Democratic Party of Georgia

Help Move Georgia Forward

RELEASE: Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter and Dara Lindenbaum, Senior Counsel Sandler, Reiff, Lamb, Rosenstein, and Birkenstock, Host Press Call to Detail Complaint Filed to the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission Regarding Official Secretary of State App Linking to Brian Kemp’s Campaign Social Media Accounts

Part-time Secretary of State and Full-time Gubernatorial Candidate Brian Kemp Used Official Secretary of State App to Promote His Campaign’s Social Media Accounts

GEORGIA — Earlier today, DuBose Porter, Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia and Dara Lindenbaum, Senior Counsel Sandler, Reiff, Lamb, Rosenstein, and Birkenstock, held a press call detailing the official ethics complaint regarding Brian Kemp’s misuse of state resources to promote his campaign for governor. They requested that the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission launch an immediate investigation into Brian Kemp and the Secretary of State’s office.

Lindenbaum laid out how Brian Kemp violated Georgia law by accepting prohibited contributions from Mr. Kemp’s public office to his gubernatorial Campaign.  “By having these links to his social media pages, the Secretary of State office is using taxpayer funds to make an in-kind contribution to the campaign, which the campaign has accepted.”

The Secretary of State’s office is using a “very important app that is very useful to voters. They can look-up their polling location and find their sample ballots remotely.” More importantly, “If [Brian Kemp] were to say that he didn’t know about this, then he is not doing his job to oversee his department.”

Lindenbaum made it clear that the ethics commission must investigate this complaint:

“There is a strict timeline for the [ethics commission] to follow. After the complaint is filed, they will quickly review it and send it off to the Kemp campaign where they will have 30 days to respond. Then, the ethics commission will review that response and launch an investigation. I think there is plenty of time for them to research this. The office holds complaints that are filed within 30 days of an election, but we are outside of that 30-day window, and they have plenty of time to investigate this, and they should.”

Chair Porter decided to file the official complaint and request an investigation. He asserted “In all my years in politics, I have never seen anything this blatant or this corrupt. Brian Kemp is trying to use his current political position as Secretary of State to give himself an advantage in his current campaign because he knows he cannot run on his failed record as Secretary of State.”

Chair Porter also stressed, “the newest update of the app has the links taken down, but taxpayers are confused because old versions still have the links up… There needs to be a public message to update the app.” Chair Porter also pointed out that, “It has been five months since he was warned, and he has ignored [the fact] that his office is linking [these accounts] to his campaign.”

Furthermore, Chair Porter noted that it took Kemp’s office nearly 20 hours to take the links down after they had already told the press they had done so. “That is not the sign of a campaign that makes ethics and integrity a priority. We must protect the integrity of this election, and this is the top priority.”

Finally, Chair Porter wanted to make sure that taxpayers knew that their tax dollars aren’t being used as a slush fund to promote Kemp’s campaign. “Georgian’s deserve to know that Brian Kemp is abusing his current office and obviously doesn’t care.”

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Georgia Has Become an At-Risk Patient With Casey Cagle, Brian Kemp and the GOP leadership

$3 Billion Per Year is lost in Revenue by Refusing to Expand Medicaid

ATLANTA — “Casey Cagle, Brian Kemp, and the GOP leadership’s refusal to expand Medicaid has resulted in a loss of more than $3 billion a year in federal funds, making Georgia an ‘at-risk’ patient”, said Democratic Party of Georgia’s Chairman, Dubose Porter.  Porter’s statement follows confirmation from both Cagle and Kemp that regardless of the benefits of expanding Medicaid, both would prefer the same short-term “market-based” solutions. [1]

“Despite the irreversible harm that their stances would inflict on all Georgians, Casey Cagle and Brian Kemp have made it clear that they do not plan on lifting a finger to improve healthcare measures here in Georgia, further putting the lives of Georgians at risk,” said Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman, DuBose Porter. “It is time to elect leaders up and down the ballot who will commit to building a healthier, more prosperous Georgia.”

Right now, 240,000 Georgians make too little to buy health insurance on the marketplace and don’t currently qualify for Medicaid. [2] Additionally, six rural hospitals have closed since 2013 and more than half of the remaining rural hospitals remain financially vulnerable to closure. [3] Thirty-two other states across the U.S. have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, Georgia not being one of them. [4] Due to GOP leadership in Georgia and their inability to take advantage of the opportunity to expand Medicaid, Georgia ranks near the bottom-tier of states on many healthcare measures. [5]

By every moral, economic and health measurement available, one thing has become clear— Kemp and Cagle are both willing to put partisan politics above the needs and lives of Georgians.

