Politics & Government

Midtown Lawmaker Supports State Involvement in APS Troubles

Rep. Kathy Ashe calls bill a "safety net."

One of the most controversial laws passed by the recent Georgia General Assembly was opposed by nearly every Democratic Party lawmaker in metro Atlanta, except for one.

State Rep. Kathy Ashe, D-Atlanta, broke ranks with her Democratic colleagues in support of Senate Bill 79, which would give Gov. Nathan Deal the authority to remove every member of the Atlanta school board.

“I’m just convinced we need a safety net, to be able to say to parents and the community that, just in case these adults don’t get the job done, there’s another way we might be able to maintain accreditation,” the Ansley Park resident said. “But I hope it never gets to that point.”

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Ashe also said she hasn’t sensed any animosity among her fellow Democrats because of her vote.

“We all do what we need to do,” she said. “In politics, no breach is permanent, because the very next day you need each other on issues. So you move on and maintain friendships.”

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Both Ashe and fellow state Rep. Pat Gardner, D-Atlanta, were pleased that the Republican-backed tax code overhaul did not make it out of committee. “That proposal’s demise was ensured when were pointed out that 82 percent of Georgia families would pay more taxes,” Gardner said.

“Their income tax cut would have been minimal and less than the new sales taxes they would pay. Also, the package would have increased the state's budget deficit by at least another $130 million, with no positive effect on job creation. Its failure is good news.”


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