Jan 23 – Georgia House Reconvenes This Week; Dems Announce Efforts to Repeal Georgia’s Immigration Law

Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 January 2012 21:19 Written by Lou Phelps Monday, 23 January 2012 14:06

SBJ Staff Report

Jan 23, 2012 – The Georgia House came back into session today with an announced five-day work week, but only met for an hour, going through only a series of announcements.

Rep. Ann Purcell rose to announce that it was Effingham County Day at the Capital. Chatham County’s Day at the Capital will be held this coming Thursday, Jan. 26.

Ron Stephens rose to announce that Tuesday will be Georgia Music Day at the Capital, with photo opportunities for legislators with some of Georgia’s leading professional musicians.

Of substance this week, Democratic party leaders are planning a press conference on Tuesday to enunciate their Legislative Priorities.

And, House Democrats will hold a public hearing this Thursday to promote rural recovery, beginning with repeal of HB 87, which Democrats term a “failed immigration bill” which passed in 2011.

House Democrats have been joined by advocates for farmers and others impacted by the fall-out of HB 87, according to Representative Lynmore James “Georgia deserves better than a bill that costs millions of dollars in lost crops, lost revenue and lost opportunities,” according to James. “I am a Georgia farmer. I know that our families cannot afford to have politicians playing with their food. If we want good jobs and a stronger economy, the first step is repealing HB 87.”

The bill’s authors, Rep. Pedro Marin and Rep. James, along with other members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, will be available to speak with press afterwards.