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[1] (GBPI)

[2] (GBPI)

[3] (GBPI)

[4] http://www.georgiahealthnews.com/2018/01/expanding-coverage-part-leaders-legislative-agenda/

[5] http://www.georgiahealthnews.com/2018/01/expanding-coverage-part-leaders-legislative-agenda/

On 93rd Anniversary of the Founding of Delta Airlines, Georgia Democrats Call on Cagle, Kemp to Put Working Families Over Politics

RELEASE for Wednesday, May 30 2018.

Contact:    
Eric Gray
Communications Director
Democratic Party of Georgia
(678) 278-2016 ext. 302

Cagle, Kemp Consistently Choose Special Interests Over Georgia Businesses

GEORGIA — On the 93th Anniversary of the founding of Delta Airlines, Georgia Democratic Party Chair DuBose Porter, Lieutenant Governor Candidate Sarah Riggs Amico, Congressman Hank Johnson, State Senator Valencia Seay, State Representative Derrick Jackson, State Representative Debra Bazemore, and Georgia AFL-CIO President Charlie Flemming stood together to call on the Republican Gubernatorial candidates to immediately cease extremist rhetoric that threatens to push employers away from the state and work with Delta Airlines and other Georgia employers to ensure that Georgia remains “the best state in America to do business.”

Earlier this year, both Cagle and Kemp bent over backwards to appease the NRA by threatening Delta Airlines, Georgia’s largest employer, for ending a discount program for NRA members directly following the horrific Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Casey Cagle tweeted “I will kill any tax legislation that benefits Delta unless the company changes its position”.

Brian Kemp followed up by saying “It’s time for the Georgia Senate to kill the tax break for Delta and replace it with a sales tax holiday that benefits the same 2nd Amendment supporters that Delta – and other corporate cowards – are publicly shaming.”

With campaign ads pointing shotguns at teenagers and both candidates willing to put special interests over Georgia business, it is abundantly clear that there is only one candidate in this race that will keep Georgia open for all businesses.

“Once we have elected the next governor, Stacey Abrams, you will also have a partner under that gold dome. My point here is very simple: where we are open for business, when we continue to say we’re the number one state to do business, the last five years, other Fortune 500 companies need to know that we are open for business. And Delta can be a true testament to that,” said State Representative Derrick Jackson. “It is the reason that they’ve been here as long as they have. Let’s turn Georgia blue, and show them why we are the number one state to do business.”

“You’re going to hear a lot of talk from Mr. Cagle and Mr. Kemp with regards to being the number one state for business, but as the president of the AFL-CIO, I am excited that the candidates that we are supporting believe that there should be two Georgias: one, a state that can always be number one, but also a state where workers can thrive,” said Georgia AFL-CIO President Charlie Flemming. “Leader Abrams has said that your beginning should not dictate where you end up. That every Georgian should have the opportunity to prosper and raise their families and have good education, all of the things that we like as workers.”

“Over 33,000 families depend upon Delta Airlines, not only for a paycheck, but for the benefits and career path that put their family on path to the American Dream. And the Democratic Party of Georgia understands that the preservation of that access to the American Dream is essential, not only to our employers but to the people of Georgia as well and unlike our Republican counterparts, who played politics with Delta’s tax credits in the State Senate this year with a tussle with the NRA, the Democratic Party of Georgia and the candidates that you see represented here today know that we will always put the people of Georgia first before any special interest,” said Georgia Lieutenant Governor Nominee Sarah Riggs Amico.

“People across the nation see the shenanigans that are being played by Republicans who aspire to the highest offices in GA. I think that Georgians know we can do a lot better than that. We can do a lot better than that with people like Stacey Abrams and Sarah Riggs Amico. The question is, do we want to have a Georgia of shotgun pullers or a Georgia of job makers and job creators?”  said Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson.


“We should never put a special interest before family, especially when Delta has been here for 93 years,” said State Senator Valencia Seay.

“I want to congratulate Delta. Ninety-three years in the community…  My daughter works for Delta, and she has two children, my grandchildren. So if Cagle and Kemp want to play politics and take away from Delta, it is going affect so many families, so many lives…” Georgia State Representative Debra Bazemore.

“Other Fortune 500 companies need to know that we are open for business. And Delta can be a true testament to that,” said State Representative Derrick Jackson. “It is the reason that they’ve been here as long as they have. Let’s turn Georgia blue, and show them why we are the number one state to do business.”

Gubernatorial Nominee Stacey Abrams has committed to building an economy in Georgia where every Georgian has the freedom and opportunity to thrive. Under Abrams leadership, Georgia will be a place where business can thrive in all 159 counties. To view Abrams’ plans to build a diverse and effective economy and help small businesses thrive, click here and here.

To view video from today’s event, click here.

