ATLANTA – State Representative Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), today issued the following statement on House Bill 1114, which was recently signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on Thursday, June 16, 2020:
“The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus supports the signing of House Bill 1114 into law. It provides women extended Medicaid coverage for lactation and postpartum care for up to six months beyond delivery. The GLBC believes both of these services are essential for the health of the mother and child.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed what many of us already know: Georgia needs to invest in the equitable provision of healthcare. According to a New York Times article, African American women die of pregnancy-related causes at a rate of about three times higher than those of white women.
“Too many of our neighbors, friends and family suffer needlessly due to lack of affordable health insurance or access to medical service. The passage of HB 1114 is a good first step, but more needs to be done.
“The GLBC supports progress; however, it is important to acknowledge the hard work of the members of the GLBC and other community activists that led to the successful passage of HB 1114 being realized.
“I want to thank my colleagues State Representatives Renitta Shannon (D-Decatur), ‘Able’ Mable Thomas (D-Atlanta), Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus), Pam Stephenson (D-Decatur), Park Cannon (D-Atlanta) and Erica Thomas (D-Atlanta) for first introducing House Bill 693 in 2019 and bringing attention to the issue of infant and maternal mortality and needing to extend Medicaid coverage to help save lives. It was their work with advocates, medical professionals and community leaders that prompted to legislative action on this matter.
“HB 1114 is a victory we can all celebrate because it will narrow the maternal mortality disparity rate and help save lives.”
Established in 1975, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus is a 501(c)3 non-profit, nonpartisan organization comprised of 65 Georgia House and Senate members.
For more information about the GLBC, please click here.
For more information on House Bill 1114, please click here.
To read the New York Times article on racial disparities and maternal mortality, please click here.
Representative Karen Bennett represents the citizens of Districts 94, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Economic Development & Tourism, Health & Human Services and Regulated Industries committees.
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