States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
Featured Stories
Rep. Matt Dubnik to Co-Chair Georgia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 26 -- The Georgia House issued the following news release:
State Representative Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville) was recently appointed to serve as caucus co-chair of the bipartisan and bicameral Georgia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus. Rep. Dubnik will co-chair the caucus alongside State Representative Chas Cannon (R-Moultrie), and State Senator Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) will continue to serve as the caucus co-chair in the Senate. Reps. Dubnik and Cannon have assumed the roles of caucus co-chairs following the announcement of State Representative David Knight's (R-Griffin) retirement,
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 26 -- The Georgia House issued the following news release:
State Representative Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville) was recently appointed to serve as caucus co-chair of the bipartisan and bicameral Georgia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus. Rep. Dubnik will co-chair the caucus alongside State Representative Chas Cannon (R-Moultrie), and State Senator Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) will continue to serve as the caucus co-chair in the Senate. Reps. Dubnik and Cannon have assumed the roles of caucus co-chairs following the announcement of State Representative David Knight's (R-Griffin) retirement,marking the end of his 19-year legislative career.
"I am honored to serve alongside Rep. Cannon in this capacity and thankful for Rep. Knight's caucus leadership over the years," said Rep. Dubnik. "It is important that we continue work to support the outdoors and those who enjoy the outdoors recreationally. Georgia is home to many incredible wild places and landscapes and countless wildlife species. It is vital that we amplify the voices of those who spend their time in our great outdoors and know our lands best. As a member of the Sportsmen's Caucus since my arrival to the Georgia House, I know how necessary it is to advance sporting conservation policy and to protect Georgia's rich sporting heritage by ensuring that the interests of hunters, anglers, recreational shooters and trappers are represented by pro-sportsmen legislators in the Georgia General Assembly."
The Georgia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, established in 2004 in coordination with the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), continues to work directly with CSF and is united with other state-level sportsmen's caucuses through the CSF-administered National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC). Since its inception in 2004, NASC has expanded to all 50 states and now includes more than 2,400 pro-sportsmen legislators from across the country.
Founded in 1989, CSF is the informed authority on outdoor issues and serves as the primary conduit for influencing public policy. Working with the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC), the Governors Sportsmen's Caucus (GSC) and NASC, CSF gives a voice to hunters, anglers, recreational shooters and trappers on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. and throughout state capitols, advocating on outdoor issues that support the nation's conservation efforts. For more information on CSF's policy work, visit http://www.congressionalsportsmen.org.
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Representative Matt Dubnik represents the citizens of District 29, which includes portions of Hall County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. He also serves on the Education, Game, Fish & Parks, Higher Education, Juvenile Justice, Regulated Industries, Small Business Development, Technology and Infrastructure Innovation and Urban Affairs committees.
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Original text here: https://house-press.com/rep-matt-dubnik-to-co-chair-georgia-legislative-sportsmens-caucus/
Rep. Barbara Hernandez-Backed Investment Erases $1 Billion in Medical Debt for Illinoisans
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 26 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news:
AURORA, Ill. - Reforms backed by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, eliminating up to $1 billion in families' medical bills and preventing past debt from hurting individuals' financial future, are now law.
"Vital medical procedures and lifesaving prescriptions are not optional, and many people in our community take on crimpling debt to get that care for themselves or their loved ones," Hernandez said. "With these recent measures, we are easing some of the financial burdens those families should never
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 26 -- The Illinois House Democrats issued the following news:
AURORA, Ill. - Reforms backed by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, eliminating up to $1 billion in families' medical bills and preventing past debt from hurting individuals' financial future, are now law.
"Vital medical procedures and lifesaving prescriptions are not optional, and many people in our community take on crimpling debt to get that care for themselves or their loved ones," Hernandez said. "With these recent measures, we are easing some of the financial burdens those families should neverhave had to bear."