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Brief statement from Chairman DuBose Porter regarding Primary Election

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issues the following statement regarding the state’s May 22, 2018 primary election:

“Last night, my qualified and visionary friend Stacey Abrams became the Democratic nominee for Governor. Along with Sarah Riggs Amico’s successful bid as our Lieutenant Governor nominee, Georgia is poised to have two brave, bold, and brilliant women write the next verse of our state’s history.

“Our Democratic tent keeps getting bigger. Last night, we saw a 150,000 vote increase on the Democratic side since our last contested Governor primary election in 2010. Our greatest responsibility is to work hard and reach out to voters that haven’t been seen or heard. When we do, Democrats achieve amazing things.

“We’ll move out of that big tent and into the Governor’s mansion this November.”

Georgia Democrats Statement on State of the Union

Release:  Tuesday, January 30, 2018         

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement in response to tonight’s State of the Union Address.

“After a year on the job, all Donald Trump has delivered to Georgia families is a bottomless sack of broken promises. It should come as no surprise that the man who lied his way into the Oval Office has betrayed public trust with policies that are in direct conflict with his campaign rhetoric.

“Trump promised to ‘drain the swamp,’ yet filled his cabinet with Wall Street insiders and lobbyists. He promised to protect American workers and grow the economy, but job growth has slowed to its lowest in seven years. He promised health insurance for ‘everybody,’ but the number of uninsured Americans increased by 3.2 million during his first year in office.

“What Trump and his Party have actually accomplished is a slow and deliberate dismantling of President Obama’s legacy. The GOP tax plan created a windfall for millionaires and corporations at the expense of working Georgians. His administration has gutted net neutrality and allowed internet companies sell our browser history. Trump even rolled back worker safety regulations and rules that protected employees from having wages stolen by their employers.

“As Democrats, we’re more than just a resistance movement. We’ve fought for policies that fund CHIP long-term, provide a fair path to citizenship for DREAMers, protect worker pensions, expand access to affordable health care, and grow the middle class. And we will fight for policies that reflect these values at the state level when we elect Democrats up and down the ballot in Georgia this November.”

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GA Democrats Statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Release:  Monday, January 15, 2017         

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“Today, we pause to our honor our nation’s greatest public servant, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and our shared dream of a just and free United States of America. In these times, Dr. King’s legacy of unconditional love and belief in an unvarying equality should stir a defiance in each and every one of our hearts. A defiance of hate and division. A defiance of poverty and economic inequality. A defiance of any and all barriers to the ballot box. A defiance of anyone who believes there are terms and conditions in choosing who the American Dream belongs to.

“Dr. King and those who marched with him fought for an America where opportunity and the hope of a better life belong to us all—regardless of what we look like, where we live, who we love, or where we are from. As Democrats, we aspire to preserve and build upon this legacy through action and policy that ensures this opportunity is within reach of every extended hand.” – DuBose Porter, Chair

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Alabama is a Democratic Election Roadmap for Georgia and South

By Chair DuBose Porter via The Hill

ATLANTA — Doug Jones’s win in Alabama was no miracle, no aberration in the political ecosystem, and no supernatural rarity limited to chance. The victory was deserved and it demands a fundamental rethinking of political operations in the deep South and elsewhere around the country. It sounds an alarm for Democratic investors that the time to dig in for 2018 is now, not in September.

Data sources and intelligence from the ground make it plain that the rise of black voter turnout was not a reaction against Roy Moore. Rather, success reflected the direct result of real investment that truly valued African American voters and a candidate who stood for policy important to the community. Conveniently for Democrats across the nation, these are the same policies the Democratic Party is becoming less and less afraid of championing, as a Republican White House and a conservative Congress try harder and harder to silence us.

Jones understands the source of change. In his victory speech on election night, he thanked the African American voters of Alabama. But to transform this win into a strategy for future celebrations, Democrats must take bold action and cut against our tendency to play it safe. Instead, our party must turn what has become an archaic formula for winning elections upside down, and we must do it now.

Allow me to lay out the case for Georgia in numbers to demonstrate why this is both time sensitive and imperative. Where Alabama’s white electorate is 70 percent, Georgia’s is only 55 percent, and Georgia Democrats can count on a reliable 23 percent of that white vote, even in tough years. While Alabama’s African American electorate is roughly a quarter of the population, Georgia’s is more than 40 percent and a coalition of African American, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander voters comprise 45 percent of our electorate, and is rising.

Recall that Georgia outperformed Ohio in 2016. With just $100,000 in field investment from the Clinton campaign, Georgia was just shy of matching the vote deficit of neighboring battleground state North Carolina, where more than $30 million in investment poured in. Perhaps most plainly put, Donald Trump won Alabama with 62.1 percent of the vote. In Georgia, he won with just 51.3 percent. Where Alabama Democrats had to start to secure their victory, Georgia begins well more than 10 points bluer and nearly 20 percent more of our population are voters of color.

