James Jan-Feb 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 39
A 2023 FIRST-TERM
House Democrat Perspective
BY STATE REP. TANYA MILLER
W
hen I first walked into the State
Capitol in 2023 as a newly-elected
representative, I could not help
but reflect upon the grandeur and
history of the building itself. It was awe inspiring to
stand under the rotunda of the Capitol as a member
of the most diverse legislature in the history of the
state and look up inside its three-story Gold Dome,
which has illuminated governors, legislators and
others who have brokered power there since 1889.
My first session in the General Assembly taught
me about how power and politics play out inside
the People’s House. Over the course of the session,
I saw firsthand that nothing is done in isolation.
The work of legislating is a team effort that involves
not only elected officials but also countless constituents and staff who work tirelessly to advocate
for and address the needs of Georgians every day.
I relished the opportunity to meet people from all
over our great state, and despite the perceived deep
political divides, I enjoyed forming genuine friendships with colleagues who hold differing political
viewpoints. This ability to find common ground
is one of the significant hallmarks of the Georgia
House of Representatives.
I am grateful to my colleagues in the Georgia
House Democratic Caucus, Minority Leader James
Beverly, Caucus Chair Billy Mitchell and Black
Caucus Chair Carl Gilliard and many others for their
friendship and generosity as they helped guide me
and then, in turn, trusted me in turn to lead on important issues.
I am also especially grateful to have been selected by House Speaker Jon Burns to participate
in the Georgia Legislative Leaders Institute, which
strengthened my abilities to represent constituents
and establish working relationships with my peers
in the legislature across the political spectrum. It
was a transformational experience and a special
opportunity to learn so much about my colleagues
and the important work we are all called to do.
That work, simply put, is centered on advocating
for public policies that promote Georgians’ health,
safety and prosperity.
Whether the topic is health care, public safety, or
expanding economic opportunities for families and
small businesses, advocacy under the Gold Dome
consists of individual initiative, teamwork, compromise and reliance on strong working relationships.
JA NUA RY/ F E BRUA RY 2 0 2 4
39