Hernandez helped pass House Bill 5290 and Senate Bill 2933, the first of which creates a pathway to pay off $1 billion in families' medical debt at a fraction of the costs, and the second of which makes medical debt ineligible on credit reports. Outstanding medical debt can be purchase for a small percentage of the sum, clearing $1 billion in debt cost just $10 million.
In another example of Illinois playing a leading role nationwide, similar measures are currently being evaluated at the federal level.
"Ensuring every person in our community has affordable healthcare is a focus for me. However, we cannot neglect those who are already facing the punishing effects of an unfair medical system," Hernandez said. "Relieving debt like this will be a long-term necessity as we continue the vital work of cutting the costs of good healthcare."
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Original text here: https://ilhousedems.com/2024/07/25/rep-barbara-hernandez-backed-investment-erases-1-billion-in-medical-debt-for-illinoisans/
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces $188,000 in Grants to Support Safer Neighborhoods and Lovable Places in Southern Maryland
LANHAM, Maryland, July 26 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release:
New Carrollton, MD. (July 25, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced it has awarded $188,000 in grants to improve health and safety of neighborhoods across three Southern Maryland counties through the department's Community Health and Safety Works (CHSW) program.
Local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible for CHSW grant funding to implement crime prevention strategies through physical design improvements,
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LANHAM, Maryland, July 26 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release:
New Carrollton, MD. (July 25, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development today announced it has awarded $188,000 in grants to improve health and safety of neighborhoods across three Southern Maryland counties through the department's Community Health and Safety Works (CHSW) program.
Local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible for CHSW grant funding to implement crime prevention strategies through physical design improvements,operational activities and other community-driven strategies. CHSW projects are required to be located in Baltimore City or an area designated as a Maryland Sustainable Community elsewhere in the state.
"One of DHCD's key missions is creating lovable places in Maryland where pride-in-place is strong but reinvestment is needed," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. "The projects funded through the Community Health and Safety Works program will not only make Maryland neighborhoods safer, cleaner and more lovable, but will support community-driven efforts that will have an impact on generations to come."
CHSW awards fall into one of four competitive categories:
* Community Placemaking: Community-led collaborations that engage artists and designers to create lovable and safer spaces for community use.
* Environmental Health and Justice: Elimination of predatory and unhealthy practices such as illegal dumping, litter and traffic hazards and address urban heat islands and other conditions related to climate change.
* Cameras, Lighting, and Related Safety Services: Increased surveillance of illegal and dangerous activities in communities through lighting, camera strategies and related community safety services and technology.
* Technical Assistance for CHSW Initiatives: Nonprofit providers that will provide project design and implementation support to the awardees of CHSW project funding. Grant amounts are determined by the scope of services provided.
A total of 108 awards worth $9,750,000 were provided in the Fiscal Year 2024 round of funding across 20 Maryland counties and Baltimore City.
In Southern Maryland, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties received a combined $188,000 to support three projects.
Some awardees include:
* St. Mary's County Community Development Corporation will use $53,000 to support the expansion of the Great Mills Road Cleanup which will provide frequent dumpster deliveries, greenery improvements and tools, street sweeping and operating support.
* The Arc of Southern Maryland will use $35,000 to install lighting around the perimeter of the parking lot and cameras and a card reader system for the building.
More information on the Community Health and Safety Works program and how to apply can be found here (https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Communities/Pages/csw/default.aspx).
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2024/07/25/maryland-department-of-housing-and-community-development-announces-188000-in-grants-to-support-safer-neighborhoods-and-lovable-places-in-southern-maryland/
MTA, Mayor Adams, and Chancellor Banks Announce New Student OMNY Cards to Have Expanded Benefits
NEW YORK, July 26 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
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Student OMNY Cards, Replacing Student MetroCards
Now Valid 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week, All Year
Eligible Students to Have Four Free Trips Daily, Up from Three
View Informational Video on Student OMNY Cards (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDKrlq8Kp5U)
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and New York City Public Schools Chancellor David A. Banks today announced updates that will make it easier and
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, July 26 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
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Student OMNY Cards, Replacing Student MetroCards
Now Valid 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week, All Year
Eligible Students to Have Four Free Trips Daily, Up from Three
View Informational Video on Student OMNY Cards (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDKrlq8Kp5U)
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and New York City Public Schools Chancellor David A. Banks today announced updates that will make it easier andmore affordable for eligible students to get to and from school and after-school activities via public transportation. Starting this upcoming 2024-2025 school year, students will receive Student OMNY cards, instead of the MetroCards that have been distributed citywide to students since 1997. The new Student OMNY cards will be valid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with up to four free rides a day. These changes will significantly expand flexibility for student travel, as students were previously limited to only three free rides each day from only 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the cards could only be used on days when the student's school was open for class.
