Facts
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In 2023, about 1.3 million Georgia households, or 32%, spent over 30% of their income on housing, which classifies them as cost-burdened - USAFacts.
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Georgia currently has only 39 affordable and available rental homes for every 100 extremely low‑income households, meaning a gap of 210,000 affordable homes.
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"Affordable" is defined as at or below 30% of the area median income - National Low Income Housing Coalition.
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Between 2018 and 2023, Metro Atlanta lost more than 230,000 affordable housing units - Axios.
Housing Affordability
Being able to afford a home is more than the American Dream; it is a necessity for life. Georgia faces a multifaceted housing affordability crisis ranging from widespread cost burden and scarcity of affordable rentals to alarming losses in affordable units. There are practical steps that the state legislature can take to address the challenges of this crisis. Some innovative and market-driven solutions might include:
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Allowing and encouraging Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), such as garage apartments and backyard cottages, in single-family neighborhoods, and offering tax abatements for homeowners who rent them at below-market rates.
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Streamlining approvals for high-quality factory-built housing to reduce construction costs and speed up projects.
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Identifying unused or underused government-owned parcels that could be leased or sold cheaply to nonprofit developers.
Reign in the Public Service Commision
Georgia families are paying some of the highest electricity bills in the country, not because of market forces, but because of a system rigged against consumers.
For years, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has quietly approved rate hikes and guaranteed record profits for Georgia Power, currently around 11.9% return on equity, one of the highest margins in the nation. These decisions often happen through backroom settlements between utility lawyers and PSC staff, with little transparency and no advocate in the room speaking for you.
It wasn’t always like this. Until 2008, Georgia had an independent consumer utility watchdog a dedicated office tasked with representing the interests of residential and small business customers in utility cases. Since its elimination, there’s been no one at the table pushing back when powerful utilities demand more from working Georgians.
Today, over 600,000 households in Georgia are energy-burdened, paying more than 6% of their income on power bills. And the disconnection rates are rising.
We need to bring back the consumer watchdog, strengthen ethics rules for PSC members, and demand real transparency in how utility rates are set. Energy is a basic need, not a guaranteed profit engine for monopoly utilities.
As your representative, I’ll fight to restore balance, end the rubber-stamping of unjustified rate hikes, and make Georgia’s energy system work for the people again.
Economic Stability & Affordability: Putting Georgia Families First
Too many Georgia families are doing everything right, working full-time, raising children, caring for seniors, yet still struggling to make ends meet. Rising housing costs, healthcare expenses, childcare, and stagnant wages have pushed affordability out of reach for working families, seniors, and veterans alike.
Economic stability isn’t about handouts, it’s about fair opportunity, smart policy, and a state government that works for the people.
Workforce Housing & Affordability
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Incentivize the development of workforce housing for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and young families.
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Partner with local governments and nonprofits to expand affordable rental and homeownership opportunities.
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Prioritize infrastructure investments that support housing growth without raising local taxes.
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Impact: Stronger communities, shorter commutes, and a more stable workforce.
Fair Wages & Job Security
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Support wage growth that reflects the true cost of living.
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Expand apprenticeship and workforce training programs in logistics, construction, healthcare, and IT.
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Ensure veterans and military spouses receive credit for existing skills and experience. Impact: Higher earnings, better job opportunities, and economic mobility.
Supporting Small Businesses & Local Economies
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Cut red tape and reduce startup and licensing fees for small businesses. Expand access to microgrants, technical assistance, and mentorship programs.
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Increase opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses to compete for state contracts.
Impact: Job creation, local investment, and stronger hometown economies.
Protecting Seniors & Fixed-Income Households
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Cap property tax increases for seniors on fixed incomes.
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Expand home-care and caregiver support programs.
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Address predatory medical debt and unfair billing practices. Impact: Financial dignity and stability for Georgia’s seniors.
The Bottom Line
When families can afford housing, healthcare, and basic necessities, communities thrive, and businesses grow. Economic stability requires leadership willing to work across party lines to deliver real results for Georgia families.