IN MY HAND I HOLD NINE NINE SENATE BILLS.

WE ARE AT 60 HOUSE BILLS WE HAVE PAST.

THE RULES COMMITTEE WILL BE VERY BRIEF TODAY.

>> PROTESTS AT THE SENATE AND WHAT THEY CONSIDER A LACK OF MOVEMENT OF THEIR BILLS IN THE HOUSE.

COULD THERE BE RETALIATION?

GOOD EVENING, WELCOME TO LAWMAKERS ON DAY 34.

MORE ON THE ACTION ON BOTH CHAMBERS COMING UP.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS LOOKING TO ADDRESS WORKFORCE ISSUES IN TERMS OF EDUCATION.

THERE IS A FOCUS ON STRENGTHENING HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATES AND PROVIDING FINANCIAL HELP FOR COLLEGE THROUGH HOPE GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS.

WE WILL HEAR FROM LAWMAKERS ABOUT THOSE ISSUES, INCLUDING MORE ABOUT A BILL TO PROVIDE MONEY TO STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.

>>> ACCORDING TO ONE LEGISLATOR, NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY HOW MANY UNSOLVED HOMICIDES ARE IN GEORGIA.

WE WILL FIND OUT HOW HE WANTS TO CHANGE THAT.

>>> ALSO, DURING STUDIO DISCUSSIONS WE WILL LOOK AT RETIRED MILITARY IN GEORGIA AND WHAT THE HOUSE FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET INCLUDES FOR THEM.

JOINING US ON THE SHOW ARE TWO LAWMAKERS WHO ARE MILITARY VETERANS.

>>> BUT FIRST, LET'S GET THE NEWS OF THE DAY FROM THE CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT.

TRUCK >> Reporter: WE ARE JUST SIX DAYS AWAY , AND NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPENING WITH THE RESULTS SO FAR.

THE HOUSE TODAY TACKLING MATERNAL HEALTH, WHILE THE SENATE VOTED ON ESTABLISHING A UNIFIED POLICE FORCE FOR HBCUS IN ATLANTA.

REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT DICKIE, CHAIRMAN OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, AND OTHER HOUSE MEMBERS, AFTER A FRIENDLY COMPETITION WITH THE SENATE.

>> NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS SO FAR.

>> Reporter: THE HOUSE TODAY TACKLING MATERNAL HEALTH, WHILE THE SENATE VOTED ON ESTABLISHING A UNIFIED POLICE FORCE FOR HBCUS AND ATLANTA.

A SMALL CELEBRATION BY REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT DICKIE, CHAIRMAN OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, AND OTHER HOUSE MEMBERS, AFTER A FRIENDLY COMPETITION WITH THE SENATE.

>> I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE HAD A LITTLE COMPETITION WITH THE SENATE THIS FALL DOWN IN THE GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR.

A LIVESTOCK SHOW TEAM OF CHAIRMAN .

WE BEAT THE PANTS OFF THE SENATE DOWN THERE.

[ APPLAUSE ] I JUST WANT TO -- YOU KNOW, WE GET REAL COMPETITIVE WITH THE SENATE.

I'M JUST GLAD TO HAVE THIS TROPHY BACK IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM.

>> Reporter: IN THE HOUSE, THREE BILLS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY, SP1 34, ALLOWING FOR A MINOR NOT TO BE SWORN IN FOR PARENTAL RIGHTS PROCEEDINGS, ESPY 84, FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED ADULTS WHO MAY BE VICTIMS OF FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION, AND SMB 120, WHICH ADDRESSES THE SAFE OPERATION OF MOTOR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES.

46, A BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE PHYSICIANS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO TEST ALL PREGNANT WOMEN FOR HIV AND SYPHILIS AT THEIR FIRST PRENATAL VISIT, 28- 32 WEEKS, AND WHEN THEY DELIVER.

>> THIS WAY, WE CAN HOPEFULLY CATCH MOTHERS WHO ARE WITH SYPHILIS AND TREAT THE MOTHER AND DO PREVENTATIVE MEASURES FOR THE INFANT IN THE WOMB BEFORE SEVERE DAMAGE IS DONE THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.

THE SAME WITH HIV IT.

>> Reporter: SOME QUESTION WHETHER THE BILL TESTS A FAR ENOUGH.