Georgia will be a minority majority state in just a few years, but we would be foolish to wait until then to chase our impending success. The tipping point for Democrats is not when our state becomes majority minority. The tipping point is critical mass, assuming the tools and resources are in place to create the infrastructure to turn out this coalition of voters of color, young people, and progressive white voters. The tipping point is here. And if you look at Arizona, Florida and other Sunbelt states, you’ll see a similar door of opportunity opening. As populations shift in our direction, our political strategies must catch up and race ahead.

What Georgia and other similarly situated state parties require now is early investment so that on the ground political operatives can build real political strength and infrastructure within the communities of our robust coalition. State parties, and our democracy in general, can’t wait until after our primary elections to get started. Late money to put ads up on TV advocating for one particular candidate to persuade dwindling Independent voters is no longer a viable primary option, and we must realize this before it’s too late.

It is equally shortsighted to think that only bad Republican candidates are driving Democratic success or that such success is a fluke. Replicating the win in Alabama is not impossible because the success of the Jones campaign was not an autonomous miracle. Let’s remember, Gov. John Bel Edwards in Louisiana, Gov. Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Gov. Ralph Northam and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax in Virginia were not some deviant quirks of Southern politics. They are solid victories changing progressive policies in the South. Jones joined the trend. He didn’t start it.

The win in Alabama laid out the steps for success and all we need to do is follow them. We cannot take for granted our base, nor can we ignore the thousands of low propensity voters of color in the South simply because they haven’t self-activated into super voters. We must invest in early communication, build trust and strengthen our politics as a party in a way that respects and values every Democratic voter. It is our job as the Democratic Party to go to our voters in new and innovative ways, and this work needs to begin now.

DuBose Porter is chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia.

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Alabama is a Democratic election roadmap for Georgia and South

Republicans Prioritize Corporate Tax Giveaways at Expense of Working Families in Georgia

Release:  Tuesday, December 19, 2017      

Atlanta, GA – Republicans yet again put millionaires, billionaires, and giant corporations over American families. The final Republican tax bill provides even bigger tax breaks to the very wealthiest, at the expense of children and the middle-class in Georgia.

“If Republicans are serious about real tax reform, they should prioritize alleviating the financial burdens working Georgians face each and every day. When we’re facing income inequality on such an unprecedented scale and corporations are hauling in record profits, Democrats believe it is well past time to invest in our economy’s backbone—the middle class.”  – DuBose Porter, Chair

Here are just a few of the ways Republicans are hurting Georgia families:

  • Republicans are putting health insurance out of reach for 13 million more Americans: by repealing the individual mandate, Republicans will force double-digit increases to premiums, hurting millions of families across the country.
  • Instead of reauthorizing CHIP, which provides health care for 232,050 Georgia kids, the GOP has prioritized cutting the estate tax for the richest 0.1% families in Georgia.
  • Millions of Americans will see permanent tax hikes to pay for permanent tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. Families will be bumped into higher tax brackets more quickly, their Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits will be smaller every year, and all tax benefits for families in the bill quickly expire.
  • The changes Republicans made to the Child Tax Credit will do nothing for children from low-income and minimum wage working families – including 422,000 children in Georgia– who will still only get $75 at most. Meanwhile, wealthy families will receive the full benefit.
  • With all of its tax cuts for billionaires and wealthy corporations, the Republican tax bill will cause the deficit to immediately skyrocket and add nearly $1.5 trillion to it over the next decade. Republicans want to use this unfortunate fact as an excuse to cut Medicaid, Medicare, education, food stamps, and other critical programs families with children rely on.
  • The Republican tax scam will kill jobs by giving giant corporations an even bigger incentive to move jobs and profits overseas, putting small businesses on Main Street at an even bigger disadvantage.
  • Cities and towns may be forced to cut investments in schools, drug treatment centers, police forces, and other state and local services thanks to the Republican tax scam.
  • The last-minute deals Republicans struck at the urging of special interest lobbyists behind closed doors include giant new loopholes for millionaire real estate developers like Donald Trump — but little to no tax relief for middle-class families.

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DPG Statement on Georgia State Legislative Races

Release:  Wednesday, December 6, 2017   

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement.

“In less than the span of a month, Georgia Democratic candidates and voters made history again. We have more firsts, fresh faces of the next generation of Democrats, and reasons to celebrate.

“I want to personally congratulate our First Vice Chair and the new senator from the 39th, Nikema Williams. Over the years, I have had the privilege of watching this bright mind make our Party a better one. And now the State Senate has the influential voice for the voiceless the DPG has cherished for years. We are so proud.

