404 567 5016 x 5 [email protected] [email protected]

2 Legislative Process Overview

I. HISTORY AND OVERVIEW The has operated since 1777, when Georgia became one of the thirteen original states. The General Assembly consists of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each chamber is elected by Georgia voters every two years. Elections occur in even-numbered years (e.g., 2014, 2016, and 2018). The Georgia Constitution sets the Senate membership at “not more” than 56 senators. The House membership is set at “not fewer” than 180 representatives. With a total membership of 236, Georgia’s General Assembly is the third largest in the . The Georgia Constitution also states that the General Assembly begin its session on the second Monday in January of each year, for no longer than 40 total days. Typically, the session runs into late March or early April because the 40 official session days are often not consecutive.

II. HOW DOES THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS WORK? The way a bill becomes a law is called the legislative process. The legislative process begins with an idea that addresses a need or interest in the state. The idea can begin with a legislator, legislative committee, citizen or group of citizens, an advocacy organization, or other group. A legislator decides to sponsor (or own) a bill addressing this need, either with a new law or a bill that will change an existing law. A nonpartisan lawyer in the Office of Legislative Counsel advises the legislator on legal issues and drafts (or writes) the bill.

A) INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING: Once the bill has been drafted, the legislator files the bill with the Clerk of the House if the legislator is a Representative or the Secretary of the Senate if s/he is a Senator. The Clerk or the Secretary then assigns the bill a number. On the next legislative day after filing, the bill is formally introduced in its assigned chamber (e.g. the House or the Senate). In chamber, the bill’s title is read during the period of 1st readings. Immediately after 1st reading the chamber’s presiding officer assigns the bill to a committee. Bills are usually sent to committees based on subject matter, but the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House have the choice about where a bill is assigned.

3 B) SECOND READINGS (HOUSE): In the House only, on the next legislative day, the House Clerk reads the bill’s title in chamber again. The actual bill is already assigned to a committee. (In the Senate, the 2nd reading comes after a bill receives a favorable report from the committee to which it has been assigned.)

C) COMMITTEE: A committee is responsible for studying the bill. The committee often asks for advice and testimony from experts, and relevant data and information. The committee may take comments from those who are interested in or affected by the bill. During the committee meetings, the bill’s author and other legislators may testify. After considering a bill, committees may:

•  Recommend Bill or Resolution Do Pass—this means that the committee suggests the bill be passed by the full chamber; or •  Recommend Do Not Pass—this means the committee suggests the bill should be rejected by the full chamber; or •  Recommend Do Pass with changes (amendments or substitutes)—this means the committee suggests that the bill be changed or edited in some specific ways before the full chamber votes to pass it; •  Report without recommendation (in House); or •  Hold Bill—the committee does not allow the bill to move to the full chamber for a vote.

Often, a bill will be sent to a subcommittee, based on subject area. Then the full committee can hold hearings and make revisions. If the full committee approves the bill, it is “reported” to the full chamber. If the committee takes no action on the bill, it “dies.” Final Committee action is reported to the chamber in a written report.

D) SECOND READING (SENATE): Bill is read for the second time on the legislative day following Committee report.

4 E) THIRD READING AND PASSAGE: If a bill is reported favorably by committee, it is returned to the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate. They prepare a General Calendar of bills that have been favorably reported from committees. For the first ten days of session, the chamber’s presiding officer will call up bills from this calendar for floor action. This means the chamber can debate the bill, add amendments, or vote on the bill. Beginning the 10th day of session, the Rules Committee meets, chooses bills from the General Calendar, and creates a Rules Calendar for the next day’s floor consideration. During the last 30 days of session, the chamber’s presiding officer calls up bills from the Rules Calendar for consideration by the entire House or Senate. When the presiding officer calls up a bill from the Rules Calendar, the Clerk reads the bill’s title (3rd reading). The bill is now ready for floor debates, amendments, and for voting.

F) TRANSMISSION: If the bill is approved by a majority of the voting membership of that chamber, it is signed by the Clerk or the Secretary and sent—or “transmitted”—to the other chamber for its consideration. The process described above is then repeated. If the second chamber passes the bill, it is returned to the chamber where it started. Most of the time, any important bill passed in one chamber will be changed by the other. If those changes are accepted by a majority of the voting membership in the originating chamber, this bill is approved and ready to be submitted to the Governor.

G) CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: However, if the originating chamber rejects the changes, a conference committee may be formed. A conference committee is comprised of three members from each chamber, appointed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate. Both versions of the bill will go before the conference committee so that differences can be worked out. In this situation, a bill’s passage requires both chambers to agree to the Conference Committee’s final report. If both chambers accept the Conference Committee report, the bill is approved and may be sent to the Governor.

5 H) GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE/VETO: If requested, a bill may be sent to the Governor immediately after passage. Most of the time, bills go to the Governor following the last day of the legislative session. The Governor may approve or veto (reject) a bill within six days of receiving it while the General Assembly is in session. After the final day of the legislative session, he has 40 days to approve or veto a bill. If the Governor takes no action within that time, the bill becomes a law. If the Governor vetoes the bill, the General Assembly may override the veto with a two-thirds vote by each chamber during the next session. A law becomes effective July 1 of the same year, unless a different date is written in the language of the law.

After a bill has become law, it is assigned to the appropriate state or federal agency to be carried out. At this point, the agency develops rules and policies related to the new law. This provides advocacy organizations, interest groups, and the public with additional opportunities to shape a law’s effect.