>> I HAVE BEEN IN WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS, AND I KNOW FOR A FACT, WHEN WE DO TEST, WE DON'T NOT ISOLATE THEM.

WE ONLY CATCH FOR ONE OR THE OTHER.

169-2.

ALSO PASS INTO THE, SB 128.

>> THE PEACE OFFICERS DUTY BENEFIT FUN.

IT DOES THE SAME THING WE HAVE DONE TWICE THIS YEAR WITH THE FIRE MEN'S PENSION FUND AND THE STATE EMPLOYEES PENSION FUND.

WHAT IT DOES IS ALLOWS THEM TO USE 5% MORE , INVEST 5% MORE, IN ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS TO DIVERSIFY THEIR PORTFOLIO .

EVERYBODY HAS HAD GREAT SUCCESS.

>> Reporter: THE BILL PASSED 166-3.

A GRAB BAG OF BILLS IN THE SENATE.

HB 142 WILL ESTABLISH A UNIFIED CAMPUS POLICE FORCE ACROSS FOUR HBCUS CAMPUSES IN ATLANTA.

>> IT ALSO HAS THE ENDORSEMENT OF EACH COLLEGE PRESIDENT, WHICH PERTAINS TO IT, AND IT IS SIGNED ON BEHALF OF SPELMAN COLLEGE, AND MOREHOUSE COLLEGE.

IT ALLOWS THESE UNIVERSITIES TO STREAMLINE OPERATIONS, REDUCE COSTS, AND APPROVED COMMUNICATIONS ACROSS EACH CAMPUS, AND WITH ATLANTA POLICE.

JUST A COUPLE WEEKS AGO THERE WAS A TRAGIC SHOOTING OF A YOUNG STUDENT AT ONE OF THESE COLLEGES.

SO THIS IS JUST TO MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO KEEP OUR YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE AT ALL TIMES.

>> Reporter: AN AMENDMENT WAS ADDED THAT WOULD DECREASE THE PERIMETER AROUND THE CAMPUSES WHERE POLICE WOULD HAVE AUTHORITY.

>> IT SHORTENS THE DISTANCE OUTSIDE OF UNIVERSITY PROPERTY WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS JURISDICTIONAL POWERS.

THE IDEA OF CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT IS TO PROTECT STUDENTS AND FACULTY FROM CRIMINAL ACTIVITY ON CAMPUS.

THEY ARE UNDER THE CURRENT LAW ALLOWED TO GO UP TO 500 YARD THE ON CAMPUS.

THIS SHRINKS BACK DOWN TO 200 YARDS , 600 FEET, A LITTLE MORE THAN 1/10 OF A MILE.

THAT IS PLENTY OF SURROUNDING AREAS TO PATROL TO PROTECT YOUR STUDENTS.

>> Reporter: THE BILL PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

AND TWO HOUSE BILLS DEALING WITH MOTOR VEHICLE CRIMES.

THE FIRST, HB2 42, WOULD AT A 3% FEE ON ANY FINE RECEIVED WHEN SOMEONE COMMITS A TRAFFIC VIOLATION.

>> IT HELPS TO FUND DRIVERS EDUCATION.

THE FIRST PRIORITY OF GIVING SCHOLARSHIPS TO THOSE WHO ARE FIRST RESPONDERS ANTIMILITARY MEMBERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY, TO THEIR CHILDREN, AS WELL AS THOSE UNDER FOSTER CARE HERE IN OUR STATE.

THE SECOND PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO DEMONSTRATE NEEDS BASED FAMILY INCOME OF WHAT TO 175% FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH.

THIS IS HELPING TO MAKE SURE WE TAKE CARE OF THOSE STUDENTS .

>> Reporter: AND 268 WOULD PROVIDE A GRANT TO CREATE THE GEORGIA MOTOR VEHICLE CRIMES ADVISORY BOARD TO HELP PREVENT >> WOULD ALLOW THEM TO MEET AND APPLY FOR GRANTS FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS TO MAKE SURE THE MULTI-JURISDICTION WORK, THESE FOLKS CAN COME TOGETHER TO FIGURE OUT BETTER WAYS TO PREVENT THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, AS WELL AS DIFFERENT PARTS ON MOTOR VEHICLES.

THERE ARE NO STATE TAX DOLLARS INVOLVED.