“Joining her is the new senator from the 6th, Jen Jordan—who officially broke the GOP supermajority in the State Senate. When Democrats talk about our values, it’s not just some talking point. We talk about our values because our values define our mission and purpose. Jen Jordan boldly championed our Democratic values and will now take those standards to the Gold Dome.

“History was made last night when Bee Nguyen was elected as the next representative from the 89th and became the first Vietnamese-American state legislator in Georgia. Another unabashed advocate for progressive causes, Bee will bring a much-needed perspective to the State House. She will be joined by the new representative from the 60th, Kim Schofield. An accomplished community leader and healthcare advocate, Georgia Democrats have another voice to fight for Medicaid expansion in our state.

“There’s a theme here. Four new public servants—all of them women. In these times, it is encouraging to know that voters want progressive leaders who believe in strengthening middle class families and expanding opportunity for everyone. Women have lead the resistance, and our future victories will be actualized because women are at the core of our Party.

“We’re already back to work in preparation for the host of elections ahead in 2018. This joy in our hearts will only flourish when, seat by seat, Georgia Democrats shift the majority back to where it always belonged. With us.”

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DPG Statement on Atlanta Mayoral Election

Release: Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement.

“Georgia Democrats offer our deepest congratulations to mayor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms for a truly momentous victory. Keisha championed our Democratic values and never backed down. With a Mayor Bottoms, we are confident that Atlanta is in good hands for another four years. From the bottom of my heart, I cannot wait to continue to work with Atlanta’s 60th mayor. Keisha Lance Bottoms.

“Keisha unabashedly spoke out against bigotry, sexism and discrimination. She stood tall and never flinched under fire. Keisha fought for her city and all of its people with love, determination, a spirit of equity and an offer of justice. This is the kind of leadership Democrats believe in.

“Let’s celebrate last night, but wake up this morning ready to get back to the good work of electing good Democrats across the state. Next year, we have scores of races to win from the governor’s mansion down to the school board. As Democrats, we must continue to fight for our values and what we believe in. Fight for Democrats. And expect nothing less than a truly fair and just Georgia.”

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Devastating Impact of GOP Tax Plan in Georgia

Release:  Thursday, November 16, 2017   

Atlanta, GA – Today, House Republicans will vote on a bill to increase taxes on middle class families and provide massive giveaways to billionaires and wealthy corporations. While Senate Republicans debate their tax plan in committee, the latest edition calls for permanent tax break for the richest, paid for by cutting health care and other programs Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and education that working Georgia families rely on every day.

“The GOP is blatantly misleading Georgians about their tax plan. This plan amounts to nothing more than a stimulus program for millionaires and billionaires. The GOP tax plan is full of hidden hits to middle-class Georgia families by making makes drastic cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, education, and other programs Georgians rely on every day, just to pay for permanent tax cuts for the wealthy.” – DuBose Porter, Chair

The House Republican tax scam hurts teachers in Georgia by repealing a tax credit for teachers who buy their own school supplies.

College students in Georgia will also be hurt, because the House tax scam makes student loans more expensive. 312,697 graduates in Georgia take advantage of the student loan interest deduction House Republicans want to eliminate, saving $1,077 on average. – Center for American Progress

Georgia’s seniors will find it harder to save for retirement or cover their medical bills.
In fact, the House GOP tax scam would take away all Georgians’ ability to deduct their medical expenses. 312,604 Georgia residents deducted their medical expenses in 2014, saving $8,394 on average. – Center for American Progress

The House Republican tax bill could also force $25 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare next year. More than 1,519,461 Georgians who rely on Medicare could be at risk. – Kaiser Family Foundation

Workers in Georgia would be hurt by the corporate tax giveaway. The Republican tax plan incentivizes large companies to move jobs overseas by giving them a 0% rate on most foreign profits. While big corporations take advantage of this loophole, small businesses on Main Street will find it harder to compete.

The Republican tax scam threatens to take the state and local tax deduction (SALT) away from tens of millions of households nationwide. The deduction ensures that Americans are not taxed twice on the same income. In Georgia, 1,030,000 residents would no longer be able to use the state and local deduction to save hard-earned money on their federal tax returns under the House tax scam. – Institution on Taxation and Economic Policy

Distressed and rural communities could lose an important program that funds hundreds of hospitals, daycare facilities, alternative energy projects, and small businesses. The House GOP plan ends the New Market Tax Credits program, which has spurred over $600,000,000 in community investments in Georgia and created over 6,042 full-time jobs since 2003. – U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee

Clean and renewable energy businesses looking to invest and build in Georgia would be at a disadvantage under the House tax plan. The bill would phase out popular tax credits for wind and solar energy that renewable and natural energy industries in Georgia rely on, making it more difficult for Georgia businesses to qualify for the construction tax credits.

