Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) is working behind the scenes to get legislators in Georgia up to speed on how their policies directly impact those in poverty in our state and communities. In January, GCO hosted national and state leaders in a discussion on ways to reform Georgia’s adoption and foster system. This key meeting included Lynn Johnson, Assistant Secretary for the US Administration for Children and Families, representatives from the Governor’s office, and foster service providers. Foster care reform is a key goal of the governor and legislators this session and GCO is leading the discussion to expand tax credits and eligibility. 

Throughout the session GCO is hosting at least one monthly event for legislators to discuss subjects like paid family leave, civil asset forfeiture, and improving Georgia’s standing on international rankings of prosperity. GCO’s paid family leave meeting wrapped up in January and included national leaders with differing perspectives. GCO’s goal is to offer solutions designed to promote family stability while reducing the negative impact on local businesses and communities through burdensome laws.

For the remainder of session, we will be meeting with legislators to discuss our findings on civil asset forfeiture (releasing later in February) and ways to increase transparency and accountability on this matter. Finally, we will be putting a handbook outlining policy impacts on poverty in the hand of each legislator. This will lay the groundwork for legislative discussion throughout 2020.