ATLANTA – State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) today unveiled their joint legislative agenda and vision for the 2024 legislative session. Driven by justice and equity-focused issues, these legislators will continue to pursue legislation aimed at impacting education, economic development, voting rights, criminal justice reform, gun safety reform, health care and housing.
“Working with Reps. Schofield and Scott on challenging projects and legislation has been a true privilege,” said Rep. Davis. “We come together as visionaries, united by our commitment to address critical issues that have a profound impact on our constituents and communities. It is through our collective efforts that we strive to initiate progress and bring about the transformative change our state desperately needs.”
“Teamwork has long been hailed as the cornerstone of achieving dreams,” said Rep. Scott. “Our shared goal is to craft impactful legislation, provide vital resources, foster unity and deliver justice to the people we proudly represent. Each of us has found our unique lane, and together, we strive to perfect our individual roles. Next session, I look forward to fearlessly standing up, speaking out and working diligently to create a meaningful difference.”
“We are committed to working for the good of the people to address the issues that impact the quality of life for all Georgians,” said Rep. Schofield. “We hold fast to our core values of oversight, accountability, transparency and honesty in finding solutions and corrective action plans to long standing systemic problems. At the end of the day, our job is about making things better.”
These representatives aim to bring about tangible and transformative change in the lives of their constituents. By prioritizing the needs and aspirations of their communities, Reps. Davis, Schofield and Scott are determined to create a future where justice, equality and opportunity are accessible to all Georgians.
First, these legislators plan to push for education and economic development initiatives that they believe would be “foundational pillars” for a thriving community. Next session, they will propose bills to enhance access to quality education, bridge the achievement gap and provide opportunities for all students to succeed. Through legislation, these legislators will also strive to empower Georgia’s youth and ensure that they have the tools necessary to thrive in the 21st century economy.
Reps. Davis, Scott and Schofield also continue to advocate for protecting and expanding voting rights. They believe that every eligible citizen should have the ability to exercise their right to vote without barriers or discrimination. As such, these legislators are examining potential legislative proposals that aim to safeguard the democratic process and promote inclusivity in the electoral system.
Furthermore, Reps. Davis, Schofield and Scott recognize the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform. They plan to pursue the passage of legislation to address over-incarceration, sentencing disparities and any disproportionate impact of the criminal justice system on marginalized communities. These legislators will also pursue current and new legislation that would create a system that focuses on rehabilitation, reduces recidivism and fosters community healing.
These legislators will also prioritize gun safety reform to ensure the safety and well-being of their constituents. They will continue to urge the Georgia General Assembly to address gun violence and propose measures to enhance background checks, close loopholes and promote responsible gun ownership.
As for health care, these representatives will push to increase access to affordable and quality health care for all Georgians. They plan to continue to focus on expanding Medicaid, improving Georgia’s health care infrastructure and addressing health care disparities to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
Providing stable and affordable housing is also a top priority for these legislators, and they will draft legislation to tackle the housing crisis in Georgia. They are currently drafting legislation that would increase affordable housing options, protect tenants’ rights, combat homelessness and create a more secure and inclusive community.
Reps. Davis, Scott and Schofield seek to align their legislative vision with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s “State of Black Georgia 2022,” which is a comprehensive report that highlights specific challenges faced by Black communities in Georgia. Their legislative vision draws upon the insights and recommendations of this report to ensure that their legislative efforts address these specific and unique challenges. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s report may be found here.
Reps. Davis, Scott and Schofield have also published an e-book that recaps their legialtive work since January 2023 and details their vision moving forward. The e-book may be found online here.
*Editor’s Note: Images from the e-book are attached.
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 Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as the Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
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