[1]Rep Scot Turner. Photo: Ga General Assembly website
Georgia state Rep Scot Turner [2]
The below is text from animal relying to several people this morning, including another state Rep replying to someone asking if I know what i am talking about. Below is a facebook exchange from jan 216 with Rep Scot Turner
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES ARE PUBLIC BENEFITS UNDER CURRENT STATE LAW.
Scott does not understand the law as is, which I have worked for literally 15 years. Chip Rogers , SB 529 in 2006. I wrote 2009 HB2 myself. We improved in HB87 in 2011 and again in SB160 in 2013.
OCGA 50-36-1 [3] requires all applicants for public benefits over age 18 to swear they are eligible for benefits due to US citizenship or lawful immigration presence. Then, that legal immigration status is verified using the no-cost federal SAVE program. This “cut the red tape” auto-issue reciprocity nonsense would allow an illegal alien who moves here from other states that do not use a verification system (most states don’t) to receive the professional license without so much as the current required affidavit, much less federal verification.Scott will need to explain how an illegal alien does not have ability to establish “residency” and cannot access the professional license if there is no test, no affidavit swearing to eligibility (status) and no SAVE verification. The current laws on public benefits was put in place for a reason. See also 50-36-2 [4]
*This legislation will eliminate the process of SAVE verification. But likely will make GA “ better for business.”
Scott originally replied to me (see his Facebook page for yesterday’s dialogue)that he had changed to a sub that would only allow US citizens to participate in the reciprocity. Then I pointed out he would be stopping legal immigrants and legal temp workers. Now I see this.
I urge all to educate themselves before the establishment starts the push to dismantle the laws in place to make it more difficult for illegals to operate in GA. This will be “an issue.”
Last year GA DOT gutted part of the EVerify law for public contractors because nearly zero legislators understand the laws. The one(s) who did remained silent to stay in the cool kids club.
I am 404-Scott has started something he does not understand and is now trying to keep a bad bill that cannot improve, only reduce current system designed by people who actually understand system.dak
Facebook exchange, January 16, 2020
Scot Turner Campaign Page
January 16 at 12:23 AM ·
Unemployment is at historically low levels and the economy is on fire. As a result, we need to address the needs of employers to be able to put licensed professionals to work as soon as possible.
Because of this, I have introduced HB 773, which is modeled after Arizona’s professional licensing law. If someone is in a licensed profession, have a year of experience and have kept a good standing, pass a background check, and show that they understand how Georgia law applies to their profession, their license obtained in a different state would be recognized here. This would make these individuals available to go to work here as soon as they establish residency in the state.
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislati…/…/Display/20192020/HB/773
LEGIS.GA.GOV
HB 773 2019-2020 Regular Session
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to provide for reciprocal licensing of professions, occupations, and trades…
D.a. King So you want reciprocity with the many states, California being one, that issue professional licenses to illegal aliens – thereby gutting the intent of OCGA 50-36-1 that many of us worked to create and sharpen over the years? Governor Brian Kemp Edit or delete this Like · Reply · 2d
Author Scot Turner Campaign Page D.a. King there is a committee substitute that would ensure this applies to US citizens. But thank you for your vigilance. Hide or report this Like · Reply · 2d
D.a. King Scot Turner Campaign Page It’s not about citizens, but individuals eligible because of lawful presence. If your sub says US citizens, it is restricting lawful permanent residents (LPR, GREEN CARD HOLDERS -immigrants) and guest workers. Happy to help, but sounds like it still has problems. Please let me know. Edit or delete this Like · Reply · 2d
Author Scot Turner Campaign Page D.a. King would welcome any thoughtful feedback to make the best bill possible. Hide or report this Like · Reply · 2d
D.a. King Scot Turner Campaign Page We will oppose your bill. You are still taking out the SAVE verification process for eligibility provided in 50-36-1. Professional licenses are public benefits. There must be a way to insure only eligible applicants obtain th…See More Edit or delete this Like · Reply · 2d
D.a. King Scot Turner Campaign Page Thanks. I think a lot of you. The concept to remove red tape will inevitably go to less verification. In a state with more illegal aliens than green card holders. I know you are trying to help. My advice is to work towards actual enforcement of existing laws to insure a level playing (job) field for legal residents. Edit or delete this Like · Reply · 2d
Author Scot Turner Campaign Page D.a. King there has to be a balance between that enforcement and the liberty of Americans. I think we can find that balance while ensuring Americans are still free. Hide or report this Like · Reply · 1d
D.a. King Scot Turner Campaign Page Yep. Freedom is reduced when we screen out illegal aliens from public benefits. Now I see. THANKS.
Email exchange with several other people including a mother state Rep who is asking if I know what I am talking about: Jan. 20