“For 2022, State Rep. Matthew Wilson, D-Brookhaven, and Sen. Lindsey Tippins, R-Marietta, have been recognized for a career-long commitment to our schools, educators, and students,” GAE President Lisa Morgan announced today.
Wilson, who has served since 2018, is a former middle school teacher who is retiring from the General Assembly to run for Commissioner of Insurance. He has been a valuable ally for GAE on the House Education Committee and has been endorsed by the Association in his campaign for higher office, Morgan said.
Before his election to the state Senate, Sen. Tippins was a member of the Cobb County School Board for twelve years. He is a former chairman of the Senate Education and Youth Committee and retires from the Senate this year as chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee. “Sen. Tippins has been a vocal and efficacious leader, and his retirement will leave a void in the Senate that will be difficult to fill,” Morgan added.
GAE singled out four legislators for their exceptional efforts this session as “Legislators of the Year”: Rep. Doreen Carter, Sen. Elena Parent, Sen. Lester Jackson, and Rep. Bee Nguyen.
Rep. Carter, D-Lithonia, has stepped into a key role as a leader on the House Education Committee. Carter is a former treasurer of the Georgia Black Legislative Caucus and, in 2014, she won the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State.
Rep. Bee Nguyen, D-Atlanta, is retiring from the House of Representatives this year and is running for Secretary of State. As an influential member of the House Education Committee, Nguyen is an unwavering voice for public education. “She’ll be missed in the House as an advocate for our children,” Morgan said. Rep. Nguyen also has received GAE’s endorsement in her race for Secretary of State.
“Sen. Elena Parent never fails to stand tall for educators and students,” Morgan said. “Behind the scenes, on the floor of the state Senate, and in the Senate Education Committee, she is a forceful proponent for GAE’s positions. In a year when so many champions of public education are leaving the legislature, we are delighted that Sen. Parent will be back.”
Sen. Lester Jackson has also been selected as “GAE Legislator of the Year” for 2022. Sen. Jackson was first elected to the House in 1998. Ten years later, he was elected to the state Senate. A son of educators, Jackson has been an effective and persistent protector of public schools. Jackson is leaving the Senate to run for Commissioner of Labor. He has been endorsed by GAE in his campaign.
