Decatur – A contingent of Georgia Democratic leaders were on-hand to welcome President Barack Obama to the Peach State today. Included among the many dignitaries were:
- Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman Mike Berlon
- First Vice-Chair Nikema Williams
- US Congressman Hank Johnson
- Treasurer Sen. Lester Jackson
- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed
- Senate Democratic Leader Steve Henson
- Former US Senator Max Cleland
- Sens. Horacena Tate, Vincent Fort, Jason Carter, Valencia Seay
- Reps. Calvin Smyre, Carolyn Hugley, Mary Margaret Oliver, Nikki Randall
President Obama’s visit to Decatur highlighted his initiative to increase pre-K education throughout the country. Georgia’s pre-K program has received national acclaim despite serious program cuts enacted by Governor Nathan Deal.
“The President said that Georgia had received a good ‘bang for the buck’ with our pre-K programs, and it’s in large part due to the hard-working teachers, faculty and administration within our public school system,” said DPG Chairman Mike Berlon. “Despite the Republican majority in the State Capitol that has tried to starve our schools of funds, we’ve found that dedicated teachers can still excel.”
The President’s trip ended as Air Force One lifted off from Dobbins Air Reserve Base at 2:34 pm today.