New York State contributes funding for the Student OMNY cards in the form of a $25 million appropriation from the New York State Department of Transportation. Future increases to this amount are subject to appropriation.
"Public transit is the best way to navigate New York City, and the Student OMNY card helps our students use the transit system and keep up with their busy schedules," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "With extended hours, we're ensuring our young people have the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and extracurriculars."
New York City Public Schools will increase their lump-sum contribution for the OMNY cards, from $45 million to $50.5 million. Future lump-sum increases will align with MTA base fare increases.
"The Student OMNY card program makes it even more convenient for kids to use the public transit system, teaching them how indispensable it is to New York City," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "With help from Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams and New York City Public Schools, students can learn the value of the transit system and ensure they continue to tap to ride past graduation."
"These expanded student OMNY cards are a game-changer for families across New York City, particularly for working-class families that need just a little more help to afford our city -- families where older siblings pick their younger brothers and sisters up from school or where kids have after-school and summer jobs to help make ends meet," said Mayor Adams. "This builds on the work we've done to make our city more accessible, particularly for young people and low-income New Yorkers. From our subways, to our ferries, to our greenways, we're making it easier and more affordable to get around New York City."
"I'm thrilled about the launch of student OMNY cards because expanding access to public transit means more and more students will have opportunities to explore our city and experience all that New York has to offer," said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Banks. "I'm grateful to our partners at the MTA and across the city for making this possible for our students."
"Across its diverse neighborhoods and communities, New York City inspires and teaches. Our city is one of the best classrooms in the world. And now, as part of the city's broader switch to OMNY, New York's kids have more and better access to it," said Deputy Mayor for Operations and MTA Board Member Meera Joshi. "Together, the city and its world-class public transportation system are making New York City just a little more livable for the families that call it home. Our kids deserve 24/7 access to a 24/7 city, and now they're getting it."
"Providing students with tools to use public transit seamlessly teaches them that the system is easy, efficient, and cost effective," said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. "New York City students have busy schedules and we're making it as easy as possible for them to navigate their schoolwork and activities with more rides all year round."
"Subways and buses are the best way to get to school, sports, extracurriculars, internships, jobs, and more," said New York City Transit Interim President Demetrius Crichlow. "With extended hours and more taps at their disposal, we look forward to more and more students tapping to ride."
"I feel like the OMNY card are actually very beneficial for us high school students who do more than just high school, outside of high school hours," said Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School Student Subah Habib. "We are students, we are daughters, we are sons, and we have a lot to attend to. I am also a student athlete, I run track and getting to our track meets on Saturdays with the OMNY card, it's time-efficient, cost-efficient and it really helps students travel from place to place."
"I believe these OMNY cards would benefit me in all aspects, specifically when it comes to traveling on the weekends," said Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School Student Malik Innis. "I'm a student athlete, so we have games on Saturdays and Sundays and not having the ability to travel for free it kind of hurts sometimes. So using an OMNY card would give me the ability to tap and go, it'll be more efficient, and I'll be able to make my Sunday football games."
