We’ve depended on you; Georgia Baptist Pastors, Associational Missionaries, and other Georgia Baptists interested in Public Affairs and what is going on at the Georgia Capital. With your help and Georgia Baptists contacting state Senators, you stopped SB 79, the “Destination Act” that would authorize two casinos in Georgia.
This evening (March 2), it was discovered that the House Regulated Industries Committee will meet today at noon to vote on HB 158, the companion bill to the one stopped in the Senate. If the Committee approves HB 158, the full House will vote on the bill the same day. This means it is a last minute, desperate attempt by the gambling lobby to push through the legislation.
Like in the Senate, HB 158 isn’t called a casino or gambling bill but uses the term “destination resorts” to confuse voters. The word “casino” may not be there, but it will be impossible to hide the long term moral, social, and economic impact that will follow. Representative Wes Cantrell has a very good update on the subject: Would “Destination Resorts” in Georgia Boost our Economy? Don’t Bet on It!
Casinos will hurt Georgia families, local businesses and the state. (See Gambling Facts)
Below are the names of the State Representatives on the House Regulated Industry Committee. Please call these legislators and ask them to OPPOSE HB 158. In addition to calling, if you click their name, you will be taken to their legislative page with additional information including email, Facebook link, and more.
House Regulated Industries Committee Members
Howard Maxwell, Chairman (R – Dallas) 404.656.5143
Brett Harrell, Vice Chairman (R – Snellville) 404.463.3793
Lee Hawkins, Secretary (R – Gainesville) 404.656.0213
Karen Bennett (D – Stone Mountain) 404.656.0202
Beth Beskin (R – Atlanta) 404.656.0254
Sharon Cooper (R – Marietta) 404.656.5069
John Deffenbaugh (R – Lookout Mountain) 404.656.0202
Rich Golick (R – Smyrna) 404.656.5943
Jan Jones (R – Milton) 404.656.5072
Tom Kirby (R – Loganville) 404.656.0177
Chuck Martin (R – Alpharetta) 404.656.5064
Billy Mitchell (D – Stone Mountain) 404.656.0126
Alan Powell (R – Hartwell) 404.463.3793
Paulette Rakestraw (R – Powder Springs) 404.656.0177
Terry Rogers (R – Clarkesville) 404.651.7737
Dale Rutledge (R – McDonough) 404.656.0254
Mickey Stephens (D – Savannah) 404.656.0265
Andrew Welch (R – McDonough) 404.656.5912
Rick Williams (R – Milledgeville) 404.656.0287
Additionally, contact your State Representative to OPPOSE HB 158 if it passes committee and comes up for a vote in the House tomorrow. Click HERE to find and contact your representative.