AWER Co-President Elect Christopher Hempfling introduced Mr. Roger Bruce, former AWER member, former Elected State Representative from South Fulton and now a candidate running for election to the Georgia Senate District 35. Roger began with comments on the U.S. Government Shutdown and its effect on Georgia residents and state operations. With approximately 20,000 federal and contract employees at Dobbins Air Force Base and Robins Air Force Base not receiving pay, the economic ripple effects extended throughout communities. The shutdown particularly threatened SNAP (aka food stamps) benefits for 1.4 million Georgians, which would also impact WIC (women infants and children) and free and reduced-price school meals. Another example: the state of Georgia has a $67 billion budget, and almost half of it coming from federal sources which would effect significant portions allocated to education and healthcare. Roger further emphasized that even when the shutdown ends, restarting these systems would take considerable time - estimated at 3-5 days, as many workers who administer these programs had either left their positions or inexperienced employees would have to be trained. All workers who are required to work without pay we gain all back pay due to them. Nevertheless, not being paid and required to work could affect getting parttime paying jobs.

As a state representative, Roger Bruce shared several examples of successful legislation he championed that directly addressed constituent needs. The Parent Protection Act emerged from an elementary school student's concern that his parents could be fired for attending school events, resulting in legislation protecting parents' jobs when they participate in their children's education. He also passed contractor licensing requirements after encountering a homeowner whose kitchen was destroyed by an unlicensed contractor who demanded additional payment. Another significant bill prevented websites from charging fees to remove mugshots of people who were exonerated of charges. Bruce emphasized that most legislation originates from constituents sharing their problems with representatives who then work to create solutions. He also noted the equally important responsibility of defeating bad bills, citing an example of a legislator who tried to mandate that all Georgia restaurants serving tea must offer sweet tea! He said this person was not re-elected for a 2nd term. New legislation: Roger said if elected he would try again on the bill allowing people to vote at any precinct on Election Day like they can during early voting? But he expects opposition despite the technology exists as proven in early voting because some people in authority want to make it more difficult for people to vote rather getting more people to participate in the political process of voting. He emphasized the importance of checking voter registration status on the My Voter Page to ensure active voter status.

On the question of online voting, Roger is opposed at this point because it's too easy to manipulate computers. It's too easy to change things. Someone could program it so that when you push A for one candidate, it registers as C for another. The potential for rigging is too great.

Representative Bruce shared his personal testimony about surviving a life-threatening medical crisis that occurred shortly after his election. While giving a speech about a new school in his district, he felt something pop in his head. He had suffered an arteriovenous malformation - a burst blood vessel in his brain. He spent three weeks in a coma, and when he emerged, his first words were about getting to school, indicating his dedication to education even during the medical crisis. Bruce noted that less than 1% of the population experiences this condition, most who have it die, and those who survive are often severely impaired. He views his survival and recovery as a miracle and believes he was spared for a reason, which motivates his continued public service. This experience shaped his perspective on the importance of the work he does and his commitment to serving constituents.

In response to the question of what state government does Roger said the has only one constitutional requirement: passing the budget. After that, he said we could go home, but we don't. Most legislation comes from constituents who know someone in the legislature and ask for help with a problem. The job is not just passing bills but also defeating bad bills. The legislative session runs on a two-year cycle - the first year passes many bills, and the second year tries to fix them.

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Jared Evans and Neil Shorthouse

Keyway Speaker Reporters