>> Reporter: BOTH PASSED EASILY, BUT THE SENATE ENDED THE DAY ON A MORE CONTENTIOUS NOTE, POINTING A FINGER AT THEIR BRETHREN ACROSS THE HALL.

>> IN MY HAND I HOLD NINE, NINE BILLS .

NINE SENATE BILLS.

THAT'S HOW MANY HAVE PASSED OVER THERE.

WE ARE AT 60 HOUSE BILLS WE HAVE PASSED.

I TELL YOU THAT TO TELL YOU THAT THE RULES COMMITTEE WILL BE VERY BRIEF TODAY.

>> Reporter: THAT IS MY CAPITOL REPORT.

BACK TO YOU.

>> THANKS, ROCHELLE.

>>> THE GEORGIAN WORKFORCE DEPENDS ON EDUCATED WORKERS, AND SEVERAL BILLS LOOK TO IMPROVE LEARNING OUTCOMES.

SEVERAL LAWMAKERS ARE LOOKING AT THESE ISSUES, AMONG THEM REPRESENTATIVE HOUSTON GAINS.

BUT FIRST, JOINING ME IN THE STUDIO IS DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE LIDIA BLAZE OF FAIRBURN, WHO IS ONE OF THE NEW LAWMAKERS.

SHE IS ON BOTH THE HOUSE EDUCATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEES.

WELCOME TO LAWMAKERS.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> TELL US ABOUT YOUR TEACHING BACKGROUND.

ONE REASON YOU ARE ON THOSE COMMITTEES.

>> I WILL BE HONEST, I STARTED OUT IN FINANCE.

MIGHT ACTUALLY INTERPRETED REGULATIONS AND IRS CODE.

WHEN I GOT MARRIED AND STARTED HAVING CHILDREN, I WENT INTO EDUCATION.

I HAVE A TOTAL OF 25, BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, AS WELL AS CHARTER SCHOOLS.

>> OKAY.

ONE OF THE BILLS YOU SUPPORT IS SB 86.

IT HAS WIDESPREAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT , ALLOWING STUDENTS IS TO PARTICIPATE IN DUAL ENROLLMENT TO ALLOW ACCESS FOR HOPE GRANT FUNDS FOR TECHNICAL, AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION OR CT AE PROGRAMS.

>> IT IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST BILLS I HAVE SEEN SO FAR IN COMMITTEE.

IT GETS OUR WORKFORCE READY WHILE THEY ARE IN HIGH SCHOOL.

10TH-GRADERS CAN ACTUALLY START WITH DUAL ENROLLMENT, WHICH IS TAKING COLLEGE COURSES FOR COLLEGE CREDIT, BUT NOW THEY CAN ALSO ACCESS HOPE GRANT, AND THAT WILL ALLOW THEM TO GO INTO CAREER AND TECHNICAL PROGRAMS THAT WILL HELP THEM IF THEY WANT TO GO INTO ANY TYPE OF FIELD.

FOR INSTANCE, IF THEY WANT TO GO INTO THE MEDICAL FIELD, THEY CAN ACTUALLY BECOME AN EMT AND GET THEIR CERTIFICATION THROUGH THE CTAE PROGRAM.

I AM EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY OF GETTING OUR CHILDREN INTO THE PIPELINE, THE TALENT PIPELINE, REALLY EARLY.

>> AND THEY GET HELP WITH THAT WITH THE HOPE GRANTS.

>> THE HOPE GRANT WILL ACTUALLY PAY FOR THE CTAE CLASSES , AND OUR DUAL ENROLLMENT WILL PAY FOR THE ACTUAL COLLEGE CREDITS.

IT IS LOOKING GOOD.

OKAY.

HOUSTON GAINS HAS A DIFFERENT HOPE GRANT BILL CALLED HOPE INCLUSIVE POST SECONDARY EDUCATION GRANTS.

>> HOUSE BILL 185 WILL BE IN THE COMMITTEE THIS AFTERNOON.

AND ALLOW STUDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WERE ALREADY ATTENDING SEVERAL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE CALLED INCLUSIVE POST SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS, BUT ALLOW STUDENTS WITH THESE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES TO COME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA AND PARTICIPATE IN OUR CLASSES.

