'Lawmakers' Day 8: Kemp’s tort reform package, chambers honor Lunar New Year

Lawmakers met today for Day 8, and Lunar New Year festivities and were the main attraction.

It was a raucous day at the Capitol as people gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year. A traditional lion dance considered good luck kicked off the year of the snake.

The House was a little quieter since no bills have made it to the floor yet.

Speaker of the House Jon Burns was absent today. He traveled to Washington, D.C., to watch President Donald Trump sign the Laken Riley Act, a federal immigration crackdown bill named after a Georgia nursing student killed by a Venezuelan man without legal status. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and several other Georgia lawmakers also went to the signing.

President Pro Tempore Jan Jones presided over the chamber as members recognized significant Asian Americans in Georgia in honor of Lunar New Year, including Mary D'Souza Sequeira, who was one of the first women to compete for India in the 1952 Olympics.

“Mary competed in the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki in both the 100-meter and 200-meter races,” Rep. Michelle Au (D-Johns Creek) said. “In 1954, Mary competed in the four by 100-meter relay of the 1954 Asian Games and became one of the first Indian women to win a gold medal, along with her relay teammates.”

President and CEO of the Center for Asian Pacific American Women, Sue Ann Hong, spoke to the chamber.

“I myself, this year is my 50th anniversary being in the United States,” she said. “I flew to this country by myself at the age of 8 and I was adopted by my aunt, and she knew that I would have a better life and the American dream.”

In a virtual press conference Wednesday afternoon, House and Senate Democrats discussed how they are preparing to rebut Gov. Brian Kemp's proposed tort reform package.

“This is a big business and corporate relief first, Georgians last agenda,” Atlanta Rep. Tanya Miller said. “Tort reform means keeping Georgians from seeking justice in court against insurance giants. When those corporations harm consumers, that's what it is. The governor says that limiting your right as a consumer will lower your insurance costs. But that is not only a bad idea for everyday citizens, it's just not correct.”

Kemp has said passing meaningful lawsuit reform is his top legislative priority this year.

In other action, the Senate acknowledged Multiple Sclerosis Week at the Capitol, helped by two special guests: Sen. Matt Brass's mother, Linda Brass, who was involved with the cause, and Tiffany Vincent.

“She was diagnosed with this disease in May of 2006,” Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) said of Tiffany Vincent. “She's embraced her journey with resilience and a bold determination to help inspire others as you will see here soon. Growing up, Tiffany found inspiration in her grandmother, Ms. Freddie Mae Stokes, whom was the first person Tiffany ever saw in a wheelchair. Her grandmother's strength and actions planted seeds for Tiffany's mission to challenge societal norms and narratives about what it means to live with physical challenges.”

Vincent, who suffers from the disease, was there to promote the work done by the National MS Society, as well as a House Bill 100, that she says is vital to many of those that suffer from the debilitating disease.

“One change that's needed is the HB 100 bill," Vincent said. "What is that, you say? That is the pharmaceutical bill to keep the pharmacy prescriptions down at the cost. There are people who are living with this journey and they're doing this battle, and one aspect is the financial aspect of medication.

"I myself rely on medication. Diagnosed 19 years. I do believe in God, and I believe in restoring all in health, but in and having that belief, I also have to have medication that'll go along with that. And I believe that doctors, lawyers, senators and legislatures can help do that. So, you making and passing that bill will help those who are living with this diagnosis so they're able to live a life with intention."

Otherwise, it was another short day as the second week of the session nears its end, waiting for the chambers to ramp up legislation.

Kemp is expected to unveil his much-anticipated tort reform legislation and lawmakers will convene Thursday for Day 9.

Watch Lawmakers tonight to see Sen. Clint Dixon (R-Gwinnett), Sen. Kim Jackson (D-Stone Mountain), Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), and Sen. Elena Parent (D-Atlanta) discuss the latest on the legislative session.