Why KaTesha Sagers?

I am the best candidate for House District 93 because I understand how Education, Healthcare, Economic Development, and Environment are interconnected and impact the quality of life for members of my district. I am enthusiastic about building partnerships with people to produce the desired outcomes this district needs. I have been an active and involved resident in this district. I have spearheaded and been involved in many initiatives regarding education, healthcare, the environment, and economic development.

I will Listen... I will Analyze... I will Educate... I will Act

Our district is growing fast. Growth presents possibilities and it presents challenges. I will work to achieve a smart balance that benefits residents, businesses, schools, and people who work in the district.

KaTesha on the Issues

Education

Educating our children is an investment in our future. I will advocate full funding of our public schools to ensure equitable distribution of resources to grades K-12. I will work to decrease the drop-out rate by improving, expanding, and creating educational initiatives in partnership with parents and vocational institutions particularly focusing on high risk youth. Testing and accountability is necessary; however, does not need to be the determining factor of a fail or pass if teachers and students do not have the tools they need. I will fight for increased resources for teachers to have the tools they need to effectively teach and prepare our children each school year. I will increase parental assistance programs so parents can be best informed and educated in advocating for their children's education. I will support and partner with the Board of Education as they manage the school budget to improve the quality of education for all.

KaTesha's past and ongoing efforts in Education are:

• Work for the Fund for Theological Education

• Hired a College Student eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program to work as an Information Technology Intern

• Convened a College Prep Forum in Decatur, Georgia for middle/high school students and parents

• Commencement Speaker, Upward Bound Program, Mercer University

• Speaker, DeKalb County Public Schools, Honor’s and Career Day (Allgood Elementary, Rowland Elementary, Miller Grove Middle School, Rowland Elementary)

• Panelist, Leadership Youth DeKalb

• Active and involved legal guardian, Druid Hills High School

Healthcare

Our families and communities deserve access to quality health care. I will support: (1) improving the quality of affordable care (2) reducing barriers to adequate health care for underserved and indigent residents of our county, (3) promoting greater transparency and accountability in Georgia's health care system, and (4) increasing the availability, quality, appropriateness and financing of healthcare services.

KaTesha's past and ongoing efforts in Healthcare are:

• Worked as a Intern for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)

• Received Master's in Public Administration with Public Health Management emphasis

• Community Health Fair 2007 and 2008, Health fair planning committee and event manager

• Worked for The Emory Clinic (Finance Office) and Cardiology of Georgia (Medical Records Office)

• Past member of Georgia Association for Healthcare Executives (GAHE) and National Association of Healthcare Executives (NAHSE)

Conservation of our Natural Resources: Energy, Land, Transportation, and Water
It is important to understand how conserving our natural resources has a direct impact on our health, economy, and quality of life. Issues and solutions regarding energy, land, transportation, and especially water; impact the lives and health of children, women, men, and senior citizens. I will support legislation that will increase and expand educational outreach and incentive programs to schools, developers, small and large businesses, non-profits, religious institutions, and consumers in adopting and enforcing conservation practices. I will continue to invest my time in building alliances with organizations and neighborhood groups that educate about global concerns, promote conservation of our natural resources, protect our land, and introduce enviro-alternatives. I will support a state wide water plan to ensure that Georgia's water sources are protected and preserved.  I will create new initiatives and partnerships with the business community to encourage them to use environmentally business products that conserve energy and water and protect the environment.

KaTesha's past and ongoing efforts for the Environment are:

Protecting Our Children

DeKalb’s children are precious, but vulnerable. I will advocate for increased protection of our girls and boys from violent crimes and gangs. I will support and help sustain after school programs for youth.

KaTesha's past and ongoing efforts in Protecting Our Children:

• Speaker and volunteer, Street Smart After-School Program – Vine City (facilitated workshops for 12-17 year old young men and women)

• Speaker at Ladies’ Day Programs and Women’s Groups at local churches

• Speaker at Youth Programs in local schools and churches

• Mentor