Georgia’s Legislative Updates and GHSA Capitol Visits
SUSIE WILCHER DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL
THURSDAY, February 2, 2023
10:00 AM – 12:00PM
Georgia Head Start Day at The State Capitol
Susie D. Wilcher
GHSA annual day at Georgia’s Gold Dome was held on Thursday, February 2, 2023.
This was an exciting day as GHSA had not been to the State Capitol building since the
COVID19 Pandemic. During the event, GHSA representatives greeted State Legislators and
provided them with information showing the impact of Head Start and Early Head Start
in Georgia. State Rep. Mack Jackson hosted the event and held a press conference in
honor of Susie D. Wilcher. Rep. Jackson also prepared and read a Proclamation
recognizing Susie’s contributions to Head Start and Georgia Pre-K. Susie Wilcher
served as GHSA’s past Issues, Advocacy, and Legislative committee and Personnel
committee chairpersons. She also served as one of GHSA’s past Presidents. Susie Wilcher passed away in August 2022. She had been the Executive Director for the Washington County Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. for 40 years.
NHSA Winter Leadership Institute
Georgia sent 24 representatives to the Annual Winter Leadership Institute held January 23-26, 2023 in Crystal City, VA. Capitol Hill Day was held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Georgia representatives traveled to the Nation’s Capitol to meet with four Legislative staff members and two elected officials. The in-person scheduled visits included meetings with the following Legislative offices.
Rep. Lucy McBath (staffer) Matthew Golden
Rep. Hank Johnson (staffer) Antwoin Monach
Sen. Jon Ossoff (staffer) Samantha Lucas
Sen. Raphael Warnock & staff (Joe Herbach, Jamal Halley)
Rep. Sanford Bishop
GHSA was honored to present Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock with the NHSA Pledge award. The Pledge Award honors members of Congress who have shown a steadfast commitment to fulfilling the Head Start pledge and to servicing our nation’s most vulnerable children and their families-not only in their districts or states but across the nation. Pictured below is Senator Warnock with GHSA President Donnis Pace and GHSA Executive Officer Juanita Yancey. Both ladies presented the Pledge Award to Senator Warnock on behalf of NHSA.
Below: Georgia Head Start Representatives visit Rep. Hank Johnson’s office and meets with Legislative staffer, Antoin Monach.
Below: Georgia Head Start representatives meet in Rep. Lucy McBath’s office and spends time talking with Sabrina.
