The Chattooga County Democratic Party released a statement late last week regarding Governor Deal’s proposed insurance cuts to part-time school employees.

According to a statement released by the Chattooga County Democratic Party Executive Committee: 

 "The Chattooga County Democratic Party backs having a strong middle class, but believe that Governor Deals agenda will hurt the middle class more than benefit it. The latest example of this is the Governor’s insurance cut proposal." The party pointed out in it’s release that part-time legislators in the Georgia House and Senate who have full insurance benefits, will be the deciding factor for cutting out insurance for bus drivers and cafeteria workers, also part-time.

The party further argued that insurance cuts should be made within the state government before those cuts are made to 11,000 statewide employees who care for Georgia’s children. "These employees are already making barely over minimum wage, and due to current political circumstances in our state government, are not eligible for Medicaid or for decent rates in the Health Care Exchange. In Chattooga County, over thirty part-time workers will be left without insurance benefits if Governor Deal’s proposal is passed. The local school board and school superintendent will be faced with a situation that could impact the safety of our children if these workers are forced to find other jobs because of Governor Deal’s proposals. Many of these workers are above fifty and are working simply to have insurance until they reach retirement age."

The party concluded their release with a plea urging State Representative Eddie Lumsden and State Senators Jeff Mullis and Chuck Hufstettler to oppose the Governor’s proposal in the General Assembly. 

Governor Deal’s proposal is currently an “ongoing point of discussion” in the state legislative and executive offices. The Chattooga County Democratic Party Executive Committee is composed of Jimmy Holbrook, Chair; Clemmie Black, First Vice-Chair; Barbara Massey Reece, Second Vice-Chair; Kristy Dennis, Secretary; Zach Hughes, Treasurer; and Pam Albert, Parliamentarian.