Gwinnett Chamber President and CEO Nick Masino recently announced the chamber’s board approved the support of passage of HB426, in partnership with the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta-Georgia, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Business Association of Atlanta. Georgia is one of only five states without hate crimes laws, and the Gwinnett Chamber believes the 2019 passage of HB426, led by state Rep. Chuck Efstration (R-Dacula), and supported by many of Gwinnett’s delegation, was an essential move in passing sustainable hate-crime legislation. With only 11 days remaining in the legislative session, the Gwinnett Chamber strongly urges its senators to swiftly pass bipartisan hate crime legislation when they reconvene next week.
“The Gwinnett Chamber believes this legislation is consistent with our values, lays the groundwork for additional legislation and discussions, and furthers a climate that encourages economic investment to recruit and retain businesses,” says Masino.
“Hate crimes are a nonpartisan issue,” adds Dean Collins, Vice Chair of Public Policy. “We as a community recognize the need to stand together in the equal and fair treatment of all people. The Gwinnett Chamber board issuing this statement sends a strong signal to our constituents that we are engaged and fully supportive in moving forward a hate crimes bill. I’m hopeful that our lawmakers will make a hard push to get this critically important legislation passed.”
With more than 100 different languages and dialects spoken in households, a student population representing more than 180 countries, and one out of every four residents born outside the United States, Gwinnett County is recognized as the most diverse county in the Southeast U.S. The presence of strong and diverse workforce and talent is what attracts companies from around the world to invest in Gwinnett.
“This legislation will further protect Gwinnett’s rich and diverse workforce from targeted criminal behavior. Our support highlights our commitment to ensure Gwinnett strives to be a place where all people feel safe and valued,” says Masino.
The Gwinnett Chamber further encourages our members and other businesses to lend their support to this important legislation. This can be done by signing on to the effort by visiting www.passhatecrimesga.com.