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III. PUBLIC INFORMATION The Georgia Constitution requires that both the House of Representatives and Senate maintain a journal of their proceedings; the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate keep the legislative records.

The Clerk of the House of Representatives is an officer of the House, elected by a majority of the members of the House for with the same two-year term as the Representatives serve. The Secretary of the Senate is elected by a vote of the Senators for the same two-year term as the Senators serve. Each Office serves as the keeper for all bills, resolutions, substitutions, amendments, records, papers and official documents filed with their respective chamber. Other responsibilities include keeping record of the daily proceedings of the chamber, tallying votes, and certifying all engrossed and enrolled copies of bills.

The Office of the Clerk of the House makes copies of bills available to the public. For official records of the House or the Clerk of the House, call (404) 656-5015 or write to: Clerk of the House, 309 State Capitol Building, Atlanta, GA 30334. You can also visit http://www.house.ga.gov/

The Office of the Secretary of the Senate provides legislation, applicable votes, and other documents online at http://www.legis.ga.gov, or in Room 353 of the State Capitol. These documents include:

• Senate First Readers—a brief summary of all bills and resolutions read the first time and referred to committee. Available at http://www.legis.ga.gov/ Legislation/en-US/FirstRead.aspx;

• Senate Daily Status—describes actions taken by the Senate on all bills and resolutions during the legislative day. Available at http://www.senate.ga. gov/sos/en-US/SenateStatusReports.aspx;

• Senate Rules Calendar—set by the Committee on Rules, lists bills and resolutions to be read the third time and acted upon by the Senate. Available at http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2011_12/calendars/sr/index.htm;

• Composite Status shows the bill number, title, committee referral and actions on Senate and House legislation in both chambers. Available at http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Composite.aspx?CompType=S

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How a Bill is Passed in the Georgia Legislature

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Governor may sign Bill is enrolled and bill or do nothing, Act and other laws enacted at the sent to the Governor and bill becomes law. session are printed in the Georgia Laws (if requested). Governor may veto series. Also, act is incorporated into the Otherwise, all bill, which requires Official Code of Georgia Annotated. enrolled bills sent to two-thirds of Act becomes effective the following Governor following members of each July 1, unless a different effective date adjournment sine die. house to override. is provided in act.

Illustrations and Text © 2004 Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The 9 Constitutional Officers & Health Policy Staff

Governor Nathan Deal Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner 206 Washington Street Ralph Hudgens 111 State Capitol 2 MLK Jr. Drive, West Tower, Ste 704 404-656-1776 (phone) 404-656-2070 (phone)

Key Health Policy Contacts in the Governor’s Office: Key Health Policy/Legislative Liaison Contacts:

› Katie Childers, › Lindsay Scott, Legislative Liaison Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy 404-232-1388 (phone) 404-656-1784 (phone) [email protected] [email protected]

› Ryan Teague, Executive Counsel 404-651-7715 (phone) Labor Commissioner Mark Butler [email protected] 148 Andrew Young International Blvd NE Ste 600 404-232-7300 (phone) Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget: Public Service Commission Chairman › Richard Dunn, Division Director, Health Chuck Eaton and Human Services Division 244 Washington St, SW 404-656-7904 (phone) 404-656-4501 (phone) [email protected] Secretary of State 214 State Capitol 404-656-2881 (phone) Lieutenant Governor 240 State Capitol State Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods 404-656-5030 (phone) 2066 Twin Towers East 404-656-2800 (phone) Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black 19 MLK Jr Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 656-3600 (phone)

Attorney General Sam Olens 40 Capitol Square, SW, Atlanta GA 30334 404-656-3300 (phone)

10 State Health Care-Related Agency Commissioners & Health Policy Staff Contacts

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Frank Berry 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 24th floor 404-657-2252 (phone)

Department of Community Health Commissioner Clyde Reese 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 6th floor 404-656-4507 (phone)

Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Community Health:

› Lisa Marie Shekell, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs 404-657-9118 (phone) [email protected]

Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 29-250 404-656-5680 (phone)

Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Human Services:

› Ashley Fielding, Director, Office of Legislative Affairs and Communications 404-656-4937 (phone) [email protected]

Department of Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 15th floor 404-657-2700 (phone)

Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Public Health:

› Jamie Howgate, Chief of Staff 404-657-2700 (phone) [email protected]

› Russell Crutchfield, Deputy Chief of Staff [email protected]

› David Bayne, Director of Government Relations [email protected]