THE GOAL IS TO TRANSITION STUDENTS FROM EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT WITH PROGRAMS AT GEORGIA TECH, UTA, KENNESAW, GEORGIA SOUTHERN.

SEVERAL HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESS TRANSITIONING THE STUDENTS FROM EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT.

IT IS A GREAT PROGRAM BUT RIGHT NOW, THE STUDENTS AREN'T ELIGIBLE FOR THE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP.

OUR BILL CREATES A GRANT PROGRAM THIS YEAR TO A FOUND TO ALLOW STUDENTS TO RECEIVE FULL TUITION, JUST LIKE ANY STUDENT RECEIVING THE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP ON CAMPUSES.

AND ALLOW STUDENTS TO HAVE THEIR TUITION COVERED.

THESE FAMILIES HAVE SO MANY COSTS WITH BEHAVIORAL THERAPY OR OTHERWISE, AND THIS ALLOWS THE STUDENTS TO GO TO SCHOOL .

THE OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE SURE THEY BECOME EMPLOYED AND THEY ARE A GREAT SUCCESS.

GEORGIA TECH HAS 90% EMPLOYMENT SUCCESS.

IT'S AMAZING.

IT IS A GREAT PROGRAM.

I AM THRILLED WE HAVE THE BILL MOVING ALONG.

HOPEFULLY, AND MOVES IN THE SENATE QUICKLY.

WE HAVE THE MONEY IN THE BUDGET AND ALSO MAKE SURE WE ARE TAKING CARE OF THESE IMPORTANT STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES ACROSS THE STATE.

>> YOU VOTED FOR THIS BILL, TELL US MORE ABOUT IT.

IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE --THERE ARE A LOT OF STUDENTS MAY ACTUALLY QUALIFY FOR THIS.

>> ACTUALLY, THERE ARE MORE STUDENTS THAN WE PROBABLY HAD ANTICIPATED.

A LOT MORE STUDENTS WITH A PLAN.

ABLE TO ACCESS THIS FULL TUITION.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERY STUDENT IN GEORGIA , THOSE STUDENTS WHO MAY HAVE MILD DISABILITIES TO MORE MODERATE, IF THEY HAVE ACCESS TO A FUTURE , THAT FUTURE MEANS THEY CAN BE EDUCATED AND BECOME A PART OF THE WORKFORCE OF GEORGIA.

WE ARE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS BILL.

>> I CAN TELL, YOU ARE A FORMER TEACHER.

I WANT TO READ SOME STATISTICS FROM THE EXCEL CENTER.

1.1 MILLION GEORGIANS DON'T HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, AND CHILDREN ARE 50% MORE LIKELY TO DROP OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL IF THEIR PARENTS DID NOT GRADUATE.

YOU SUPPORTED A COUPLE OF BILLS, SB 112 AND HB 313, BASICALLY THE SAME, THE WORKFORCE ACCELERATION ACT.

BASICALLY, IT IS FREE PUBLIC SCHOOL FOR ADULTS.

WHAT IT IS LIKE TO TEACH STUDENTS WHOSE PARENTS HAVEN'T RECEIVED THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.

>> IT IS DIFFICULT.

WHEN WE SENT HOMEWORK HOME, WE ARE NOT SURE IF THEY WILL GET ASSISTANCE OR IF THAT WOULD BE MADE A PRIORITY IN THE EVENING.

WHEN WE GET STUDENTS WHOSE PARENTS HAVE RETURNED BACK TO SCHOOL, AND WE GET TO HELP THEM FINISH HIGH SCHOOL, IT IS 101 THEY HAVE DIRECT INSTRUCTION.

THEY ALSO HAVE ALL THE WRAPAROUND SERVICES.

IF THEY THE CHILDCARE, TRANSPORTATION, ALL OF THAT IS IN THE BILL.

WE HAVE BUILT A WAY FOR THEM TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

I AM VERY EXCITED THAT WE ARE GOING TO GO BACK AND RECOUP OVER 1 MILLION GEORGIANS AND PUT THEM IN BETTER PAYING JOBS.

>> I AM GOING TO CHANGE TOPICS FOR A MOMENT.

BECAUSE I INTERVIEWED REPRESENTATIVE GAINS EARLIER BILL THAT PASSED OUT OF THE HOUSE, THE COLEMAN BAKER ACT.

