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38 maconmagazine.com | April/May 2025 that would positively and directly impact our citizens." For Central Georgia, the issues for 2025-26 emphasized improved transportation, economic growth at the local level, and access to healthcare. Medicaid is funded by both state and federal governments. Said Jones, "With ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), the Georgia legislature moved forward with their own plans that include Medicaid waivers and state-run insurance programs. The processes may be challenging, but Georgia is being proactive, ensuring that vulnerable populations continue to receive health coverage." Infrastructure was another key issue to address. Jones believes the Biden administration's infrastructure bill promised significant funding for improvements, but delays in disbursing the money has created obstacles. To get around those, Georgia lawmakers turned to alternative funding solutions, such as state bonds and partnerships with private entities to keep transportation projects on track. "While national politics may influence the conversation to a point, Georgia's priorities have remained rooted in decisions that best serve our people," she said. "These examples of ingenuity highlight how Georgia must be resourceful and independent in addressing the challenges we face when federal support has been unreliable." Here's the deal, she says: "We count on agencies like the EPA, Health and Human Services, and rural development (USDA) to maintain clean air and water and to ensure access to healthcare and support to local farmers. If these services are reduced or eliminated, many people, especially in rural areas, will feel the effects." "However," Jones said with her signature confidence. "We don't always need to rely on the federal government to solve state problems." To this end, she cites solutions that include exploring lucrative partnerships with businesses and private organizations to fund improvements and programs. "We can invest in programs that mirror federal initiatives, such as environment protection and healthcare services. Additionally, Georgia can expand local support programs for farmers and provide them with tools and training for sustainable agriculture." The cane mutiny For freshman house representatives like Jones, the Georgia General Assembly seemed to be carving out its own space. Challenging changes at the federal level, like the large-scale dismissal of federal employees, were swift and hotly debated on a daily basis. As all this ensued, Rep. Jones and her colleagues remained focused and determined to carry on state business. Her attention was directed towards two bills she believed would make a difference for the people in her district. HB 292 would create more job opportunities by providing tax incentives to businesses willing to hire new employees, pay them fairly, and retain those employees for at least a year. She believes over time, this would help staunch poverty throughout the state. Her other concentration by the halfway mark of the 2025 session was HB 480 to facilitate voting, particularly for absentee voters unable to travel to poll sites. By establishing a vetted, permanent voter list, individuals who usually voted by mail would not need to request a new ballot every election. She noted: "This would make the voting process more reliable and more accessible. Reducing barriers to obtain ballots would allow people to vote regardless of circumstances such as illness, age, care, mobility, care-giving duties, no transportation to polls, etc." Neither bill made it through what is known as "Crossover Day" – the deadline for a piece of legislation to pass through either the state House or the Senate and be presented to the other chamber. As a result, both are dead for this session. Despite the setbacks and the challenges posed by federalism issues that bring national politics to Georgia, Jones is undeterred: "As a state representative, I will continue to standup for my constituents, advocate for progressive policies and fight back against divisive, harmful rhetoric. It's time for leadership that brings people together." Representative Anissa Jones represents District 143 in Georgia, which includes Bibb and Houston Counties, Macon and Warner Robins. Macon Magazine attempted to contact multiple Georgia representatives from both parties for interview perspectives before publishing this story. Have a hot state policy issue or interesting candidate to recommend as a feature? We're looking to expand our coverage under the Gold Dome of all ideas that impact Central Georgia. Email hello@maconmagazine.com. ABOVE On Macon Day at the state capitol, Maiesha Clark, Andrea Cooke, Mayor Lester Miller, and Macon-Bibb Commissioner Paul Bronson pose with Jones. Photo courtesy of Paul Bronson.

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