11 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

Representative (D-89) Representative Karen Bennett (D-94) Minority Leader 507-G CLOB 408-A CLOB 404-656-0202 404-656-5058 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Taylor Bennett (D-80) Representative (D-66) 509-F CLOB 512-D CLOB 404-656-0220 404-656-7859 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-139) Representative Stephen Allison (R-8) 607-C CLOB 504-A CLOB 404-656-0287 404-656-0188 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-31) Representative (R-179) 613-D CLOB 401-B CLOB 404.463.3793 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Beth Beskin (R-54) Representative (R-23) 601-F CLOB 601-A CLOB 404.656.0254 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-143) Representative (R-103) 509-G CLOB 612-E CLOB 404-656-0220 404-656-0325 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-146) Representative Paul Battles (R-15) 501-E CLOB 401-K State Capitol 404-656-0177 404.657.8441 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Bruce Broadrick (R-4) Representative Sharon Beasley-Teague (D-65) 507-E CLOB 509-A CLOB 404-656-0202 404-656-0221 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-102) Representative D. C. “Dave” Belton (R-112) 504-B CLOB 401-B CLOB 404-656-0188 404.656.0152 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-61) 611-B CLOB 404-656-0314 [email protected] 12 Representative Bob Bryant (D-162) Representative David Casas (R-107) 608-D CLOB 601-H CLOB 404-656-0298 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-137) Representative Joyce Chandler (R-105) 409-C CLOB 601-G CLOB 404-656-0116 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Jon Burns (R-159) Representative (R-138) Majority Leader 608-A CLOB 228 CAP 404-656-0298 404-656-5099 [email protected] [email protected] Representative David Clark (R-98) Representative (R-20) 612-E CLOB 512-H CLOB 404-656-0325 404-656-7859 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-147) Representative Johnnie Caldwell, Jr. (R-131) 404-C CLOB 612-D CLOB 404.656.0202 404-656-0325 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Valerie Clark (R-101) Wesley Cantrell (R-22) 507-F CLOB 507-E CLOB 404-656-0202 404.656.0202 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-97) Representative John Carson (R-46) 416 CAP 607-F CLOB 404-656-9210 404-656-0287 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-18) Representative Amy Carter (R-175) 504-D CLOB 218 CAP 404-656-0188 404-656-6801 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Christian Coomer (R-14) Representative (D-92) 109 CAP 509-D CLOB 404-651-7737 404-656-0220 [email protected] [email protected] » Representative (R-43) 436 CAP 404-656-5069 [email protected] 13 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

Representative John Corbett (R-174) Representative (D-85) » 607-E CLOB 507-H CLOB 404.656.0287 404-656-0202 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-91) Representative Mike Dudgeon (R-25) 607-B CLOB 608-C CLOB 404-656-0287 404-656-0298 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative John Deffenbaugh (R-1) Representative (D-154) 507-C CLOB 411-H CLOB 404-656-0202 404-656-0126 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-13) Representative (R-30) 245 CAP 401-D CLOB 404-463-2247 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Pam Dickerson (D-113) Representative (R-26) 611-E CLOB 512-B CLOB 404-656-0314 404-656-7859 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Robert Dickey (R-140) Representative Darrel Bush Ealum (D-153) 607-G CLOB 409-B CLOB 404-656-0287 404.656.0116 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Tom Dickson (R-6) Representative (R-104) 245 CAP 601-C CLOB 404-463-2247 404.656.0254 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-45) Representative Earl Ehrhart (R-36) 401-K CAP 245 CAP 404.656.5138 404-463-2247 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-78) Representative (R-116) 512-E CLOB 245 CAP 404-656-7859 404-463-2247 [email protected] [email protected]

14 Representative (R-144) Representative (R-24) 608-B CLOB 612-F CLOB 404-656-0298 404-656-0325 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-42) Representative (D-75) 511-C CLOB 612-C CLOB 404-656-6372 404-656-0325 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-121) Representative (R-40) 401-H CLOB 218 CAP 404-656-0152 404-656-5943 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-99) Representative J. Craig Gordon (D-163) 611-H CLOB 607-H CLOB 404-656-0314 404-656-0287 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Virgil Fludd (D-64) Representative (R-67) 409-A CLOB 612-F CLOB 404-656-0116 404-656-0325 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-126) Representative (R-151) 604-C CLOB 507-D CLOB 404-656-0265 404-656-0202 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-118) Representative (R-148) 604-B CLOB 504-G CLOB 404-656-0265 404-656-0188 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-57) Representative Brett Harrell (R-106) 604-G CLOB 601-D CLOB 404-656-0265 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Dan Gasaway (R-28) Representative (R-150) 612-G CLOB 415 CAP 404-656-0325 404-656-5025 [email protected] [email protected] »

