Democrats in Ga. House rollout 2015 legislative agenda

ATLANTA - House Democrats Thursday introduced their 2015 Legislative Agenda, announcing 26 legislative initiatives.<br /> <br /> "We are proud to propose a comprehensive legislative package that addresses key issues affecting small businesses and working families in Georgia. From creating jobs and empowering taxpayers, to securing stronger schools and defending our civil rights, House Democrats remain committed to doing what is best for our state," said Minority Whip Carolyn Hugley.<br /> <br /> Key items include legislation previously introduced such as the Anti-Discrimination Act, which prevents student scholarship organizations from funding private schools that discriminate against students, and the Taxpayer Empowerment Agenda, which demands transparency and accountability on how the government spends money to outsource jobs.<br /> <br /> Newer legislative initiatives include bills that will increase access to voting, such as the Any Precinct Act, which will allow a voter to cast a ballot in any precinct in the county, and the Too Young to Suspend Act, which will prohibit schools from imposing suspension or expulsion on children in pre-K through 3rd grade.<br /> <br /> Moreover, Democrats continue to champion support for students pursuing higher education with the HOPE for All Act, which will amend the HOPE ACT bill to fully fund HOPE Grant for every recipient and not just Zell Miller HOPE Grant recipients.<br /> <br /> "As we head into a new legislative session, Democrats will continue to offer common-sense solutions to the issues facing Georgians every day. From helping foster children seeking higher education to supporting worker's privacy, we look forward to seeing these bills become new laws," said Minority Leader Stacey Abrams.<br /> <br /> In addition, House Democrats have scheduled three public hearings on the issues raised at Thursday's news conference:<br /> <br /> Monday, January 26