Happy Thanksgiving!
15 days later, and the Special Session is over.
Please join me on December 2 to discuss the Special Session, the new maps, and what to expect for the 2022 Legislative Session (starting in January!).
On Monday, the House passed the new Georgia Congressional maps. House District 57 is entirely in Congressional District 5.
This map will move Georgia from an 8-6 Republican-Democrat split in Congress to a 9-5 split. Considering statewide elections in this state have been very close to 50-50, I do not believe this new Congressional map represents Georgia, which is why I voted NO.
All legislation related to the redistricting process passed in the House and Senate has been sent to the Governor to be signed into law. If Governor Kemp signs off on the maps (which is expected), they will be implemented by election officials for the next election cycle starting with the primary elections in 2022. You can view the new legislative and congressional district maps on the nonpartisan Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office’s website under the “Proposed Plans” section here.
After the holidays, we will return to the Capitol on January 10 for the regular 2022 legislative session. We will take up the local districts, the budgets, and of course, other important pieces of legislation.
Buckhead City
The Committee for a United Atlanta has printed yard signs promoting keeping Atlanta united and encouraging residents to #SayNoToBuckheadCity.
Get one today! Link to request a sign.
Atlanta’s November 30 Election
Please remember to get out and VOTE! Early in-person voting ends November 24. If you cannot vote early in-person, you can still vote absentee or in-person on November 30. Voting in person on November 30 is your last opportunity to vote!
DFCS Launches Program to Assist Families with Water Bill
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), administered by the local Community Action Agencies, will be available on November 15, 2021. This federally funded program assists low-income households with past-due water bills through direct payments to their home water suppliers.
Assistance will be provided to Georgia residents through the local Community Action Agencies LIHWAP in the following priorities:
| Phase | Dates | Priority Group |
| Phase 1 | November 1 through December 31, 2021 | Families with past-due water bill arrearages |
| Phase 2 | January 1, 2022 | Household with elderly (60 years of age and older) members, or with children five years of age and younger *Candidates do not need to have an arrearage |
| Phase 3 | February 1, 2022 | All other eligible residents |
LIHWAP funds will be administered through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) until all funds are exhausted. To qualify for LIHWAP, a family’s annual income must be less than or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family. For a household of one, the income threshold is $26,474; the income threshold for a household of five is $59,057.
Families seeking assistance must contact their local CAA during the appropriate priority period. All applicants must provide the following:
- Most recent water bill or statement of service from their water service providers;
- Social Security numbers for each member of the household;
- Proof of Citizenship for each member of the household;
- Proof of Income for the last 30 days for each adult member of the household; Proof of Income can include, but is not limited to, a paycheck stub or a letter granting public assistance, and,
- Social Security or unemployment benefits for all household members, if applicable.
For more information on the program, send an email inquiry to DHS at [email protected]. To find a CAA in your area, visit http://www.georgiacaa.org.
COVID Update
The booster was approved for everyone this past week. Please review the proper guidelines and get vaccinated!
Want to get vaccinated but do not know where to go? Go HERE.
Have questions or concerns about the vaccine? Go HERE.
Remember, children ages 5-11 are now eligible for the vaccine. My daughter got her first shot last week. It is a relief for our family, and I know it will help our schools and community at large continue on the path back to “normal.”
If you are or know a Georgia resident who is currently homebound and they wish to receive the vaccine, an in-home vaccine can be administered by a medical professional. To schedule this, please call 888-572-0112 or email [email protected].