15 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative (R-27) Representative (R-11) 508-B CLOB 504-C CLOB 404-656-0213 404-656-0188 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Michelle Henson (D-86) Representative Jan Jones (R-47) 512-I CLOB Speaker Pro-Tempore 404-656-7859 340 CAP [email protected] 404-656-5072 [email protected] Representative Dustin Hightower (R-68) 401-G CLOB Representative Jeff Jones (R-167) 404-656-0152 411-F CLOB [email protected] 404.656.0126 [email protected] Representative (R-161) 501-A CLOB Representative LaDawn Jones (D-62) 404-656-0178 512-B CLOB [email protected] 404-656-7859 [email protected] Representative (D-81) 511-E CLOB Representative (D-53) 404-656-6372 411-D CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0126 [email protected] Representative Susan Holmes (R-129) 501-F CLOB Representative Darryl Jordan (D-77) 404-656-0178 409-E CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0116 [email protected] Representative (R-170) 245 CAP Representative Margaret D. Kaiser (D-59) 404-463-2247 604-D CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0265 [email protected] Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard (D-124) 511-G CLOB Representative (R-16) 404-656-6372 607-E CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0287 [email protected] Representative (D-136) 408-B CLOB Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D-93) 404-656-5058 404-E CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0109 [email protected] Representative (D-128) 611-F CLOB 404-656-0314 [email protected] 16 Representative Culver “Rusty” Kidd (I-145) Representative Rahn Mayo (D-84) 507-A CLOB 511-D CLOB 404-656-0202 404-656-6372 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-114) Representative Tom McCall (R-33) 501-C CLOB 228 CAP 404-656-0177 404-656-5099 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative David Knight (R-130) Representative Dewey McClain (D-100) 401-H CAP 509-B CLOB 404-656-7857 404.656.0220 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Dominic LaRiccia (R-169) Representative John Meadows (R-5) 607-F CLOB HM-1 CAP 404.656.0287 404-656-5141 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-122) Representative (D-55) 501-A CLOB 511-G CLOB 404-656-0177 404-656-6371 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-12) Representative Billy Mitchell (D-88) 612-B CLOB 411-A CLOB 404-656-0325 404-656-0126 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-63) Representative (R-156) 512-G CLOB 226 CAP 404-656-7859 404-656-5115 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Pedro “Pete” Marin (D-96) Representative (D-83) 611-A CLOB 607-D CLOB 404-656-0314 404-656-0287 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Chuck Martin (R-49) Representative Chad Nimmer (R-178) 417-B CAP 109 CAP 404-656-5064 404-651-7737 [email protected] [email protected] » Representative Howard Maxwell (R-17) Representative (R-69) 402 CAP 402 CLOB 404-656-5143 404-656-5087 [email protected] [email protected] 17 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative (D-82) Representative Jay Powell (R-171) 604-E CLOB 401-C CAP 404-656-0265 404-656-7855 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative B.J. Pak (R-108) Representative (R-48) 601-B CLOB 507-F CLOB 404-656-0254 404-656-0202 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-158) Representative (D-127) 245 CAP 409-D CLOB 404-463-2247 404-656-0116 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-44) Representative (R-149) 401 CAP 401-J CAP 404-656-9198 404-656-7857 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-141) Representative Regina Quick (R-117) 415 CAP 509-C CLOB 404-656-5025 404-656-0220 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-166) Representative Brad Raffensperger (R-50) 404-C CLOB 612-C CLOB 404.656.0109 404-656-0325 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative John David Pezold (R-133) Representative Paulette Rakestraw (R-19) 504-E CLOB 501-E CLOB 404.656.0188 404-656-0177 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-155) Representative (R-7) 504-C CLOB Speaker of the House 404-656-0188 332 CAP [email protected] 404-656-5020 [email protected] Representative (R-32) 613-B CLOB Representative (R-72) 404-463-3793 415 CAP [email protected] 404-656-5024 [email protected]

Representative Nikki Randall (D-142) 404-A CLOB 404-656-0109 18 [email protected] Representative (R-34) Representative (D-177) 607-G CLOB 411-B CLOB 404.656.0287 404-656-0126 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-120) Representative Jason Shaw (R-176) 612-B CLOB 508-C CLOB 404-656-0323 404-656-0213 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Tom Rice (R-95) Representative Barbara Sims (R-123) 220 CAP 401-E CAP 404-656-5912 404-656-7855 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Carl Rogers (R-29) Representative Earnest Smith (D-125) 401-D CAP 511-F CLOB 404-656-7855 404-656-6372 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Terry Rogers (R-10) Representative (R-70) 501-B CLOB 228 CAP 404-656-0178 404-656-7149 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-109) Representative Michael Smith (D-41) 404-B CLOB 604-F CLOB 404-656-0109 404-656-0265 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-152) Representative Richard H. Smith (R-134) 245 CAP 220 CAP 404-463-2247 404-656-6831 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Sandra Scott (D-76) Representative (D-135) 611-D CLOB 409-G CLOB 404-656-0314 404-656-0116 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-35) Representative Jason Spencer (R-180) 401 CAP 411-E CLOB 404-656-7857 404-656-0126 [email protected] [email protected] »

19 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative (D-165) Representative Darlene Taylor (R-173) 604-A CLOB 501-G CLOB 404.656.0265 404-656-0178 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Ron Stephens (R-164) Representative Tom Taylor (R-79) 226-A CAP 401-F CLOB 404-656-5115 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-90) Representative (R-37) 411-G CLOB 417 CAP 404-656-0126 404-656-5146 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-74) Representative “Able” (D-56) 611-C CLOB 511-B CLOB 404-656-0314 404-656-6372 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative David Stover (R-71) Representative (D-39) 411 CLOB 512-C CLOB 404-656-0126 404.656.7859 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-111) Representative Robert Trammell (D-132) 404-C CLOB 611-G CLOB 404-656-0109 404.656.0314 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-160) Representative Scot Turner (R-21) 401-B CAP 611-G CLOB 404-656-7855 404-656-0314 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-9) Representative Keisha Waites (D-60) 401-E CLOB 509-E CLOB 404-656-0152 404-656-0220 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Steve Tarvin (R-2) Representative (R-172) 404-F CLOB 501-D CLOB 404-656-0109 404-656-0177 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Andrew J. Welch (R-110) 508-C CLOB 404 656 0213 [email protected] 20 Representative Tom Weldon (R-3) Representative Bruce Williamson (R-115) 508-D CLOB 401-C CLOB 404-656-0213 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative William Werkheiser (R-157) Representative John Yates (R-73) 409-B CLOB 217 CAP 404.656.0126 404-656-5126 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative David Wilkerson (D-38) 409-F CLOB 404-656-0116 [email protected]

Representative Joe Wilkinson (R-52) 415 CAP 404-463-8143 [email protected]

Representative (R-51) 132 CAP 404-656-5125 [email protected]