Georgians recovering from a natural disaster, such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, or fire would be at a disadvantage, because the House Republican tax bill eliminates a critical infrastructure financing measure designed to help states rebuild after sudden events.

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DPG Statement on Democratic Election Victories

Release:  Wednesday, November 8, 2017  

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on last night’s elections results.

“This was a great day for Georgia Democrats. Congratulations to Representative-elect Deborah Gonzalez (HD 117) and Representative-elect Johnathan Wallace (HD 119) for flipping two House seats long-held by Republicans. Their hard work and visions for a better Georgia are commendable and inspiring. Additionally, Democrats won a Senate seat last night. The voters in Senate District 6 were so fed up with Republicans that they sent both of Democrats to the run-off.

“I also want to congratulate two of our own Executive Committee members on their re-elections—Rome Commissioner Wendy Davis and Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry. Our Vice Chair, Nikema Williams made it to the run-off for Senate District 39 and I am pleased for her as well.”

“Georgia Democrats are grateful for every single Democrat who stood up and challenged Republicans across the state up and down the ballot– in every corner of the state. Thanks to their courage, the Democratic values of opportunity, economic mobility, fair wages, and affordable health care were championed in voting booths across Georgia.

“Those who simply chalk our wins up to an anti-Trump movement are discounting our candidates’ hard work and commitment to Democratic principles. This night wasn’t about what we’re against—it was about what we are for and what we are offering Georgia families.

“Now we move forward to pocket even more wins in next month’s runoff races and build on this movement for a string of victories in 2018.”

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The Georgia GOP Just Crushed Our Middle Class

                                                                      

The Georgia GOP Just Crushed Our Middle Class

Atlanta, GA – Today, the U.S. House narrowly passed a budget resolution to implement massive tax cuts for corporations and the 1% at the expense of Georgia’s middle class.

 

“At a time when Georgia families are already being crushed under the weight of income inequality, Georgia’s Republican delegation chose to vote in lockstep with Donald Trump to drive up their taxes. Democrats believe you grow the economy from the middle out. We will continue to fight for the middle class and the assurance that corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share.” – DuBose Porter, Chair

 

The Impact in Georgia

 

TAX CUTS FOR WEALTHY:

 

  • By passing the budget, Republicans have cleared the first hurdle in moving forward to a vote on a tax bill that has been written in secret and few have seen. If the Republican tax plan were to pass:
  • The richest one percent of Georgia residents would receive 75 percent of the state’s total tax cuts in 2018. These households are projected to earn at least $552,200 next year and would see an average tax cut of $83,070 in 2018.
  • In stark contrast, middle-class Georgians would only receive five percent of the state’s total tax cuts. These households would only get an average tax cut of $260 in 2018.
  • Millionaires alone would get 65 percent of the state’s total tax cuts. Their average tax cut would be 504 times the tax cut middle class families would get.
  • More than 20 percent of Georgia households would face a tax hike if the GOP tax plan was in effect in 2018.
  • SOURCE: ITEP State-by-State Impact of GOP tax plan

 

MEDICAID:

 

  • The budget calls for more than $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid – an even deeper cut than Republicans proposed in their health care repeal bills.

 

NUTRITION & INCOME SECURITY PROGRAMS:

 

  • The budget calls for deep cuts to programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, and Social Security.
  • SNAP helps 1,733,000 Georgians stay out of poverty and keep healthy food on the table.
  • More than 70 percent of SNAP participants in Georgia are in families with children.

 

 

DPG Chair Statement on Firing of FBI Director

Release:  Tuesday, May 9, 2017      

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement in response to the firing of FBI Director James Comey.

“Donald Trump’s authoritarian rule knows no bounds. First he fires Sally Yates and now Comey—the man responsible for investigating Trump’s ties to Russia. This is above politics, and there already exists a resounding bipartisan agreement on calls for an independent commission and the appointment of a special prosecutor. Our national security is as stake and these demands must be met immediately. We cannot trust Donald Trump to investigate himself. We just cannot trust Donald Trump.”

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Georgia Congressional Republicans Vote to Take Away Health Care From 24 Million Americans, 4,316,000 Georgians With Pre-existing Conditions at Risk of Losing Coverage

Atlanta, GA – Today, Georgia’s Republican Congressional Delegation voted to strip health care from 24 million Americans to pay for a $600 billion tax cut for millionaires and billionaires. If Trumpcare becomes law, seniors will be saddled with higher premiums. Further, 4,316,000 Georgians with pre-existing conditions—including those with cancer, children with disabilities, and those who are pregnant—will at best see higher premiums and at worst complete loss of health care coverage. Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement.