NOT ONLY PUSHES FOR REVIEW OF UNSOLVED HOMICIDES, BUT IT WOULD HELP THE STATE DETERMINE JUST HOW MANY THERE ARE IN THE STATE.

THE HOUSE BUDGET ALSO CALLS FOR MONEY FOR A COLD CASE UNIT IN THE GBI.

>> A BILL I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT, BECAUSE FAMILIES, VICTIMS OF FAMILIES THAT HAVE HAD FAMILY MEMBERS THAT HAVE BEEN KILLED , AND THERE HAS BEEN NO JUSTICE FOR THOSE FAMILIES, AND THE INDIVIDUAL WHO COMMITTED THOSE CRIMES ARE STILL ON THE STREETS, COLD CASE HOMICIDES.

WHAT THIS BILL DOES IS, IT HAS SEVERAL COMPONENTS, INCLUDING ALLOWING IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS TO ASK FOR A REINVESTIGATION OF A CASE FROM THE AGENCY WHO OVERSAW THE CASE, GBI OR LOCAL.

INCLUDE REPORTING.

RIGHT NOW, WE DON'T KNOW HOW MANY COLD CASE HOMICIDES ARE IN THE STATE.

WE KNOW HOW MANY GBI HAS.

AND CLARK COUNTY, WE KNOW THEY HAVE 40 COLD CASE HOMICIDES SINCE 1972.

WE ALSO ALLOW FAMILIES TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN HAVE THE DEATH CERTIFICATE PROCESSED.

THAT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE WITH IN THE MEMORY OF BAKER.

IN 2001 SHE WAS MURDERED BRUTALLY.

THE CASE HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED.

THIS ALLOWS FAMILIES TO REQUEST REINVESTIGATION, USE IT AS REPORTING MECHANISM, AND ALLOWS DEATH CERTIFICATES TO BE PROCESSED QUICKLY BY THE CORONER.

TO YOUR POINT, WE ALSO HAVE A SECURED MONEY IN THE BUDGET TO CREATE A COLD CASE UNIT WITHIN THE GBI TO HELP WITH THESE CASES.

AGAIN, THIS IS NOT ONLY JUSTICE FOR THE FAMILIES AND THEIR LOVED ONES WHO HAVE BEEN KILLED, BUT ALSO TO MAKE SURE WE TAKE THESE INDIVIDUALS WHO COMMIT THESE CRIMES OFF THE STREETS AND PUT THEM IN JAIL WHERE THEY SHOULD BE.

>> SOMETIMES WE DON'T FIND OUT FOR YEARS.

DO YOU KNOW THE BACKGROUND ON THAT ONE?

>> COLEMAN WAS A YOUNG WOMAN WHO WAS MURDERED IN THE EARLY 90s.

FAMILY, HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUSLY INVOLVED IN THIS.

THEY CAME TO THE CAPITOL AND HAVE SPOKEN.

THEY TESTIFIED ON THIS LEGISLATION.

THEY TALKED ABOUT HOW THIS HAS IMPACTED THEIR FAMILIES.

EVEN 30 YEARS LATER, THAT MEMORY IS STILL STRONG OF THESE YOUNG WOMEN.

I AM HOPEFUL TO HELP FAMILIES LIKE THEIRS TO MAKE SURE THAT JUSTICE FOR THE FAMILIES SO THEY CAN BEGIN THAT HEALING PROCESS , BECAUSE AGAIN, THE CASES ARE STILL OPEN AND ONGOING.

A LOT OF FAMILIES REQUEST REINVESTIGATION.

AGAIN, GET THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO COMMIT THE CRIMES, THEY SHOULD NOT BE ON THE STREETS, THEY SHOULD BE IN JAIL BEHIND BARS FOR MURDER.

THAT IS WHAT THIS BILL WILL HELP US ACHIEVE.

IT PROVIDES ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND IT HELPS THOSE GRIEVING FAMILIES TO GET JUSTICE FOR THEIR FAMILY MEMBER.

>> THE COLEMAN BAKER ACT NOW GOES BEFORE A SENATE COMMITTEE.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE, I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU MUST BE THRILLED THAT, ONCE AGAIN, FULLY FUNDING.

>> WE'RE AT 1.1 BILLION DOLLARS THAT MEANS WE ARE FULLY FUNDED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1985.