Representative “Coach” Williams (D-87) 507-B CLOB 404-656-0202 [email protected]

Representative (D-168) 511-A CLOB 404-656-6372 [email protected]

Representative Chuck Williams (R-119) 601-E CLOB 404-656-0254 [email protected]

* A special election in HD 58 occurred after this publication went to print. 21 House Committees with Jurisdiction over Health Care Issues

House Appropriations House Health & Human Services Committee 245 CAP 436 CAP 404-463-2247 404-656-5069

The main focus of the committee is the writing of This committee is responsible for legislation that the state’s amended and general fiscal year budgets affects the conditions of safety regulations and for Georgia’s state agencies and departments. The social services for the citizens of Georgia. This committee also hears legislation that has considerable Committee also addresses the legal areas surrounding impact on the state revenue or expenditures. medical professionals as well as medicinal provisions.

Committee Members: Committee Members: Representative Terry England, Representative Sharon Cooper, Chairman Chairman Representative Lee Hawkins, Vice Chairman Representative Chad Nimmer, Representative Ed Rynders, Secretary Vice Chairman Representative Timothy Barr Representative Amy Carter, Representative Karen Bennett Chairman of Subcommittee Representative James Beverly Representative Katie M. Dempsey, Representative Bruce Broadrick Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Mike Cheokas Representative Tom Dickson, Representative Valerie Clark Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Katie M. Dempsey Representative Earl Ehrhart, Representative Demetrius Douglas Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Karla Drenner Representative Penny Houston, Representative Spencer Frye Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Craig J. Gordon Representative Butch Parrish, Representative Buddy Harden Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Matt Hatchett Representative Andrew J. Welch, Representative Michele Henson Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard Representative Ed Rynders, Secretary Representative Rick Jasperse Representative Allen Peake, Ex-Officio Representative Sheila Jones Representative Jay Powell, Ex-Officio Representative Margaret D. Kaiser Representative Tom Kirby Representative Trey Kelley Representative E. Culver “Rusty” Kidd Health Subcommittee Members: Representative Billy Mitchell Representative Howard Mosby Representative Butch Parrish, Representative B.J. Pak Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Don Parsons Representative Matt Dollar Representative Allen Peake Representative Pat Gardner Representative Jesse Petrea Representative Matt Hatchett Representative Betty Price Representative Lee Hawkins Representative Jimmy Pruett Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Nikki T. Randall Representative Regina Quick Representative Carl Rogers Representative Barbara Sims Representative Dexter Sharper Representative Ron Stephens Representative Barbara Sims Representative Brian Strickland Representative Mickey Stephens Representative Darlene K. Taylor Representative Pam Stephenson Representative Joe Wilkinson

22 House Insurance Committee House Rules Committee 220 CAP HM-1 CAP 404-656-6831 404-656-5141

This committee deals with legislation concerning This committee oversees the flow of legislation from all aspects of insurance and the insurance industry. passage in committee and making the determination of what bills should be debated and voted on the Committee Members: House floor. Also included in that task is the approval Representative Richard H. Smith, Chairman of guests who are invited into the chambers of the Representative Johnnie Caldwell Jr., Vice Chairman House of Representatives to be recognized. Representative John Carson, Secretary Representative Alex Atwood Committee Members: Representative Shaw Blackmon Representative John Meadows, Chairman Representative Buzz Brockway Representative Brett Harrell, Vice Chairman Representative Mike Cheokas Representative Richard H. Smith, Secretary Representative Matt Dollar Representative Stacey Abrams Representative Chuck Efstration Representative Mandi L. Ballinger Representative Bubber Epps Representative Tommy Benton Representative Dan Gasaway Representative Jon G. Burns Representative Rich Golick Representative Sharon Cooper Representative Lee Hawkins Representative Katie M. Dempsey Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Tom Dickson Representative Eddie Lumsden Representative Karla Drenner Representative Howard Maxwell Representative Earl Ehrhart Representative Rahn Mayo Representative Stacey Evans Representative John Meadows Representative Barry Fleming Representative Nikki T. Randall Representative Rich Golick Representative Albert Reeves Representative Gerald E Greene Representative Carl Rogers Representative Matt Hatchett Representative Mickey Stephens Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Steve Tarvin Representative Mack Jackson Representative Darlene K. Taylor Representative Jan Jones Representative Sam Teasley Representative David Knight Representative Joe Wilkinson Representative Greg Morris Representative Bruce Williamson Representative Butch Parrish Representative Allen Peake Representative Alan Powell Representative Jay Powell Representative Matt Ramsey Representative Tom Rice Representative Carl Rogers Representative Ed Setzler Representative Barbara Sims Representative Lynn Smith Representative Calvin Smyre Representative Ron Stephens Representative Tom Weldon Representative Wendell Willard Representative Al Williams

23 in alphabetical order

Senator (R-56) Senator (R-30) 301-A CLOB 323-B CLOB 404-463-8055 404-656-0036 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-21) Senator Vincent Fort (D-39) 303-B CLOB 121-J CAP 404-463-1378 404-656-5091 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Charlie Bethel (R-54) Senator (R-47) 109 CAP 321-A CLOB 404-651-7738 404-656-4700 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Ellis Black (R-8) Senator (R-51) 607-A CLOB 421-C CAP (404) 656-0287 404-656-9221 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-11) Senator (R-16) 305-A CLOB 324-B CLOB 404-656-0040 (404) 656-0078 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Gloria Butler (D-55) Senator (D-15) 420-C CAP 431 CAP 404-656-0075 404-656-0074 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-46) Senator (R-7) 121-E CAP 301-B CLOB 404-463-1383 404-463-5263 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Mike Crane (R-28) Senator (R-31) 325-B CLOB 110-C CAP 404-656-6446 404-656-3943 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-44) Senator Steve Henson (D-41) 304-A CLOB Minority Leader 404-463-5260 121-B CAP [email protected] 404-656-0085 [email protected]

