Today, the 2019 Georgia General Assembly gavels into session and a new Governor and Lt. Governor are sworn into office. This legislative session also welcomes 41 new state representatives and senators. In December, we co-hosted a Freshman Forum for the newly-elected legislators.
Today is day 1 of the 40-day session, and Georgia Watch will stay active at the Capitol protecting Georgia consumers and giving you a voice in critical policy debates right up until midnight on the final day!
Our success depends on you. Please be on the lookout for action alerts from us throughout the session as we call on you to contact your legislators to amplify consumer concerns on the issues that matter most to you.
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Liz Coyle,
Executive Director
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Community Health Workers and Health Equity
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In an effort to address health disparities and improve health equity, Georgia Watch and partner organizations are working to encourage state-level policies that will grow and sustain the Community Health Worker workforce in Georgia.
A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has a demonstrated working knowledge of the community and individuals served. Often known by other names (such as promotores de salud, community health representatives, community health advisors, patient navigators), CHWs can be found in a variety of settings: rehabilitation facilities, public health departments, hospitals, outpatient centers, ambulatory care services, non-profit organizations, physicians’ offices, private corporations, and universities.
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Liz Coyle recognized by Atlanta magazine
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This month,
Atlanta magazine debuted a special publication,
The Atlanta 500. The publication highlights "the city's most powerful, influential, and impactful people," across all industries from banking and law to education and healthcare.
"We are very proud that our Executive Director is being recognized as one of Atlanta's top leaders," said Georgia Watch Board of Directors Chair, Martha Wilber. "On behalf of the Board and Staff, we congratulate Liz on this achievement and look forward to another successful year."
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Georgia Watch joins National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network
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With this funding and technical support, Georgia Watch will create the Georgia Identity Theft & Cybercrime Coalition (GITCC). Throughout 2019 we will convene service providers, stakeholders, community leaders, and subject matter experts in an annual convening, regular webinars, and via a digital forum to discuss identity theft and cybercrime in Georgia. Additionally, we will host workshops across the state, educating families about cybercrime and identity theft.
If you are interested in being involved in this coalition, please reach out to Nia Brown, Manager of Education and Advocacy, at
nbrown@georgiawatch.org.
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Georgia Watch to challenge Vogtle ruling
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Georgia groups are challenging a ruling from the Fulton County Superior Court late last month, which dismissed their appeal of the Public Service Commission’s decision approving forecast cost increases at Plant Vogtle, where the price tag to build two new nuclear units has nearly doubled to roughly $26 billion. Attorneys representing the three groups filed a notice of appeal today.
Georgia Watch is represented by Roy Barnes and John Salter of the Barnes Law Group, LLC.
“The Commission effectively gave Georgia Power a blank check by approving project continuation without the cost cap recommended by their own staff,” Salter said. “The utility’s customers are saddled not only with the higher construction costs, but up to $5 billion in increased profit for Georgia Power’s shareholders.”
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Georgia Watch
55 Marietta Street NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
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