The current political environment is tough, but I’m tough too.
When Republicans refuse to deliver on issues important to Georgians, it’s critical to not give up. I’ve met the current political challenges head on, introducing and fighting for legislation to secure reproductive freedom, reduce gun violence and to protect the civil rights of minority populations.
Everyone benefits when our government is properly funded — schools, public health, environmental protection, and other safety net services. Government works better when citizens are paid a living wage for a hard day’s work.
It’s time to reinvest in the people of Georgia.
Senator Sally Harrell
Georgia’s 40th District
Follow Sally
1 month ago
We don't have to be afraid if we do this togetherI recently returned from several days of spiritual retreat in southern Indiana. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now, because I feel the stress of political life building within me, and I needed to reset before launching into the frenzy of this fall’s election.While I was there, I shared a dinner conversation with two women from Kentucky who were also on retreat. For over an hour I did a little dance in my head: “Should I mention politics? Which side are they on?” It took me until after dinner (even after they dropped several hints), to feel safe enough to fess up to my role in Georgia politics. Once I did, and realized they were “on the same side,” the tension slipped away, and the real conversation began.Our conversations opened my eyes to how important it is to connect with people. We don’t have to be afraid if we do this together. We must live into the hope that we can defeat the things that keep us up at night.There is a saying, “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” I don’t believe that prayers are a substitute for action, but when the prayers of my new friends joined mine, I could feel our hope magnified.When I returned to Atlanta and watched the Democratic National Convention, I felt excitement coming through the screen. I realized we can do this. We actually can DO this! Hearing conservatives plead for their fellow Republicans to abandon Donald Trump tells us that we are on the right side of history. These Republicans know that our system of government, and its checks and balances, are at risk. Of course, I also believe that our policies that support a vision of government that can lift up all its people is also on the right side of history. Knowing this gives us confidence, but to succeed, we must choose to leave fear behind. Fear cuts us off from those who love us and blocks our ability to experience joy. During the coming months, we can expect our foes to repetitively try to activate our fears. This will be echoed by the media. We must do whatever is necessary to not let this reduce our confidence and paralyze our actions. We must conquer doubt!At the same time, much of the voting population has tuned out both the fear-based messaging and politics in general. They have become cynical and disengaged. Imagine the curiosity you can arouse in these less engaged voters by sharing the hope you hold for our future, and the joy you feel in your heart working to make that future a reality!It is time for action. We all need to reach out for support and connect with others who love us. This will boost your energy and theirs. Leave behind worries about the things you can’t control and put that energy into tasks that are uniquely yours. Reach out to neighbors and family members who are less engaged. Channel love and curiosity by asking questions about how they feel about what’s going on. Respond directly to their concerns not with anger or judgment, but with compassion, curiosity and understanding. Remember that our “big tent” philosophy always challenges us to do better. There are those we have left behind whose voices need to be elevated. We need to listen and hear their voices.Remember that everything we are proud of - everything that makes us who we are - stems from our shared sense of the love we have for all of humanity.We are in this together. And together, we CAN win.
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2 months ago
I recently returned to Atlanta after being away on a spiritual retreat. My sense of peace was shattered when I learned that an antisemitic sign had been on display in a Dunwoody yard -- a city where many Jewish people live. The sign criticized the actions of the Israeli government, which is not in itself hateful. But scribbled into the sign were antisemitic slurs which were hateful. A neighbor observed what was happening and decided to take action. She could have easily chosen to yell in her neighbor’s face about it, but instead, she engaged the homeowner in a meaningful conversation. The outcome of the conversation is that the homeowner willingly allowed the sign to be removed.While most of us don’t often have the opportunity to intervene in such a visible way, we can draw on this neighbor for inspiration, looking for opportunities to convert our outrage into quiet conversations that increase understanding and heal the divisions among us. This is how we work toward peace and understanding.
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Sally’s Senate Snapshot 2024 #11
NewsThe Closing Act
Setting the Scene: Long Days and Lots of Bills
As the curtain opened on legislative days 36, 37 and 38, legislators deliberated bills in Committees until midnight, sending a regular flow of House bills to…
Sally’s Senate Snapshot 2024 #10
News“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around every once in a while, you could miss it.” — Ferris Bueller
Follow the Leader
Medicaid Expansion and Hospital “CON” Reform
Instead of using hospital…