WE HAVE $50,000 SAFETY GRANT FOR EVERY SCHOOL.

WE HAVE $2000 RAISES FOR TEACHERS AND STAFF.

NOT ONLY THAT, THE GOVERNOR IS FUNDING HOPE TO THE 95%.

HOPEFULLY, WE CAN GET UP TO 100.

THAT WAS HIS COMMITMENT , BUT AT THIS POINT, THE NEW BUDGET LOOKS LIKE 95%.

>> OKAY.

I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR BEING ON THE SHOW.

I APPRECIATE THAT.

WILL HAVE YOU COME BACK SOMETIME.

>>> COMING UP, A LOOK AT ISSUES WITH RETIRED MILITARY AND GEORGIA WITH SOME LAWMAKERS WHO ARE VETERANS.

>>> LAWMAKERS IS MADE POSSIBLE BY GEORGIA FARM BUREAU.

WITH OVER 80 YEARS OF HELPING EVERYONE UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN OUR STATE .

AFTER ALL, AG IS GEORGIA'S NUMBER ONE INDUSTRY.

FOOD AND FIBER PRODUCTION REPRESENT OVER $74 BILLION OF THE STRONG ECONOMY.

THE GEORGIA FARM BUREAU LEGISLATIVE TEAMWORKS TO REPRESENT PRODUCERS ACROSS GEORGIA AT THE STATE CAPITOL, DURING THE SESSION AND YEAR- ROUND.

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU, THE VOICE OF GEORGIA FARMERS.

>>> HERE IS WHAT IS NEW THIS MONTH.

ALL YOUR FAVORITE SHOWS ARE AVAILABLE WITH PASSPORT.

SUPPORT YOUR PBS STATION.

>>> COMMUNITY, LEARNING, WORKING, PLAYING, CELEBRATING, ALWAYS BETTER TOGETHER.

WE AIM TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE TOOLS TO BE ABLE TO DO LIFE TOGETHER WELL.

OUR MISSION TO EDUCATE, INFORM, AND ENTERTAIN FROM A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMMING TO OUR RADIO CONVERSATIONS TO FUN IN PERSON EVENTS.

WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS.

>>> WE CARE ABOUT THINGS THAT AFFECT THE LIVES OF EVERY AMERICAN.

WE ARE AT THE FRONTLINES .

>> TO GET TO THE HEART OF WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN EVERY ISSUE.

>> THIS COUNTRY HAS NOT SEEN THIS IN 80 YEARS.

>> THIS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY MOMENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

>> MAKING SUCH A HUGE IMPACT.

>> JUSTICE IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO.

>>> WELCOME BACK TO LAWMAKERS.

JOINING ME OUR DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE OF AUGUSTA AND ARMY VETERAN WHO COMES FROM A GENERATIONAL FAMILY LEGACY OF MILITARY SERVICE, AND DEMOCRATIC SENATOR TONYA ANDERSON OF LITHONIA, A FORMER MAYOR OF THAT CITY.

SHE SERVED IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVES.

I WANT TO WELCOME YOU BACK TO LAWMAKERS.

AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

WE'RE GOING TO TALK MILITARY ISSUES WITH BOTH OF YOU.

I MENTIONED YOUR MILITARY BACKGROUNDS, BUT I WANT YOU TO TALK ABOUT THEM A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELVES.

>> I AM THIRD-GENERATION MILITARY.

MY GRANDFATHER IS A WORLD WAR II NAVY VETERAN.

MY FATHER IS A VIETNAM ARMY VETERAN.

AS AN ARMY VETERAN MYSELF, I AM THE FIRST, AND ONLY, WOMAN IN MY FAMILY TO HAVE SERVED.

>> BRAVO.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

>> I SERVED A LITTLE MORE THAN 21 YEARS.

MY FATHER IS A KOREAN CONFLICT VETERAN.

MOST OF MY COUSINS ARE EITHER AIR FORCE OR ARMY.

>> I LOVE THAT.

FAMILY.

I WANT GO INTO A.

OF COURSE, YOU BOTH HAVE A PASSION FOR VETERANS ISSUES UNDER THE GOLD DOME.