“This is abominable, and I cannot comprehend how these nine men will sleep at night knowing they just tipped the delicate scales of life and death matters. Obamacare saved the lives of millions, improved the quality of life for millions more, and gave families the peace-of-mind that comes with having access to affordable health care. The GOP should know that this is not the end, it’s only the beginning. They will be held accountable.” – DuBose Porter, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair

The bill is so dangerous that GOP legislators even exempted themselves.

Trumpcare’s impact on Georgians with pre-existing conditions is catastrophic. The Center for American Progress has calculated the number of Georgians with pre-existing conditions by Congressional District. All nine Georgia GOP Congressmen voted in favor of putting these Georgians at risk:

Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-1) –  306,701

Drew Ferguson, IV (GA-3) – 299,400

Rob Woodall (GA-7) –  355,000

Austin Scott (GA-8) –  284,600

Doug Collins (GA-9) –  292,100

Jody B. Hice (GA-10) –  302,600

Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) –  328,200

Rick W. Allen (GA-12) –  293,200

Tom Graves (GA-14) –  285,700

Before Obamacare, insurance companies had license to deny coverage or charge higher premiums by defining pregnancy, sexual assault, drug addiction, cancer, diabetes, asthma and much more as pre-existing conditions.

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DPG Congratulates Jon Ossoff on Resounding Win in Georgia’s 6th Congressional District

Release:  Wednesday, April 19, 2017         

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on Jon Ossoff’s victory and what’s next for Georgia Democrats in the 6th Congressional District.

“Congratulations to Jon Ossoff for an awe-inspiring victory. Jon ignored the hype and rhetoric, and focused on the best interests and promise of the 6th. He proved that you can run a substantive, issues-based campaign and not only come out on top, but bottle lightening to unite both first-time and longtime grassroots activists around shared values. Thank you to every single volunteer who knocked on doors, made calls, stuffed envelops and so much more to get us this far. Now it’s time to buckle down, push forward, and flip the sixth.”

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GA Dems to Honor Lucy McBath with Chair’s Award at 2017 State Dinner

Release:  Monday, April 17, 2017   

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter announced Lucy McBath will receive this year’s Chair’s Award at the 2017 State Dinner.

“There is no one more deserving of this award than Lucy McBath. Through her faith and fortitude, she has managed to transform her tragedy into a testimony for the prevention of senseless and cruel acts of violence. This award falls far short of what she deserves, but it is our honor to show Lucy our admiration and love Thursday evening.”

Lucy’s son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed in an argument over loud music at a gas station in Jacksonville, Florida on November 23, 2012. Lucy is the Faith and Outreach Leader for Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action and in her personal capacity, is a member of the Mothers of the Movement.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by influential leaders and innovators in my home state of Georgia. It’s critical that we never take our freedoms for granted, that we challenge ourselves to fight for what is right and that we stand and fight to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” said Lucy McBath in a statement. “I believe that together, we can create a safer future for our loved ones, not only here in Georgia, but nationwide.”

The Chair’s Award will be presented at the Democratic Party of Georgia’s 2017 State Dinner, held this Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. DNC Chair Tom Perez will deliver welcoming remarks. Congresswoman Maxine Waters will deliver the keynote address.

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Georgia Democrats Demand Action & Transparency from SoS Brian Kemp Regarding Elections System Data Breach

Release:  Monday, March 13, 2017                                                                         

Atlanta, GA – Today, leaders at the Democratic Party sent a letter to the Georgia Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, demanding that he partake in the election security measures provided by the Department of Homeland Security prior to the upcoming election in the 6th Congressional District. This effort was precipitated by the news that Georgia’s Election System has been breached as recently as the last month and the action necessitated the involvement of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The Department of Homeland Security urgently warned states during the 2016 election that such attacks might— and later did— occur. The Department offered a series of proactive security measures at no cost to the states to ensure that the election systems in each of the state were uncorrupted. Brian Kemp represented only a handful of states that refused the assistance.

Over the past week, leaders at the DPG have consulted with leading legal authorities about their concerns about the security of the elections in Georgia— particularly because the Special Election in the 6th Congressional District has garnered intense national attention.

“The voters of the 6th Congressional District— regardless of Party affiliation— deserve to know that their personal information is intact and that the election they are about to participate in is secure and that it will be conducted accurately,” said Chairman DuBose Porter.

The Democratic Party and its team of Voter Protection lawyers are making this request today so that the Department of Homeland Security, as an impartial third party, can conduct their security measures prior to the start of Early Vote on March 27th. Absent the scrutiny from the agency, the Party is asking that the election be conducted on paper ballot as those ballots have already been created and printed for absentee and overseas voters and the counties already have the proper scanning machines needed to count the ballots.

