Atlanta, GA , March 25, 2019 — Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta, Georgia Shift, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, in partnership with State Representative Bee Nguyen, will host a press conference on Tuesday, March 26, to introduce legislation that would expand access to driver's licenses for Georgia residents to strengthen families, improve public safety, and stimulate the economy.

For the first time in Georgia, legislation is being introduced to expand access to driver’s licenses to residents who are currently ineligible or who struggle to gather the currently necessary documents. Vulnerable populations in Georgia, including survivors of violence, transgender individuals, people impacted by homelessness, formerly incarcerated people, senior citizens, and immigrants of varied statuses face cumbersome barriers to obtaining a Georgia driver’s license. Access to affordable, consistent transportation will enable all Georgians to secure a livelihood and participate more fully and meaningfully in their families, communities, and our state’s economy.

Since the 1990’s, there a growing number of states have expanded access to driver’s licenses. In a state where a lack of public transit affects everyone’s livelihoods, Georgia should expand access to driver’s licenses to all residents of this state, including those who are not eligible or unable to obtain a form of identification recognized by the federal government for things like air travel. Providing licenses for all Georgia drivers will improve public safety, increase accountability, strengthen families, and stimulate the economy. All Georgians are safer when everyone on the road is licensed, insured, and confident while driving. This year, other states such as Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Florida have introduced similar measures.

Members of impacted communities and community-based organizations will join State Representative Bee Nguyen to introduce this legislation.

WHEN: March 26, 2019, 8:45 am.

WHERE: First Floor of the Capitol, outside of room 136
206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

SPEAKERS:

State Representative Bee Nguyen

Aisha Yaqoob, Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta

Isabel Otero, Southern Poverty Law Center

Hillary Li, Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta

Maria Palacios, Georgia Shift

Marissa Dodson, Southern Center for Human Rights

Brenna Lakeson, Central Presbyterian Church

Rigo Rivera, Georgia Undocumented Youth Alliance

Estrella Sanchez, impacted community member

Additional impacted community members

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta is the first and only legal advocacy nonprofit dedicated to the civil rights of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in Georgia and the Southeast. We work in four major program areas: public policy; legal education and support; civic engagement; and defense of rights FOR Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other underserved communities. You can read more about us at www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org

The Southern Poverty Law Center is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideas of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality. You can read more about us at www.splcenter.org.

Georgia Shift gives marginalized young people a seat at the table of democracy through electoral action, hands-on advocacy and education, and civic media programs. We envision a Georgia where marginalized young people of color are the fundamental driver of political impact and public policy at every level of government in an unbridled democracy. Georgia Shift is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with an affiliated 501(c)4 organization, GS Action.