I WANT YOU TO START WITH NUMBER >> GEORGIA, ADULTS WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE MILITARY ACCOUNT FOR 7.6% OF THE STATE POPULATION , AND THE TOTAL NUMBER, AS OF 2020, WAS ABOUT 600,000.

IT IS INTERESTING, BUT OF VETERANS IN THE STATE, 6.4% LIVE IN POVERTY, AND ABOUT 800 ARE HOMELESS .

THESE NUMBERS ARE FOR 2020.

LET'S GET YOUR REACTION TO THOSE NUMBERS.

>> THAT IS VERY APPALLING.

AS A FEDERATED AND ADVOCATE FOR VETERANS, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT AND UNFORTUNATE THAT MILITARY SERVICEMEMBERS FIND THEMSELVES FIGHTING FOR OUR COUNTRY, AWAY FROM HOME , AND THEN HAVE TO COME BACK AND FIGHT FOR BENEFITS AT HOME.

HOMELESSNESS AND VETERANS OFTEN SAY IT IS AN OXYMORON.

THEY DON'T GO IN THE SAME SENTENCE TOGETHER.

WE HAVE TO DO MORE TO MAKE SURE OUR VETERANS ARE TAKING CARE OF.

>> SOME OF THE ISSUES RELATED TO THEIR MILITARY SERVICE.

>> YES.

I AGREE WITH SENATOR AND A CERTAIN.

I THINK, YOU KNOW, SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE COME DIRECTLY FROM SOME OF THE EXPERIENCES THAT THEY WERE EXPOSED TO WHILE IN THE MILITARY.

THOSE CHALLENGES COME FROM EITHER PHYSICAL ISSUES OR MENTAL ISSUES.

ONCE THEY COME BACK, THAT CYCLE SEEMS TO --THEY FALL BEHIND.

THEIR FAMILIES AND THE WHOLE FINANCIAL CYCLE , TRYING TO GET CAUGHT UP AGAIN IS A DILEMMA THEY FIND THEMSELVES IN.

>> PEOPLE DON'T THINK ABOUT THE FINANCIAL STRUGGLE.

SENATOR ANDERSON, YOU ARE A I DON'T WANT TO INTERRUPT YOU.

>> I WAS GOING TO ADD THAT THE TRANSITION PROCESS IS BROKEN.

TO TRY TO CONNECT A VETERAN FROM THE MILITARY MINDSET TO A CIVILIAN MINDSET , THAT IS WHERE THE BREAKDOWN IS.

WE HAVE FAILED IN THAT AREA AND HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO MAKE IT WORK.

>> I KNOW YOU ARE WORKING ON A.

YOU HAVE SIGNED A BILL ON THE SPEAKER DAVID RONSON VETERAN BACK.

MANY ARE FORMER MILITARY .

IT HAS TO DO WITH CREDIBLE SERVICE.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN?

>> AS A COFOUNDER ON THE BILL, I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE WAYS WE CAN CONTRIBUTE BACK TO VETERANS AND ALLOW THEM TO USE THEIR BENEFITS AS RETIREMENT FROM SERVING AS STATE EMPLOYEES AS WELL.

IT IS A GREAT START.

IT IS SOMETHING WE CAN DEFINITELY LOOK AT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE BROADENING BENEFITS FOR VETERANS.

I THINK IT IS A PERFECT NAME.

THE LATE HOUSE SPEAKER WOULD HAVE LOVED IT.

IT IS AWAY --CREDIBLE SERVICE IS WHAT EXACTLY?

>> CREDIBLE SERVICES ANYTHING THAT IS OTHER THAN NOT DISHONORABLE.

DIFFERENT CATEGORIES THAT YOU RETIRE AT, HONORABLE OR GENERAL --IT IS ANYTHING OTHER THAN DISHONORABLE.

>> YOU BOTH UNDERSTAND THAT MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES SUFFERED BY PEOPLE WHO ARE MILITARY VETERANS , REPRESENTATIVE SHAW BLACKMAN RECEIVED A UNANIMOUS PASSAGE OF HB 414 WHICH ALSO LOOKS TO HELP FAMILIES TOO.

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT?

>> I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT BILL AND SOME OTHER MEASURES THAT WERE IN THE BUDGET.

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT, NOT ONLY INCLUDED IN THAT BILL, JUST FOR THE VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES , ALONG WITH THAT, INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET, WAS .

