Week 4 Legislative Update: Championing Fairness and Fiscal Prudence

"We stand firm in our belief that women deserve a level playing field where their hard work and dedication are rightfully rewarded."
- Charlice Byrd

As we conclude another productive week under the Gold Dome, I am honored to highlight key legislative efforts aimed at preserving fairness in women’s sports and addressing critical budgetary concerns that impact every Georgian.

Defending Women’s Athletic Integrity: HB 104 & HB 267

The Georgia House of Representatives is taking decisive action to protect women’s sports through House Bills 104 and 267. HB 104, the Equal Athletic Opportunities Act, ensures that athletic teams at K-12 public schools and private institutions competing against public schools are categorized strictly by biological sex. This measure maintains the integrity of female sports by upholding fair competition and safeguarding the achievements of female athletes.

HB 267, the Riley Gaines Act, expands these protections beyond high school athletics to include postsecondary institutions. It prohibits biological males from participating in female sports teams and from receiving female-specific scholarships. Moreover, HB 267 includes comprehensive provisions to protect privacy by requiring sex-separated facilities such as locker rooms, restrooms, and sleeping arrangements during school activities. Enforcement mechanisms, including legal avenues for parents and students, ensure compliance and uphold the bill’s intent.

These legislative efforts are about fairness, equity, and the preservation of opportunities for female athletes who train tirelessly to compete at their best. We stand firm in our belief that women deserve a level playing field where their hard work and dedication are rightfully rewarded.

Budget Insights: AFY25 Fiscal Concerns

In addition to advancing key legislation, we are carefully examining the Amended Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The proposed $4.4 billion increase in state spending represents nearly 11% of our fiscal plan, raising concerns about long-term financial sustainability. Despite claims of fiscal conservatism, Georgia faces an $8.77 billion debt, with $1.29 billion allocated this year alone for debt servicing.

This budget process, which limits legislative input to a single up-or-down vote, does not reflect true representative governance. We must prioritize reducing debt and delivering substantial, permanent tax relief to Georgia families. The current proposal’s minimal tax cuts fall short of what our citizens deserve, especially considering budget surpluses that could be used to ease the tax burden and secure our financial future.

Additionally, the state’s continued accumulation of debt places an undue burden on future generations. Rather than expanding government spending, we should capitalize on this period of revenue growth to pay down existing obligations. Investing in debt reduction would not only improve Georgia's credit rating but also free up resources for essential services without increasing the tax load on hardworking citizens.

Moreover, the lack of line-item voting in the budget approval process restricts transparency and accountability. Taxpayers deserve a government that treats every dollar with the same care and scrutiny they apply to their household budgets. I will continue advocating for reforms that enable more detailed budget reviews and promote fiscal discipline.

Moving Forward Together

Thank you for the honor of serving as your representative. I hope that you will reach out with questions or concerns regarding legislation and the issues that are significant to you and your family. Contact me here.