"Since its founding, our Youth Council has been dedicated to expanding the number of hours during which students can use their MetroCards to commute to school, internships, sports and other school-related activities," said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein. "For far too many students, the status quo prevented the use of student MetroCards on nights and weekends, when many extracurriculars take place. In 2020, we ended the practice of charging half the fare for the 130,000 students living less than two miles from their schools making public transportation free for all students. Today's announcement builds on that success by giving four taps per day, 24/7 for all students. This change in the student transportation policy is going to help hundreds of thousands of students and their families. I want to thank the MTA for making this happen and to our current and former Youth Council members: when you lead, you can make change in our world that helps millions of others."
"The introduction of student OMNY cards is an important step forward for our transit system," said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "As a strong advocate of transportation equity, I applaud the Administration's efforts to make transit use easier and more affordable for our students. Through initiatives like Fair Fares NYC, student OMNY cards, and more, we will continue fighting to make our public transit more affordable and accessible to all New Yorkers."
Student OMNY cards will be valid on the MTA's subway lines; on local, limited and Select buses; on the Staten Island Railway; the Roosevelt Island Tram; and on Hudson Rail Link, and will include free transfers from one mode to another. Students will also now keep the same card for the entire year, through the summer. The expanded benefits provide the foundation for New York City students to learn how to utilize the public transit system and build a culture of tapping.
The cards will be distributed to students at the start of the school year by each individual school across the five boroughs. In addition to the cards, students will also receive promotional flyers outlining the benefits of the enhanced program. The MTA and NYC Public Schools will work together to evaluate and promote card usage across school districts.
Watch this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDKrlq8Kp5U) for more information about the Student OMNY cards.
OMNY is the MTA's contactless fare payment system -- and it's the easiest, most flexible way to pay. Subway and bus customers can simply use their contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, wearable device, or OMNY card to tap and go.
In addition to the Student OMNY card program, OMNY pilots have also been launched for select paratransit customers, pre-tax commuter benefit customers, and Fair Fares customers with a wide rollout to those customer bases expected by the end of 2024. Reduced-Fare customers can make the switch to OMNY online with the OMNY digital assistant, which is available 24/7 at OMNY.info. All existing Reduced-Fare MetroCard customers, totaling more than 1.5 million customers, will receive an OMNY card mailed to them by the end of 2024.
Transit customers have used OMNY to tap into the transit system nearly 1.7 billion times. OMNY market share accounts for more than 50% of New York City Transit customers, with full-fare subway rides rising to 78% since the MTA updated its fare-capping feature in Aug. 2023.
This announcement builds on the Adams administration's efforts to make getting around New York City more accessible and affordable, particularly for young people and low-income New Yorkers. In the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget, the administration partnered with the City Council to invest an additional $20.7 million in "Fair Fares NYC," expanding eligibility for half-price fares to people making 145 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. The budget also included $11 million to provide free MetroCards to Summer Youth Employment Program participants, who -- thanks to the Adams administration's efforts -- are also eligible for free two-month Citi Bike memberships. In 2023, Mayor Adams launched a historic greenway expansion to build 40 new miles of protected bike infrastructure in the outer boroughs, bringing safer, greener transportation options to the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. In 2022, Mayor Adams unveiled NYC Ferry Forward, which created a discount program similar to Fair Fares in which seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders pay reduced fares for ferry rides.
"I applaud the MTA's initiative to extend the OMNY program to a broader audience, including all NYC students starting this school year," said State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. "This efficient and user-friendly fare payment system will enhance convenience for student commuters and will be a much-needed support to improve school attendance."
"In this pivotal moment, New York City is not just updating a program but transforming the daily commutes of our students," said State Senator Robert Jackson. "I applaud the collaboration of the mayor's office, the Department of Education, and the MTA in enhancing access and ensuring no student is left behind. With the Student OMNY cards, every trip becomes a pathway to potential, embedding seamless travel into the fabric of our students' academic experiences and broadening their horizons every day of the year."
"Hundreds of thousands of our children rely on public transit to commute to school and it's time we put them on the express train to success," said Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar. "We will make their commute the most convenient and accessible it has ever been with the implementation of Student OMNY cards, combined with the expansion from three free rides a day to four. These OMNY cards will allow students to ride our world class transit system to earn a world class education, while also providing them extra rides for enriching extracurricular activities. I am proud to partner with the mayor and MTA chair to make public transportation affordable and accessible for the next generation."