FUNDING RESOURCES ALLOCATED SPECIFICALLY TO HELP VETERANS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH PTSD ISSUES.

THAT ADDITIONAL FUNDING WILL OFFER SERVICES AND CLINICIANS AND NEUROLOGISTS THAT WILL GO SPECIFICALLY JUST FOR THOSE TYPES OF ISSUES.

TRADITIONALLY, WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST IS THAT WHEN SOLDIERS COME BACK FROM EITHER BEING DEPLOYED OR THEY COME BACK FROM ASSIGNMENTS, THERE ARE A LOT OF RESOURCES TO ADDRESS THOSE PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS THEY HAVE GONE THROUGH AND STRUGGLED WITH, AND NOT SO MUCH SO FOR THE MENTAL ISSUES.

SO WHEN THEY COME BACK AND WE START TO ADDRESS THAT FOR THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES, THAT HELPS US BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH THE WHOLE ISSUE IN ITS ENTIRETY.

THAT NEW BILL, ALONG WITH SOME OF THE OTHER ISSUES THAT A BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE NEW BUDGET, WILL HELP US ALL TO DEAL WITH THAT.

ABOUT WITH THE MENTAL ISSUES LEADS TO THE HOMELESSNESS AND OTHER THINGS THAT PEOPLE DON'T NECESSARILY CONNECT.

>> IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT WE ARE TAUGHT IN SOCIETY TO AVOID MENTAL HEALTH , SEEKING MENTAL HELP.

THERE IS A STIGMA.

THEY ARE ASHAMED.

SOMETIMES THEY ARE ASHAMED.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, THERE IS A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING THAT IT IS OKAY A LOT OF MILITARY MEMBERS AVOID THAT PROCESS, SO THERE IS NO STIGMA ATTACHED TO THEIR NAME BECAUSE THEY HAD TO SEEK HELP.

>> THERE IS THIS MONEY THAT YOU ACTUALLY WENT TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION IN GEORGIA FOR .

YOU SAID, LISTEN, SHOW ME WHAT IS IN THE BUDGET.

>> SHOW ME WHAT THIS MONEY IS FOR.

SHE EXPLAINED WHAT THE FUNDING SOURCES WERE AND WHERE THEY TO, FOR SPECIFICALLY.

ACTUALLY, SENATOR AND A SON AND MYSELF WERE AT AN EVENT A WEEK OR SO AGO WHEN SHE CAME AND SPOKE WITH A GROUP OF WOMEN SPECIFICALLY WHERE SHE HIGHLIGHTED SOMETHING SHE CHAMPIONED .

SHE DESIGNATED A WOMEN'S COORDINATOR FOR THE STATE .

THIS PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL WILL GO THROUGHOUT ALL 55 FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND START TO ADDRESS ISSUES RELATING TO WOMEN VETERANS.

SOMETIMES WOMEN VETERANS DON'T NECESSARILY SEE THEMSELVES IN A SPACE OUR ROLE WHERE THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE BENEFITS AND SERVICES.

ONCE THEY HAVE COME OUT, THEY DON'T NECESSARILY GO LOOK FOR SOME OF THOSE SERVICES, AND THEY DON'T SEEK OUT, SOMETIMES, SOME OF THE TRAUMA OR PTSD CARE OR BENEFITS THEY WOULD BE ENTITLED TO.

SOME OF THAT MONEY HAS GONE TOWARDS THAT SPECIFICALLY >> THEY HAVE UNIQUE ISSUES.

>> AND MOST OF THEM ARE A PART OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION, UNFORTUNATELY.

THEY DO HAVE FAMILIES.

THEY HAVE CHILDREN.

IT IS VERY HARD TO IDENTIFY THEM.

A LOT OF SHAME AND DISCONNECT IS THERE.

NOT BEING RECOGNIZED AS A VETERAN, BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE THINK, YOU KNOW, THE MEN ARE VETERANS.

EVERY YEAR AT THE CAPITOL, VETERANS KNOW THEY ARE APPRECIATED AND THAT WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT THEM.

>> WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME.

I WOULD LOVE I LOVED HAVING BOTH OF YOU ON.

KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING.

THAT IS IT FOR LAWMAKERS TODAY.

WILL BE BACK TOMORROW FOR LEGISLATIVE DAY 35.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.