Democrats respond to State of the State Address
Georgia Democrats issued a sharp response to Governor Sonny Perdue's annual State of the State address, calling for Republicans to put their internal differences aside for the good of the state, and introducing the framework of an alternative to a controversial tax plan introduced by the Speaker of the House.
Representative Kathy Ashe (D-Atlanta) delivered the address before a crowd of Democrats, including members of the General Assembly. In the response, Ashe stressed that the Democratic agenda comes from their constituents and, "our shared values."
The response covered a broad range of issues, from affordable health to transportation to Georgia's water crisis, but education topped the list. "We believe that we should reduce class sizes and make Georgia's teachers the envy of America," Ashe said, calling on the Governor and the General assembly to make, "a financial promise to our public schools that matches our words, and emphasizing reading, math, science, discipline, character, and above all, preparation for a 21st Century global economy."
Ashe also previewed a tax plan to be offered by Democrats. "Our plan restores much-needed funding to our public schools, and eases the strain on local governments, giving them the freedom to do what their constituents demand, keep our obligation to our children, and reduce property taxes."
The Democratic plan proposes to fund the Quality Basic Education Act for the first time in over 20 years.
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