Wednesday at the Capitol saw a cultural celebration and a protest against President Donald Trump.

The day kicked off with another Latino celebration, this time outside the Capitol at Liberty Plaza. Advocacy groups and lawmakers celebrated contributions from the Latin American community in Georgia and used the opportunity to condemn Trump's immigration policy.

“Despite the fact that this president has attempted to divide us and to drive up fear and has caused pain in our community, our community will continue to thrive,” Sen. Jason Esteves (D-Atlanta) said. “And despite the fact that Republican leaders continue to refuse to expand Medicaid, to make housing more affordable, and to help small business owners across this state, our community will continue to thrive.

“But the only way we do that, the only way we do that is by working together,” he added.

Is there a doctor in the House? Yes, there are, and quite a few in the Senate as well.

“We’re here today relating to Physicians Day here at the Capitol,” Sen. Ben Watson (R-Savannah) said. “We have over 250 physicians today, and if you listened at all to the proclamation is that we have 27,000 physicians in the state of Georgia. So, we have almost 1% of all the physicians here at this Capitol today.”

The Georgia Hospital Association was also at the Capitol, representing 26 different hospitals.

Also in the Senate, there was some blowback about the tariffs battles between the United States and China.

Small business owners around the Savannah area told one senator about the disruptions caused when they could no longer get materials from China.

“Last night, they received notification that there would be a suspension of all inbound parcels from China and Hong Kong,” Sen. Derek Mallow (D-Savannah) said. “There was no advance notification that their products would be delayed. They have taken orders. I have a bridal business that basically had to email clients this morning that she was going to have to delay their wedding dresses because she will not receive the materials in time to complete the job.

“Now, this may not seem like a small a big issue to y'all, but this is about small business. And you can't plan and run a business when you don't know what is about to happen next,” he added.

It was another day without any bills making it to the Senate floor.

In the House, members okayed a slew of bills on the local calendar. The bills, which applied specifically to certain counties, range from homestead tax exemptions to rules for running for some local offices.

Outside the Capitol, anti-Trump protests took place. Demonstrators said they were gathered to protest Trump's policies and his Cabinet appointees.

“I've never done it before,” a protestor said. “I'm just fired up about the things that Trump is doing to our country. It's just so unfair. Not giving aid to the — to the immigrants that are here. It's just disgusting.”

Later in the day, Senate Democrats announced a new measure, Senate Resolution 84, to create a ballot referendum allowing voters to decide on abortion access.

“One of the most common questions I hear from constituents is why can't we vote to protect abortion rights like other states have?” Sen. Sally Harrell (D-Atlanta) said. “And the answer is simple but frustrating: Georgia's constitution doesn't allow for direct ballot initiatives. But that doesn't mean Georgia voters don't deserve a say.

“Poll after poll shows the majority of Georgians oppose the state's extreme six-week abortion ban,” she continued. “Yet because of gerrymandered safe districts, too many elected officials, like our colleagues on the other side of the aisle, they can ignore the will of the people without any consequence. That's why we are fighting for SR 84, a constitutional amendment that would protect abortion access up to fetal viability as determined by doctors in each individual case.”

On Thursday, the Senate is slated to vote on a bill to ban transgender girls from girls’ sports.

Watch Lawmakers tonight to see Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R), Sen. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth), and Sen. Sally Harrell (D-Atlanta) discuss the latest on the legislative session.

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