Patricia "Patti" Hewitt

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

Hate crimes in Georgia are the highest they’ve been in 30 years, according to FBI data. Patti recognizes the urgent need to provide crucial resources to law enforcement agencies and federal entities dedicated to combating hate crimes. These programs would educate law enforcement officers on recognizing and responding to hate crimes, fostering cultural competence, and promoting community engagement. This involves collaborating with law enforcement agencies, local communities, and advocacy groups to establish clear reporting mechanisms to analyze hate crime data. By understanding the patterns and trends, federal policy can be passed to address the root causes and better protect Georgia’s most vulnerable communities. Learn more

Patti compassionately advocates for investing in community-based programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that can address the root causes of crime and reduce the cycle of incarceration. She believes in restorative justice, including policies that prioritize diversion programs, interventions, and educational opportunities for individuals involved in the criminal justice system which will ensure a pathway to reintegration and productive citizenship. Learn more

Economy

Patti is committed to revitalizing the American Dream. She supports reviewing and updating outdated regulations, simplifying licensing procedures, and creating legislation that eases compliance requirements for small businesses while maintaining necessary consumer protections. By championing these policies, Patti will empower small businesses, providing families with the tools and opportunities needed to pursue their version of the American Dream. Learn more

Closing the pay gap reflects a commitment to building a society where merit and skill determine financial success. Patti will champion initiatives that advance pay equity, support stronger equal pay laws, and close loopholes that enable wage discrimination. Addressing the pay gap is not just a matter of economic fairness but it’s also an important step towards ending systemic gender inequalities. This effort promotes equal opportunities for professional growth and financial security, creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Learn more

Education

The average federal student loan debt per person in Georgia has grown to more than 40,000. Access to higher education should be a fundamental right, not a privilege. Patti stands behind federal policies aimed at reducing tuition costs, increasing funding for need-based scholarships, and expanding federal grants to ensure that all students can pursue their educational goals without financial hardship. Learn more

No child should be denied the opportunity to thrive because of the family they were born into. Patti supports increased funding for Pre-K programs and initiatives. She is dedicated to providing resources that prepare our next generation for a lifetime of achievement. Learn more

Patti is committed to enacting measures to address the student debt crisis, advocating for reasonable interest rates, expanding income-driven repayment plans, and exploring targeted debt relief options. Together, we can build a future where every aspiring student has the chance to succeed without being stuck with excessive student loan debt. Learn more

Public schools are the bedrock of our communities. Patti stands against school voucher programs, which divert critical resources away from our public education system. She is dedicated to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to a well-rounded and high-quality education in a public school setting. She advocates for increased funding for public schools which will reduce class sizes and provide resources and better pay for teachers. Together, we can build a future where the promise of a quality education is true for every child in our communities. Learn more

Environment / Energy

Georgia’s southern coastline spans 100 miles, and its salt marshes are among the most extensive in the United States. They serve as essential nurseries for fish and habitats for bird species. Patti supports funding for the restoration and conservation of coastal ecosystems and communities from the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, storm surges, and extreme weather events. Learn more

By promoting sustainable energy practices, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and protect the environment for future generations. Patti advocates for robust investments in clean energy infrastructure, supporting initiatives that harness the power of wind, solar, and other renewable sources. Together, let’s ensure a healthier and more sustainable world for us all. Learn more

By investing in green infrastructure and clean transportation, we can simultaneously address environmental challenges and create jobs, while also building resilient, healthier communities. Patti advocates for federal funding for the expansion of clean and efficient public transportation, the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and initiatives that enhance the overall sustainability of our communities. Learn more

Patti will foster collaboration between federal, state, and local entities to address pollution at its source. Patti supports clean energy initiatives and sustainable waste management practices. Patti believes in prioritizing environmental stewardship and enacting meaningful change that combats pollution and preserves our planet. Learn more

Government Reform

Every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should have the right to live authentically, free from discrimination and prejudice. Every person deserves equal rights, dignity, and protection under the law. Patti will advance policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, education, healthcare, and public services. Patti wants a future that celebrates diversity and embraces the principles of equality and justice for all. Learn more

For there to be fair representation, there must be fair districting. Patti opposes all gerrymandering efforts and believes non-partisan commissions should be a part of the redrawing of districts to ensure those who are elected represent the diverse communities they serve. Learn more

Patti advocates for expanding access to voting by ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in our democratic process. She supports legal access to early voting options and accessible polling locations. Learn more

A necessary step toward a more transparent and accountable political system, Patti believes by endorsing measures that limit corporate influence and increase transparency, we can foster a political system where elected officials are accountable to the people they serve rather than lobbyists and corporate interests. This will promote a government that represents the will of the people. Learn more

Healthcare

Patti will focus on strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to directly benefit our all the people that need it. She will advocate for reducing drug costs and strengthening the ability of our government to reign in healthcare costs to benefit all people. Learn more

Pregnant women in Georgia, especially women of color, are at higher risk of death than in almost anywhere else in our country. Georgia’s Department of Public Health says that 89% of maternal mortality could have been prevented and may have been influenced by systemic challenges, such as poor health care quality and social challenges. Patti will work to address the systemic healthcare and healthcare insurance issues in Georgia that contribute to these alarming rates. Learn more

Immigration

Patti advocates for reform that establishes a fair and practical pathway to citizenship, recognizing the valuable contributions immigrants make to our state and country. She is a strong supporter of protecting DACA recipients and believes in a clear path to citizenship for these individuals who have grown up in the United States and contribute significantly to our communities. Learn more

Patti believes there should be a streamlined legal process for asylum seekers and refugees that is efficient and humane. We can create a system that provides a fair and compassionate response to those escaping persecution and violence. Together, we can shape an immigration system that aligns with our values and contributes to a more vibrant country that values fairness, justice, and empathy for all. Learn more

Social Services

Over their lifetime, 1 in 5 of women and 1 in 7 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner. We also know there is a strong tie between domestic violence and gun violence. Her approach includes supporting legislation that strengthens legal protections for domestic violence survivors, ensures swift and just prosecution of perpetrators, and provides adequate resources for survivor support services. This work addresses gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking by providing resources for survivor support programs, increasing funding for law enforcement training on handling violence cases, and strengthening legal measures against perpetrators. Learn more

Wages / Job Benefits

Patti will advocate for federal legislation providing paid family leave to support hard working mothers and fathers in Georgia. She will push for bills that establish a national paid family leave program, allowing individuals to take time off to care for a newborn, ailing family member, or for personal health reasons without financial penalty. Learn more

Recognizing the valuable role that unions play in ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security, Patti is committed to collective bargaining. By fostering a partnership between labor and government, we can build an economy that works for everyone, where workers are respected, compensated fairly, and empowered to shape their working conditions. Patti advocates for legislation that upholds workers’ rights to unionize without interference, supports the expansion of collective bargaining rights, and ensures that workers have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their livelihoods. Learn more