GUEST EDITORIAL: I Refuse to Limit the Service I Provide My Employers

By State Representative Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain)

(632 words)

On January 13, 2025, I took an oath of office, swearing to uphold the Georgia Constitution and the Constitution of the United States. It was a profound moment, with my hand resting on the Bible held by my mother. But almost immediately, I was presented with a rule that directly conflicted with the promise I had just made to serve my constituents without compromise.

This rule, presented to every legislator in the Chamber, limits the number of bills we can introduce annually to 10. Leadership in the Minority Caucus highlighted numerous problems with this rule, thus displaying objections. Historically, we have registered our dissent by voting against such restrictive measures. However, this year, we were denied even that right-there was no vote on the rules. Instead, we were told we had to find "another way" to show our objections (view the video).

Faced with this restriction and the inability to formally oppose it, I chose action. On January 13, I introduced 22 bills to the Clerk of the House. I could not-and would not-choose which issues to prioritize at the expense of others. The people who sent me to the Georgia General Assembly deserve better.

How could I tell elderly constituents that their concerns didn't make the cut? How could I look grieving families in the eyes and say maternal health and the fight against maternal mortality were not one of my "10?" How could I deny the hundreds of thousands of Georgians demanding updates to the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula the representation they deserve? Should I have told homeowners facing unfair practices by HOAs, POAs and Condo Associations that their voices would have to wait? Or the countless individuals impacted by water issues and exorbitant water and utility bills that their needs didn't qualify as "top 10" concerns?

These are not hypothetical questions. These are real people with real issues, and I am here to represent all of them. That's why I introduced 22 bills on the very day I was sworn in, addressing these critical concerns. And that same day, I picked up an additional 10 bills from Legislative Counsel. Every one of those bills represents the voices of Georgians who deserve answers, solutions and action-not arbitrary limits.

That day also carried a personal significance. It was Founders Day for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a historic milestone marking 112 years of sisterhood, scholarship and service. I introduced two resolutions and a bill honoring my sorority, a fellow Soror's 50th anniversary, a bill on the sorority's license plate and celebrating this momentous occasion. Should I have chosen to ignore this important milestone for the sake of arbitrary rules? I don't believe so.

Unfortunately, I later learned that the bills I gave to the Clerk of the House were given to other legislators without my knowledge or permission. This decision ignored the voices of my sorority members and others affected by the issues my bills address. This failure has made victims of those who entrusted me with their concerns.

As taxpayers and voters, you are the true employers of elected officials. You hire us with your votes, pay us with your tax dollars and hold us accountable. I am your employee, and I refuse to limit the service I provide to you. In Georgia-the number one state for business-our first priority must be serving our most important stakeholders: the people.

To every Georgian I represent: I will not let you become victims of restrictive and unconstitutional rules. I will continue to fight for your voices to be heard and your needs to be met-no matter how many bills it takes.

Rep. Davis' previously released legislative vision and post 2023-2024 legislative session summary may be found here.

Editor's note: Attached are photos of Rep. Davis holding the legislation she has filed, along with two documents outlining the official House Rules.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

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