Below is a listing of upcoming events that Rep. Kendrick will be attending:

Events in the District Rep. Kendrick tries to attend on a monthly basis, schedule permitting:

THIS WEEK IN REVIEW: Week of January 23rd

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE TOWN HALL MEETING!!! - Feb. 18th

Please come to the Centerville Community Center (3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville, GA) to attend a town hall meeting with myself and State Senator Ramsey and State Senator Gloria Butler.  This is an excellent oppurtunity for your voice to be heard and to meet with elected officials. The meeting will start at 10:30 and last until 12:30. It will be held in room D of the Centerville Community Center which is in Snellville and close to Highway 124.

February 18th, 2012.

Centerville Community Center

3025 Bethany Church Road Snellville, GA 30039

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

This week we started FULL ahead on our legislative calendar.

Monday, January 23^rd

We are BACK from hearings on the Hill for the budget!

Tuesday, January 24th

Today we voted in a bill that allows officers and owners of businesses to answer garnishments without the need to hire attorneys. I voted “yes” on this bill.

Also the House Democratic Caucus rolled out its legislative agenda which can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBGg7IU7lBc&feature=youtu.be. Here all the Members of the House Democratic Caucus at a press conference:

This included my bill, HB 781, to change Georgia from a non-judicial foreclosure state to a judicial foreclosure state and to prevent lenders from suing for deficient amounts once homes are foreclosed. More information can be found at: http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20112012/HB/781.

Two other bills I am introducing can be found at: http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20112012/HB/780 (HB 780) which would prevent employers from conducting unnecessary credit checks on people EXCEPT for certain professions (“bona fide” reason) AND http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20112012/HB/782 (HB 781) which creates an animal shelter registry and has bi-partisan support.

I also had a chance to meet with Governor Deal to discuss promoting Georgia small businesses during National Small Business Week the week of May 20^th. Here I am with Mr. Alan W. Urech, Senior Vice President of 200 Peachtree, and my shadow Mia Chigumira.

Wednesday, January 25th

Today was the first day of my Business Series where I provide business owners with the opportunity to present to Members of the House Democratic Caucus. Here is social media strategist Dahna Chandler giving a presentation on social media.

We also heard the State of the Judiciary Address from Chief Justice Hunstein.  She stated “Our youth prisons are a pipeline to adult prisons” and she also recommended decriminalizing traffic offenses to free up Court time for more serious offenses. Here is the Chief Justice and I before her and the other justices are invited into Chambers to begin her address:

In the afternoon, I met with constituent Vickie Stevenson from Rockdale County who runs a domestic violence shelter in Conyers. Last year, I brought her to meet with the Governor and we attended a meeting with the Governor to follow up with conversations we had. At issue were the use of local funds that were being diverted to local District Attorney’s Offices when under statute a portion should be going to domestic violence shelters. She also brought two guests with her that could support and explain her position more.

Thursday, January 26th

I had a special group of seniors from Rockdale County from Senior Connect to visit me down at the Capitol. They came down here for a rally at 11 am and I am so grateful they could meet with me!

For more information, please contact Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick at:

(404) 697-8006 [cell]

(404) 656-0167 [offices]

dkendrick@kendrickforgeorgia.com

For more information, please contact Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick at:

(404) 697-8006 [cell]

(404) 656-0167 [offices]

dkendrick@kendrickforgeorgia.com

PRESS RELEASE

December 23, 2011

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Liz Flowers

House Democratic Caucus

Senate Democratic Caucus

404-291-4755 

flowersliz123@gmail.com

GA DEMS DISAPPOINTED IN ROUND ONE OF RESTRICTING DECISION 

Leaders optimistic maps will be struck down by courts 

Atlanta, Ga. - December 23, 2011 - Georgia's Democrats expressed disappointment today in round one of the redistricting fight with Department of Justice's (DOJ) ruling that granted pre-clearance for the state redistricting maps. However, they expressed optimism for the continued judicial process the maps will undergo.

In previous years, the DOJ has pre-cleared Georgia's maps only to have the courts intervene following additional litigation and demand new maps be drawn under their supervision.

With pre-clearance, the maps will immediately take effect because the Governor has already signed them into law.

The 2012 elections will be run using these pre-cleared maps unless the courts intervene. It becomes a matter of litigation to enjoin them from being utilized.

"Republicans are attempting to use the Voting Rights Act to resegregate Georgia. The Voting Rights Act prohibits racial discrimination of any kind. The GOP-approved maps appear to be systematic in their targeting of White Democrats and harmful in their outcome," said Sen. Horacena Tate, chair of the Senate Democratic Reapportionment Committee.

Reducing the minority population in numerous districts violates the intent of the Voting Rights Act and potentially reduces the ability of African Americans and Latinos and all other voters to build coalitions and elect the candidates of their choice.

"We could have taken a different path during the special reapportionment session. Instead, Republican partisanship prevailed and now we will be forced to revisit this matter in litigation and the courts, taking time away from the real issues that matter to Georgians," said Rep. Billy Mitchell, assistant whip for the House Democrats.

Democrats support maps that are fair and do not polarize communities that have been successfully integrated through the Voting Rights Act.

"The proposed maps unfairly isolate minority voters from their coalition partners, violating the spirit of the Voting Rights Act. These maps attempt to erode the multi-racial coalitions that Georgia has been so successful in building.  And it is clear that the purpose of these maps is to discriminate against certain voters because of their political views. That is unconstitutional, " said Sen. Jason Carter (D-Decatur).

The effect of creating a Republican super-majority would be devastating to Georgia citizens and will potentially silence the voices of many for the next decade. Democrats said the focus of Georgia should be rebuilding the economy and creating real jobs.

"Creating a prosperous and strong Georgia that focuses on families and small businesses is essential to rebuilding our state's economy. Silencing such a significant portion of our population through gerrymandering is harmful to building communities that work," said Sen. Steve Henson, leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus. "Our priority of rebuilding the state's economy requires the best ideas Democrats, Republicans, conservatives and liberals have to offer. Anything less, starves our state from recovery."

"Georgians want transparent and honest government. When people are struggling to pay their bills and are trying to find jobs that pay well, redistricting may seem like a useless government function. But when citizens understand that their voice in government is at stake, it changes the dialogue. In the current environment, Democrats are the watchdog for the regular person," said Rep. Stacey Abrams, leader of the House Democratic Caucus. "In an era of tax hikes on working families by Republicans who promised fiscal responsibility, who voters elect matters."

The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, GALEO, and other like-minded organizations and individuals have demonstrated that they are willing to be involved in the litigation of these maps.

###

"If you would like to Dar'shun to attend your event and speak, please contact us.