The letter sent to the Secretary of State’s Office— and CCed widely to other state leaders— can be found at this link. Below and at this link is a timeline of events that led the Democratic Party to take this action.

Georgia Elections Cybersecurity Timeline

August 15, 2016 – Dept. of Homeland Security hosted a phone call with members of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and other Chief Election Officials to discuss the cybersecurity of the election infrastructure. Secretary Johnson offered the assistance of the Department’s National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) to conduct vulnerability scans, provide actionable information, and access to other tools and resources for improving cybersecurity. – DHS.Gov

Media reports relay that “Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp was very vocal in the telephone call in telling Johnson the states don’t need any help from the federal government.”

August 18, 2016 – The Federal Bureau of Investigation issues a cyber bulletin headlined Targeting Activity Against State Board of Election Systems. The bulletin stated they “received information of an additional IP address, 5.149.249.172, which was detected in the July 2016 compromise of a state’s Board of Election Web site. Additionally, in August 2016 attempted intrusion activities into another state’s Board of Election system identified the IP address, 185.104.9.39 used in the aforementioned compromise.” – Yahoo News

August 25, 2016 – Georgia SoS Brian Kemp tells Nextgov it the Office of SoS will rely on its own security crew to maintain the integrity of voter data, stating in a written email “The question remains whether the federal government will subvert the Constitution to achieve the goal of federalizing elections under the guise of security…Designating voting systems or any other election system as critical infrastructure would be a vast federal overreach, the cost of which would not equally improve the security of elections in the United States.” – Nextgov / The Hill

September 16, 2016 – DHS Secretary Johnson states “We have also seen some efforts at cyber intrusions of voter registration data maintained in state election systems.” DHS also announces services available to state election officials to assist in their cybersecurity. Some of the services included:

Cyber hygiene scans on Internet-facing systems, Field-based cybersecurity advisors and protective security advisors, Risk and vulnerability assessments, a 24×7 cyber incident response center, and information sharing through the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. – DHS

September 28, 2016 – Brian Kemp testifies before the House Oversight Committee’s Subcommittee on Information Technology. In his prepared remarks, Kemp says “It is not the time for inexperienced federal agencies to guess at changes that should be made.”

When asked by Congresswoman Robin Kelly what Congress could do to help secretaries of state, Kemp says “I would encourage Congress to let the states be flexible in what systems they’re using. I think there’s great value in that.” – US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

October 7, 2016 – DHS and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence warn they are “confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions, including from US political organizations.”

They also announce “some states have also recently seen scanning and probing of their election-related systems, which in most cases originated from servers operated by a Russian company.”

Again, DHS “continues to urge state and local election officials to be vigilant and seek cybersecurity assistance from DHS. A number of states have already done so.” – DHS

October 10, 2016 – DHS urges holdout states like Georgia to join 33 states and 11 county or local election agencies to take advantage of election cybersecurity services. – DHS

October 31, 2016 – By this date, 46 states had accepted DHS’s offer to scan their elections systems. Georgia remained one of four that still declined DHS assistance. – CNN

November 4, 2016 – DHS says they are “very concerned” by the possibility of a cybersecurity incident causing confusion on Election Day. – CNN

March 2, 2017 – Kennesaw State University notifies state officials of a data breach in at their Center for Election Systems. – AJC

March 3, 2017 – The Federal Bureau of Investigation opens an investigation in to the KSU breach. Reports state that as many as 7.5 million voter records were involved, also noting that the latest breach would be the “second time in as many years” Georgia voters have had their personal information compromised.

Governor Nathan Deal’s office says it asked the GBI to contact the FBI after learning of the breach.

Brian Kemp says very little, except that his office reached out to law enforcement upon learning of the incident.

KSU issues a statement that afternoon, stating they were “working with federal law enforcement officials to determine whether and to what extent a data breach may have occurred involving records maintained by the Center for Election Systems.” – AJC

March 13, 2017 – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter sends formal letter of request to Brian Kemp demanding he contact DHS immediately and accept their repeated offer to scan Georgia’s elections infrastructure, make public the extent of the latest breach, identify a process for assuring the security of all aspects of Georgia’s voting systems, and a request for a paper ballot process in the special election in the 6th Congressional District if Kemp is unable to assure a fair and accurate election.

Previously, the Office of the Secretary of State exposed the personal information and social security numbers of more than six million Georgia voters. – AJC

The two breaches in the span in two years have been a pattern of mismanagement and disarray at the Office of the Secretary of State under Brian Kemp’s leadership. – GeorgiaVRA.org

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