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Original text here: https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-mayor-adams-and-chancellor-banks-announce-new-student-omny-cards-have-expanded
Lt. Governor Jones Announces DCH Participation at Constituent Event
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 26 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced that staff from the Department of Community Health (DCH) will be in attendance on Tuesday, August 27, at mobile office hours hosted by his office for constituents in DeKalb and Fulton Counties. DCH representatives will be in attendance to answer constituent questions and share information about the Georgia Pathways Program.
"Expanding health care access to all Georgians, regardless of their zip code, continues to be a priority of mine" said
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 26 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced that staff from the Department of Community Health (DCH) will be in attendance on Tuesday, August 27, at mobile office hours hosted by his office for constituents in DeKalb and Fulton Counties. DCH representatives will be in attendance to answer constituent questions and share information about the Georgia Pathways Program.
"Expanding health care access to all Georgians, regardless of their zip code, continues to be a priority of mine" saidLt. Governor Burt Jones. "We are thankful that DCH will be joining our mobile office hours in Atlanta to help answer constituent questions and bring awareness to Georgia Pathways. This critical program is an innovative approach to increasing access to affordable healthcare coverage, while lowering Georgia's uninsured population. I commend Governor Brian Kemp for his work on this critical program and encourage anyone interested in learning more to join our event on August 27th."
Event details are below:
WHAT: DeKalb and Fulton Constituent Services Day
WHEN/WHERE:
Tuesday, August 27
When: 3:30pm-5:30pm
Twin Towers/ East Tower
Georgia Department of Community Health Board Room - Room 470-A
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
Atlanta, GA 30334
The Georgia Pathways Program is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health. This program offers Medicaid coverage to eligible Georgians ages 19-64 and promotes their transition from Pathways into private coverage. Eligibility requirements, applications and FAQs are available on the dedicated website here: https://pathways.georgia.gov/
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Original text here: https://ltgov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2024-07-25/lt-governor-jones-announces-dch-participation-constituent-event
Governor Moore Attends Ravens Training Camp and Tours M&T Bank Stadium Improvements Ahead of 2024-2025 Season
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, July 26 -- Gov. Wes Moore, D-Maryland, issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today attended Ravens training camp in Owings Mills. Together with Ravens players, coaches, and front-office leadership, the governor and lieutenant governor rallied 1,500 proud members of the Ravens Flock ahead of the 2024-2025 football season. Governor Moore sent a clear message to teams that are looking to defend against Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson this year: "Good luck!"
"The Ravens are the pride of Baltimore and the envy
... Show Full Article
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, July 26 -- Gov. Wes Moore, D-Maryland, issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today attended Ravens training camp in Owings Mills. Together with Ravens players, coaches, and front-office leadership, the governor and lieutenant governor rallied 1,500 proud members of the Ravens Flock ahead of the 2024-2025 football season. Governor Moore sent a clear message to teams that are looking to defend against Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson this year: "Good luck!"
"The Ravens are the pride of Baltimore and the envyof the world. They bring Marylanders together on and off the field - and when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, this team stepped up to support everyone affected by the crisis," said Gov. Moore. "The Ravens are building a legacy of excellence and spirit. I can't wait to see my fellow Marylanders this season, as we cheer on this incredible team and celebrate the city we love."
The Super Bowl XXXV and XLVII Champion Baltimore Ravens have been a positive and beloved force in the community since 1996. As a top-performing team in the National Football League and enormous source of pride for Baltimore City and the State of Maryland, the franchise is deeply rooted in the city's identity, recently contributing $5 million for relief efforts through the Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong Alliance in the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
Following the visit to training camp, Gov. Moore toured M&T Bank Stadium to view the premier facility upgrades in progress that represent major long-term investment in Baltimore City--not only for the stadium but also for the neighborhoods and businesses that surround it. Part of the Camden Yards Sports Complex and operated through the Maryland Stadium Authority, M&T Bank Stadium's 71,008 seating capacity supports roughly 1,600 jobs each year. The venue also generated approximately $6.7 billion in spending and hosted 15 million visitors from 1998-2022.