24 Senator Hunter Hill (R-6) Senator (D-10) 323-A CLOB 420-D CAP 404-463-2518 404-656-0502 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Jack Hill (R-4) Senator Harold V. Jones II (D-22) 234 CAP 323-B CLOB 404-656-5038 (404) 463-3942 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Judson Hill (R-32) Senator John F. Kennedy (R-18) 421-D CAP 109 CAP 404-656-0150 (404) 656-7454 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-52) Senator Greg Kirk (R-13) 320-A CLOB 320-A CLOB 404-656-0034 (404) 463-5258 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Bill Jackson (R-24) Senator William T. Ligon (R-3) 109 CAP 324-B CLOB 404-651-7738 404-656-0045 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-2) Senator (D-26) 432 CAP 305-A CLOB 404-463-5261 404-656-5035 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-35) Senator P. K. Martin IV (R-9) 304-B CLOB 304-B CLOB 404-463-1379 (404) 656-3933 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Rick Jeffares (R-17) Senator Joshua McKoon (R-29) 109 CAP 319-A CLOB 404-651-7738 404-463-3931 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-25) Senator Fran Millar (R-40) 327-A CLOB 319-B CLOB 404-656-0082 404-463-2260 [email protected] [email protected] »

25 Georgia State Senate in alphabetical order

» Senator Butch Miller (R-49) Senator Jesse Stone (R-23) 421-A CAP 320-B CLOB 404-656-6578 404-463-1314 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-53) Senator (D-38) 453 CAP 121-A CAP 404-656-0057 404-463-8053 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-36) Senator Bruce Thompson (R-14) 121-C CAP 324-A CLOB 404-463-8054 404-656-0065 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-42) Senator (D-5) 321-B CLOB 121-I CAP (404) 656-5109 404-463-1318 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Michael “Doc” Rhett (D-33) Senator (R-37) 321-A CLOB 302-B CLOB (404) 656-0054 404-657-0406 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-34) Senator Ross Tolleson (R-20) 420-B CAP 121-D CAP 404-656-5095 404-656-0081 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator David Shafer (R-48) Senator Renee S. Unterman (R-45) President Pro Tempore 121-H CAP 321 CAP 404-463-1368 404-656-0048 [email protected] [email protected] Senator JanNice VanNess (R-43) Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D-12) 324-B CLOB 110-A CAP (404) 463-2598 404-463-5259 [email protected] [email protected] Senator (R-1) 404-D CLOB (404) 656-0109 [email protected]

26 Senator John Wilkinson (R-50) 321-B CLOB 404-463-5257 [email protected]

Senator Michael Williams (R-27) 323-A CLOB (404) 656-7127 [email protected]

Senator Tommie Williams (R-19) 110 CAP 404-656-0089 [email protected]

27 Senate Committees with Jurisdiction over Health Care Issues

Senate Appropriations 234 CAP 404-656-5038

The Appropriations Committee is responsible for proposing legislation that allocates funds to the numerous government agencies, departments, and organizations on an annual basis. With its fourteen sub-committees, Appropriations is responsible for holding hearings as well as approving said legislation for a $22 billion balanced budget.

Committee Members: Senator Jack Hill, Chairman Senator Steve Gooch Senator David Shafer Senator Renee S Unterman, Senator Bill Heath Senator Freddie Powell Sims Vice Chairman Senator Hunter Hill Senator Jesse Stone Senator Charlie Bethel, Secretary Senator Judson Hill Senator Horacena Tate Senator John Albers Senator Chuck Hufstetler Senator Curt Thompson Senator Dean Burke Senator Bill Jackson Senator Lindsey Tippins Senator Bill Cowsert Sen. William T. Ligon, Jr. Senator John Wilkinson Senator Mike Crane Senator Butch Miller Senator Tommie Williams Senator Gail Davenport Senator Jeff Mullis Senator Vincent Fort Senator Nan Orrock Senator Frank Ginn Senator Valencia Seay

Appropriations Subcommittee, Community Health

Senator John Albers Senator Renee S. Unterman Senator Dean Burke Senator Tommie Williams Senator Valencia Seay

Senate Health and Human Services 121-E CAP 404-463-1368

The Health and Human Services Committee considers legislation that affects the conditions of safety regulations and social services for the citizens of Georgia. This Committee also addresses the legal areas surrounding medical professionals as well as medicinal provisions.

Committee Members: Senator Renee S Unterman, Senator Gloria Butler Senator , Jr. Chairman Senator Bill Cowsert Senator Nan Orrock Senator Chuck Hufstetler, Senator Steve Henson Senator David Shafer Vice Chairman Senator Judson Hill Senator Ben Watson Senator Fran Millar, Secretary Senator Lester Jackson Senator Dean Burke Senator Greg Kirk

28 Senate Insurance and Labor 421-C CAP 404-463-5263

Primary jurisdictions are insurance, workers’ compensation, and unemployment compensation. Committee jurisdiction also includes child labor, convict labor, labor standards and disputes.

