ATLANTA – State Representatives Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) stand with Texas Democratic state legislators who have walked out of the Texas Capitol and have left the state to prevent voting on election reform legislation.
“We applaud the Texas Democrats for walking out to save Texas democracy,” said Reps. Burnough, Davis, Scott and Schofield. “Hoorah. Hoorah. We stand with Texas Democrats for walking out to block voting restrictions. We stand with these legislators because they know the price that Black and brown people have paid to get the right to vote. We stand with Texas Democrats in putting forth every effort to save the people of Texas’ democracy, as well as protecting the right to vote for all Americans.”
“When I watched them walk out the first time, I was in awe,” said Rep. Scott. “I was proud of their legislative stance preventing the Texas House from having enough members to pass legislation. More states, including Georgia, need to be more visible and vocal about what is being done to suppress our votes. Everyone takes notice. When Texas Democrats walked out and boarded the plane to Washington D.C., it sent a clear message that enough is enough. Although I am not physically in the same location, I stand with the Texas Democrats.”
“We are at a critical juncture in history where the severity of voter suppression, gerrymandering and the egregious redistricting laws demanded that Texas Democrats take action,” said Rep. Schofield. “Policy may be written by the stroke of a pen, but at this moment in time, action needs to be taken by legislators to reflect and protect the voice and vote of the people. Texas Democrats did just that. Their solidarity sent a ‘hell no, we will not cave in’ posture. I am proud that the Texas Democrats are standing up, speaking up and showing up in full force to protect the vote. Bad politics will not win this time.”
“As a former Lone Star State resident and voter, I am extremely proud of my fellow Texans for standing up for voting rights,” said Rep. Burnough. “Serving on the Georgia House Special Committee on Election Integrity opened my eyes to how fragile our right to vote is, and it is imperative that we all do our part to safeguard it. Encourage family and neighbors to become engaged in their community and continue the fight for all Americans to have the right to vote. When future generations ask how you contributed, what side of history do you want to be on?”
“Bad legislation moves fast when built on a foundation of power, greed, ignorance and lies,” said Rep. Davis. “I was born in Texas and have many family and friends living in Texas. I stand with Texas Democratic legislators. The Texas Democrats are to be commended for fighting for voting rights. This gives evidence that we need to pass the federal John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the federal For the People Act to protect the voting rights of all Americans.”
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Special Committee on Election Integrity and the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Natural Resources & Environment, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation and Science and Technology committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Interstate Cooperation, Information and Audits and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees.
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