The Watcher  News from Georgia Watch

October 2023

Visit our website!

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Georgia Watch Celebrates 2023 Consumer Champions!

On October 12, we gathered for our annual Consumer Champion Awards Celebration! We recognized six exceptional individuals for their work to protect and empower consumers in Georgia: Rep. Josh Bonner, Commissioner John King, Commissioner Kathleen Toomey, Berneta Haynes, Justin Gray, and Margaret Coker! Click here to see photos from the celebration!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special evening! Your ongoing support and dedication to our mission help us continue to be the trusted and relentless advocate for all Georgia consumers.

2023 Consumer Protection Poll Results

A statewide poll commissioned by Georgia Watch and administered by the University of Georgia (UGA) shows that Georgians strongly support increased financial protections for consumers, increased hospital accountability, and equity considerations in the legislative process. Specifically, Georgians support the regulation of car title lenders, instituting a rate cap of 36% for small-dollar loans, wage garnishment protection, and increased hospital financial assistance spending. Overall, this poll among 1,152 respondents shows that Georgians strongly support Georgia Watch's current policy priorities, which aim to ensure all Georgians have the opportunity to prosper and build thriving communities.

View Poll Results

Georgia Financial Protection & Economic Opportunity Summit Recap

On October 25, we hosted our annual Georgia Financial Protection & Economic Opportunity Summit! Each year, we bring together experts, advocates, and anyone curious about consumer protection to discuss financial challenges impacting Georgians. This year, attendees got to hear from Diane Standaert, Senior Engagement and Policy Fellow at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, on the financial disparities rural Georgians face.   We aim to demystify the legislative process so attendees learn to craft policy pitches on shared legislative priorities surrounding immigrant and refugee health rights, medical debt, hospital accountability, consumer equity, and financial protections. Thank you to everyone who joined in on the conversation! And a special thank you to Community Catalyst and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, who sponsored the event! Click here to see photos from the summit!

Join Us for APHA Day of Action!

Register here!

In The News

Rep. Josh Bonner recognized as Georgia Watch's 2023 Champion of Fair Lending

Georgia Watch 55 Marietta Street NW Atlanta, GA 30303

Click here to join our mailing list!