Committee Members:

Senator Charlie Bethel, Chairman Senator P. K. Martin IV, Secretary Senator Burt Jones Senator David Shafer, Senator Marty Harbin Senator Joshua McKoon Vice Chairman Senator Ed Harbison Senator Renee S Unterman

Senate Rules 453 CAP 404-656-0095

The Rules Committee establishes the rules for the orderly procedure and placement of bills on the legislative calendar.

Committee Members:

Senator Jeff Mullis, Chairman Senator William T. Ligon, Jr., Senator Steve Henson Senator Jack Hill, Vice Chairman Ex-Officio Senator Judson Hill Senator Bill Jackson, Secretary Senator David Shafer, Ex-Officio Senator Fran Millar Senator Bill Cowsert, Ex-Officio Senator John Wilkinson, Senator Butch Miller Senator Steve Gooch, Ex-Officio Ex-Officio Senator Horacena Tate Senator Hunter Hill, Ex-Officio Senator Gloria S. Butler Senator Renee S. Unterman Senator Bill Heath

29 Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations Contacts for the 2016 Georgia Legislative Session

Advocates for Responsible Care American Heart Association, Georgia Budget & Policy Dorothy Leone-Glasser Greater Southeast Affiliate Institute Executive Director Julie Howell Timothy Sweeney 404-633-5843 Grassroots Director Deputy Director - Policy [email protected] 770-612-6176 404-420-1324 Ext 103 [email protected] [email protected] All About Developmental Disabilities Families First GCAPP — Kathryn Keeley Zach’s Nikonovich-Kahn Georgia Campaign for Executive Director Public Policy Associate Adolescent Power and 404-881-9777 zach.nikonovich-kahn@ Potential [email protected] familiesfirst.org Kim Nolte Elizabeth J. Appley Feminist Women’s Health Center President & CEO Legislative Counsel Kwajelyn Jackson 404-475-6043 404-877-8772 Community Education & Advocacy [email protected] [email protected] Director 404-248-5445 (office) American Academy of [email protected] Legislative & Policy Consultant Pediatrics, Georgia Chapter 404-395-3485 Rick Ward MK Anderson [email protected] Executive Director Public Policy Associate 404-881-5091 [email protected] Georgia Council on [email protected] Substance Abuse Georgia Academy of Family Dawn Randolph American Cancer Society Physicians Governmental Affairs Director Cancer Action Network, Inc. Fay Fulton, MHS 678-764-4502 – cell Eric Bailey Executive Vice President 404-523-3440 – office Georgia Director of Government 404-321-7445 [email protected] Relations [email protected] 404-949-6437 (office) Georgia Dental Association 404-909-0118 (cell) Georgia Association of Stephanie Lotti [email protected] Community Service Boards Director of Member Practice Robyn Garrett-Gunnoe Services American College of Physicians, Association Director [email protected] Georgia Chapter (912) 312-3205 Mary Daniels [email protected] Executive Director 770-965-7606 Georgia Breast Cancer [email protected] Coalition Fund Amy Upchurch Executive Director (404) 633-6499 [email protected]

30 Georgia Equality Grady Health System Mental Health America Jeff Graham Matthew Hicks of Georgia Executive Director Vice President, Government Ellyn Jeager 404-523-3070 Relations Director, Public Policy & Advocacy [email protected] 404-616-5977 (office) 404 527-7175 [email protected] 404-358-7797 Georgia Public Health As- sociation Health Students Taking Action National Multiple Scott Maxwell Together, Inc. Sclerosis Society Governmental Affairs Consultant Aleta Christensen, MPH Tyler Lamb 404-216-8075 President Manager, SE Advocacy [email protected] 404-451-0580 843-810-6075 [email protected] [email protected] Georgia Rural Urban Summit Larry Pellegrini Hemophilia of Georgia Parent to Parent of Georgia Executive Director 404-483-0719 (office) Jeff Cornett RN MSN Claire Dees [email protected] Director of Training, Research, & Community Engagement Advocacy Specialist Georgia Watch 770-518-8272 (office) 770-451-5484 Beth Stephens 404-210-8861 (cell) 1-800-229-2038 Health Access Program Director [email protected] [email protected] 404-525-1085 [email protected] Nichelle Sims Karen Addams Associate Director of Research Information Services Director Liz Coyle & Advocacy 770-451-5484 Executive Director [email protected] 1-800-229-2038 404-525-1085 770-518-8272 (office) [email protected] 770-715-8872 (cell) Planned Parenthood Southeast Georgians for a Healthy Future League of Women Voters of Vice President of Public Policy Georgia 404.688.9300 Cindy Zeldin Kelli Persons [email protected] Executive Director Program Manager 404-418-6179 (office) 404-522-4598 (office) Urban Health Initiative, 404-536-7538 (mobile) [email protected] Emory School of Medicine [email protected] Carolyn B. Aidman, PhD Lupus Foundation of America, Associate Director Laura Colbert Georgia Chapter 404-778-1425 Director of Outreach & Partnerships Maria Myler 678-472-5858 (cell) (404) 890-5804 (office) President & CEO [email protected] [email protected] 770-333-5930 [email protected] Meredith Gonsahn Health Policy Analyst [email protected] Advocacy Chair » 404-966-6397 [email protected] 31 Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations Contact Information for the 2016 Georgia Legislative Session