Facility improvements will also help ensure that Ravens fans continue to have one of the best game day experiences in all of sports and will enhance Baltimore City's capacity to attract world-class concerts and other live events to Maryland. Construction began during this offseason and will continue during the 2025 and 2026 offseasons.
"Our beloved Ravens have a first-class franchise, fan base, and facility and we were thrilled to spend some time with the best team in football," said Lt. Gov. Miller. "Today just got us even more excited to welcome the Ravens Flock back to M&T Bank Stadium, and we look forward to hosting a Super Bowl parade down Pratt Street in the near future."
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The Baltimore Ravens will host their first home game of the 2024-2025 season on Sept. 15 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Original text here: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-attends-ravens-training-camp-and-tours-mt-bank-stadium-improvements-ahead-of-20242025-season.aspx
Georgia Legislators Call for Action Against Defunding of AP African American Studies
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 26 -- The Georgia House issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) today call for action against State Superintendent Richard Woods' decision to block an AP African American Studies course from state curriculum for the 2024 academic year.
Rep. Davis, who is an advocate for educational equity and justice, strongly condemns these developments. "This decision comes on the heels of the controversial House Bill 1084," said Rep. Davis.
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 26 -- The Georgia House issued the following news release on July 25, 2024:
State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) today call for action against State Superintendent Richard Woods' decision to block an AP African American Studies course from state curriculum for the 2024 academic year.
Rep. Davis, who is an advocate for educational equity and justice, strongly condemns these developments. "This decision comes on the heels of the controversial House Bill 1084," said Rep. Davis."In 2022, Georgia enacted HB 1084, which restricts the teaching of race-related topics in public schools by banning curricula or training programs that include certain 'divisive concepts.' Now, Superintendent Woods' decision to defund AP African American Studies for 2024 worsens the already existing inequities in Georgia's education system, particularly in underserved and under-resourced zip codes. Using race as a method of diverting attention from the inequities in funding education in Georgia is unacceptable. It's time to end tax enslavement in Georgia. Our blue counties must take a stand and sue this red state over a green issue--funding!"
Rep. Schofield echoes Rep. Davis' sentiments, emphasizing broader implications of defunding specific courses. "If you refuse to finance AP African American Studies, then Superintendent Woods and the Georgia Department of Education should not fund any AP history studies," said Rep. Schofield. "State legislators must demand the removal of defunding policies for all history courses in schools. All history is valuable, and if there is a cost to teach AP African American history, then invoices should be sent to all educational institutions for all AP history classes."
Additionally, Rep. Scott seeks to underscore the importance of inclusivity in historical education. "Black history is an integral part of history itself," said Rep. Scott. "Without acknowledging and including Black history, we present an incomplete and distorted view of our past. The contributions, struggles and achievements of Black individuals and communities have shaped our society in profound ways. To truly understand and appreciate our collective history, we must ensure that Black history is fully recognized and taught in our educational institutions."
Finally, Rep. Burnough seeks to highlight a trend of selective historical representation. "Georgia's current State School Superintendent refuses to approve the AP African American History Studies course," said Rep. Burnough. "It's disheartening that a former history teacher would deny Georgia students the chance to learn their own history. It's also astonishing how a minority can dictate which histories matter. Since only a select few students take AP courses, perhaps eliminating all AP history courses would prevent any perception of favoritism toward any ethnic group's history. To quote Governor Kemp, 'We should not be playing politics. It is crucial to ensure that all students, regardless of their background or zip code, have access to a comprehensive and inclusive education.'"
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Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as the Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education and Small Business Development committees.
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Original text here: https://house-press.com/georgia-legislators-call-for-action-against-defunding-of-ap-african-american-studies/
