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Tonya P Anderson
DEMOCRAT
Tonya P Anderson is running for Georgia State Senator, District 43.
Personal background
Tonya graduated with a bachelor's in Business Administration and Management from Alabama State University, a Master of Divinity from Luther Rice College & Seminary, a Certificate of Leadership Development, Military and Strategic Leadership from Central Texas College, and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University. She was previously the pastor at Southeast Christian Church and has experience teaching at Stronghold Christian Church, Salem Bible Church, Israel Baptist Church, and St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church. Tonya has additionally volunteered with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the National Council of Negro Women, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. In 2016, she received recognition from the president of the National Disabled American Veterans organization for her advocacy for the veteran community. Tonya lives with her spouse in Lithonia, Georgia.
Professional background
Tonya has been a Certified Life Coach since 2014. She has also served as a Chaplain Assistant and a Logistics Specialist for the U.S. Air Force Reserve in Montgomery, Alabama.
Political background
Tonya P Anderson is the State Senator representing District 43. She was elected to this position in 2016 and has served four consecutive terms. She currently serves on the Senate Economic Devlopment & Tourism, Regulated Industries and Utilities, Reapportionment & Redistricting, Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee (MARTOC), Veterans, Military & Homeland Security Committees and Banking & Financial Institutions. She was additionally recently elected by her peers to serve as the Presdient for the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL Women). Tonya also has previous experience as a State House Representative (District 92) from 2012-2015, Mayor of Lithonia, Georgia from 2008-2011, and City Councilwoman of Lithonia from 2006-2008.
Economy
As State Senator of Georgia's 43rd District, sponsored the "Freedom to Work Act," which was passed on April 4, 2024 and will facilitate the interstate practice of regulated social workers and increase public access to social work services.
As State Senator, sponsored GA SB25, which is in committee and, if passed, would increase Georgia minimum wage, implement annual reviews and adjustments to minimum wage to reflect the rising cost of living, and eliminate various eligibility exemptions from complying with minimum wage.
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Energy & the Environment
As State Senator, sponsored the "Georgia Farmland Conservation Act," which became effective on July 1, 2023 and provides funding for the conservation of farmland with the goal of benefitting Georgia's agricultural economy, ecological health, and food production.
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Healthcare
As State Senator, sponsored GA SB25, which is in committee and, if passed, would increase federal funding for for the expansion of Medicaid and its medical coverage program in Georgia.
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Voting & Elections
As State Senator, sponsored GA SB179, which is in committee and, if passed, would introduce voting restrictions for individuals who have been legally deemed judicially incompetent or unable to manage their own affairs. The bill would aditionally incite review of voter databases for deceased persons and convicted felons.
As State Senator, sponsored GA SB87, which is in committee and, if passed, would add new procedures for redistricting General Assembly and congressional districts in Georgia that involve more public input through hearings and online publication of redistricting plans.
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Public Safety
Said, "My most recent legislation positively impacts the entire state's criminal justice system by allowing some formerly incarcerated individuals to have a second chance to rebuild their lives and communities."
As State Senator, sponsored GA SB288, which went into effect January 1, 2021 and allows for the restriction and sealing of criminal records of most misdemeanor and some felony convictions, meaning that, in some cases, criminal records can be hidden from public view and kept out of public backgound checks.
As State Senator, sponsored GA SB139, which is in committee and, if passed, would establish a statewide database of peace officer disciplinary actions and complaints of misconduct.
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Education
As State Senator, sponsored the "Students and Teachers SPEAK Act," which was crossed over to the Georgia House of Representatives and, if passed, would provide an advisory board of students and teachers to the State Board of Education and local education boards.
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