State Representative Miriam Paris

Georgia Legislative 2026 Sine Die wrap up:

Our only constitutional requirement, the FY 2027 budget was passed—
House Bill 974, passed to a tune of $38.5 billion, an increase of $738 million over the FY 2026 original budget. Here we prioritized early childhood literacy, continued support of children in the state’s foster care system, expanded services to Georgians with intellectual or developmental disabilities and improved the state’s ability to provide regular cost of living adjustments to retired state employees.

Income Tax Rate Cut (HB 1001): Lowers the state income tax rate from 5.19% to 4.99%.

High School Cell phone Ban (HB 1009): Mandates a “bell-to-bell” ban on personal electronic devices in grades 9-12 statewide.

Protester Penalties: SB 433 sharply increases penalties for blocking streets to a high and aggravated misdemeanor with up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Need-Based Aid SB 556: Passed the House on Sine Die, allocating $325 million toward a new need-based college scholarship program.

SB 594 establishes new criminal offenses for AI misuse and mandate disclaimers for AI-generated campaign media. Also, operators of “AI companion chatbots” must now make clear disclosures that users are interacting with an AI, not a person (SB 540).

HB 1001 lowers the state income tax rate from 5.19% to 4.99%, passed both chambers.

HB 169 received new language to create a tax credit for small businesses that offers certain employee benefits, such as individual coverage health reimbursements.

For more legislative information on other bills that passed please visit our state website: www.legis.ga.gov

Caption for the photos:
The calm before the storm.

Today was a good day—

•from an early morning qualifying in Atlanta for another term to represent the people of Georgia House District 142
•to an Education committee meeting where my financial literacy HB 674 merged with HB 1114 (the amended financial literacy bill) passing out of committee
•to attending a Macon-Bibb District 5 Commissioner forum back at home.

I repeat today was indeed a very good day!

You know what it is!

https://gema.georgia.gov/winter
It’s Cold Outside!
Please take a moment to read this message from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency on how to stay prepared for this week’s freezing temperatures.
We’re in this together…stay warm, stay safe.

Winter Weather hello world

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It’s a New Year and I’m happy to be alive to see another year! It’s my honor to serve the great people of Georgia House District 142 and I look forward to your engagement during the upcoming session.
The 158th GA General Assembly session starts 10:00 am, Jan 12, 2026 at the State Capitol.

They asked and I said, “yes!”
Let’s talk about it! All are welcome and I hope to see you there at the Museum of Arts and Sciences Auditorium.

‼️ NEW VENUE! Join Middle Georgia 4 Choice & Macon Rising for “Macon Progress” — a vital town hall with Rep. Miriam Paris (District 142) on October 15, 6–7:30 PM at the Museum of Arts & Sciences! We’re talking real issues: reproductive rights, education, economic justice, and more. Bring your questions, your passion, and your voice; let’s shape the future together ✊ RSVP now → bit.ly/MaconProgress2025 (link in bio) #MaconRising #MaconProgress #RepMiriamParis #MiddleGeorgia #CommunityLeadership #RSVPNow

September is Pain Awareness Month, so I’ve invited a few professionals to come and have an honest conversation concerning alternative treatments and ways to manage pain. Let’s break down the legislation and the myths vs the truth around medical cannabis. All are invited and welcome to come.

Today we remember, honor and pay tribute to all those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. A heartfelt thank you to all of our service members. 🇺🇸

Legislative Week 2 at the Capitol was initially scheduled for our annual budget hearings but was cancelled due to the 2025 Snow Storm blitzing through the south, leaving approximately 2-3 inches of snow and icy roads. Updates on rescheduled budget hearings will be announced later this week.
Let’s goooo, people!

⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟⭐️

The Georgia General Assembly kicked off its 158th Legislative Session on Monday, Jan 13. It was a good day to reconnect with previous members and meet newly elected ones.
This first week legislators were sworn in, House leadership officers elected, House rules adopted, seating chart updated and the adjournment schedule was set. The other highlight was the Governor’s State of the State address, which details some of this administration’s goals. Legislator’s were assigned their committees and offices. You may follow the General Assembly session daily on our website legis.ga.gov.
FYI: the GA House political makeup for this biennial is 100 Republicans and 80 Democrats. Let’s go 2025 and follow me here for weekly updates.

Josh Rogers, how do I say goodbye to such a treasure?
When I came along to politics, some new things were happening in downtown Macon, a changing of the guard in a sense. A new mayor, a newly elected council president with a vision of restoring downtown Macon among other things. Downtowns are like the heart of a city— if the downtown is not thriving the city suffers tremendously. Mayor Robert Reichert’s knowledge and experience of state and local politics and how they intricately work together was reassuring to me that we would minimize mistakes due to my lack of experience in city government. New Town Macon, under the direction of Mike Ford, was certainly a viable entity that gave us endless insight and information on how to navigate our vision. After a few years, I began to hear of a rising star within the ranks as Mike Ford considered retirement. That rising star was Josh Rogers. At first glance, I’m thinking Ford’s shoes will be hard to fill. Little did I know, Josh Rogers had shoes of his own. With his established background in Macon’s history, to say the least, “Mr I love Macon” set out on a mission to put our great city back on the map with a positivity and fervor that brought us roaring back. By providing countless small business owners opportunities and laser focusing on improving the image and complexity of downtown Macon, Josh became our secret weapon in winning many awards and elevating our beloved city to a new image that we all share in and are proud and ever grateful for. It was him, and just who he was: effective, efficient, dedicated and committed to Macon-Bibb.
Josh Rogers was a friend to me. When MPD, local media and the USPS descended upon my character; Josh was kind to me. Always kind.
I saw him on Friday at lunchtime, in a room full of people— Josh Rogers came over to my table to just say “hi” and congratulate me on my recent victory. Always kind.
I’ll miss his presence, we will miss his leadership. Knowing Josh, he would want us to take care of his wife and children(we will), and make sure we continue to hold up the banner he has left with us. His legacy lives on in his indelible work and we owe him much honor and gratitude.
Rest well, Sir. 🥀

I’d like to thank the people of Georgia House District 142 for your vote, support and encouragement during my campaign for reelection. Thank you and I look forward to serving you in Atlanta.