» Voices for Georgia’s Children Erica Fener Sitkoff, Ph.D. Policy & Outreach Director 404-521-0311 [email protected]

Emily Pelton Executive Director 404-521-0311 (office) [email protected]

Polly McKinney Advocacy Director 678-427-5945 (cell) [email protected]

Women of W.O.R.T.H., Inc. Kristen Sheeley Office Manager (706)232-3408 office (706)512-0453 cell [email protected]

YWCA of Greater Atlanta Helen Robinson Director of Advocacy 404.835.1650 [email protected]

32 Media: Health Care, State Government & Political Reporters Contact Information for the 2016 Georgia Legislative Session

The Atlanta Journal- Atlanta Business Chronicle Georgia Trend Constitution Ellie Hensley Susan Percy Health Reporter Editor Greg Bluestein 404-249-1064 (770) 931-9410 Governor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Atlanta Jewish Times Morris News Service Jim Galloway David Cohen Walter Jones Political Insider columnist 404-883-2130 Bureau Chief 404-526-5520 [email protected] 404-589-8424 (office) [email protected] 678-522-3574 (cell) Atlanta Voice [email protected] Aaron Gould Sheinin A Scott Walton Legislature and state agencies Executive Editor WABE News, 404-526-5823 (404) 524-6426 x13 Atlanta’s NPR Station [email protected] Athens Banner-Herald Michelle Wirth Chris Joyner Blake Aued [email protected] State government watchdog State Government Reporter reporter 706-208-2226 Jim Burress [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Jim Salzer Augusta Chronicle Investigative reporter: state tax, Tom Corwin budget and ethics rules Health Reporter 404-526-5511 [email protected] [email protected] Creative Loafing Atlanta Kristina Torres Thomas Wheatley State government, politics and the News Editor Legislature [email protected] [email protected]

Misty Williams Georgia Health News Health Reporter Andy Miller 404-526-5610 404-386-8290 [email protected] [email protected]

Georgia Public Broadcasting Radio Eric Burns News Director (404) 685-2677 or 404-685-2670

Georgia Report Tom Crawford 404-522-9127 [email protected]

33

ADVOCACY DEMYSTIFIED: Tools and Strategies for Effective Consumer Health Advocacy

AD-VO-CATE (N. AD-VUH-KIT): ONE THAT DEFENDS OR MAINTAINS A CAUSE OR PROPOSAL

Advocacy may seem overwhelming, but it’s a lot easier—and can have a bigger impact—than you might imagine. You already have the knowledge, passion, and commitment to be a successful and effective health care advocate. All you need are the right tools.

THE THREE TENETS OF ADVOCACY: HOOK LINE SINKER

THE HOOK IS THE START OF ANY THE LINE IS WHY THIS ISSUE IS THE SINKER IS WHERE YOU CONVERSATION. IMPORTANT TO YOU. TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE “THE ASK.”

Make sure to tell the legislator (or Is it because of a personal experi- whoever your audience is) who you ence? Do you know someone who Do you want your legislators to are, where you live and why you is affected by a lack of access to support a public policy measure are contacting them. Legislators care? In your professional capacity, that will improve access to health hear from lobbyists all day long but is this an issue that you deal with care in Georgia? Do you want to they don’t always hear from their often? Why do you care and more encourage other partners in your constituents, whom they have a importantly, why should they? The local community to support a duty to represent. line is the opportunity to make this cause? Make sure to ask, “Can I a personal issue and not a vague, count on your support?” He or she anonymous one. may not immediately have a firm answer, but this is an opportunity to spur your target audience to think about the issue more deeply and come up with a reason to support or oppose a solution. It is also a great opportunity to follow up with useful information that can help you make your case. What would you like to see done to make a change?

34

Tools and Strategies for Effective Consumer Health Advocacy

YOU KNOW WHY YOU’RE SPEAKING OUT...NOW HERE’S HOW:

MAKE A CALL, SEND A LETTER, SEND AN EMAIL

Whenever you reach out to a legislator or key decision-maker, make SOCIAL MEDIA sure to include your name, address, why you care about the issue and ask for a concrete deliverable. The power of social networking is that it is a simple way to share your opinions and proposed “Hello, my name is X and I am a constituent of Legislator Y. I want to solutions to basic health care problems with encourage my legislator to support Issue Z because it will improve friends and family and in turn get them thinking my community’s access to affordable, quality health care. Can I count about the issues most important to them. on Y’s support?” Like it, Tweet it, Share it

TELEVISION / RADIO / NEWSPAPER RELATIONSHIPS

See an article about health care that you agree with or disagree with? Writing a letter-to-the-editor to share your opinion and proposed solutions is a great way to maximize exposure for some of the most pressing health care issues across the state. Take opportunities to meet with your local Editorial Board to inform them of key health care issues facing your community.

COMMUNITY-LEVEL ORGANIZATIONS

Are you a part of the local PTA? Do you attend Neighborhood Planning meetings or City Council Hearings? Do you volunteer with your church or other religious institutions? Bringing the challenges and opportunities of the future of our health and health care to these groups and partners brings the people who have the most to gain from a local perspective into the problem solving process, helping ensure its success.

35 Notes

36 Information for Action

A CONSUMER HEALTH ADVOCATE’S GUIDE TO THE 2016 GEORGIA LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Information for Action

100 Edgewood Avenue, NE, Suite 1015 2016 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 (404) 567-5016 www.healthyfuturega.org