Madeline Ryan Smith attended Georgia Southern University for a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Social Science with a concentration in Sociology. She was active in sports, her church, and the Girl Scouts during her youth. Madeline is a native Georgian, born in Savannah, and was adopted by her parents a few days after birth, along with her older brother. She moved with her family to Charlotte, NC, in 1999 and lived there for 15 years.

Madeline Ryan Smith interned with Mayor Jonathan McCollar of Statesboro and co-founded the Students with Disabilities Advocacy Group. She has conducted research on various topics, including Older Adult Memory Care, End of Life Care, and Women with Disabilities, and has presented her work at conferences. 

Madeline Ryan Smith has not held a political office but was nominated as the Vice Chair of Communications for the Bulloch County Democratic Committee in 2022. She is currently shadowing a representative during the legislative session as part of her preparation for running in District 158.

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "This is a huge investment into our area and workforce, providing more educational and employment opportunities to our community members."

The candidate's website says, "gives a $250 tax credit"

The candidate's website says, "Supporting Family and Minority Owned Farms"

The candidate's website says, "Implementing regulations that are specifically tailored to the needs of farmers markets and small agricultural retailers can help reduce bureaucratic hurdles and make it easier for these businesses to operate... This can include simplified licensing processes, exemptions for certain products, and clear guidelines for food safety and labeling requirements."

The candidate's website says, "The State legislature could develop targeted programs and policies that provide resources, technical assistance, and financial support specifically for minority-owned family farms... This could help address the systemic barriers they face and promote equitable opportunities for success."

Supports targeted programs and policies that provide resources, technical assistance, and financial support for minority-owned family farms.

The candidate's website says, "Implementing programs that provide resources and assistance for estate planning and farm succession can help family-owned farms transition smoothly from one generation to the next... This could include financial incentives..."

Supports programs that provide resources and assistance for estate planning and farm succession to family-owned farms.

The candidate's website says, "Supporting the development of agritourism activities can provide additional revenue streams for farmers markets and small agricultural retailers... Creating legislation that facilitates agritourism operations... can help diversify income for these businesses."

Supports the development of agritourism activities to provide additional revenue streams for farmers' markets and agricultural retailers.

The candidate's website says, "Under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers are authorized... to pay sub-minimum wages (SMWs)—wages less than the federal minimum wage—to workers who have disabilities “for the job being performed.”... people with disabilities have been seen throughout the US making hourly wages as low as $2.50 an hour."

Opposes the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows workers with disabilities to be paid less than the federal minimum wage.

The candidate's website says, "- Raise the minimum wage in Georgia to $15/hour to support school staff and para-professionals."

Supports raising the minimum wage in Georgia to $15/hour.

- Supports targeted programs and policies that provide resources, technical assistance, and financial support for minority-owned family farms.
- Supports programs that provide resources and assistance for estate planning and farm succession to family-owned farms.
- Supports the development of agritourism activities to provide additional revenue streams for farmers' markets and agricultural retailers.
- Opposes the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows workers with disabilities to be paid less than the federal minimum wage.
- Supports raising the minimum wage in Georgia to $15/hour.

Economy

The candidate's website says, "1. Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure"

The candidate's website says, "The State of Georgia can take several measures to support sustainability and eco-tourism, fostering both environmental conservation and economic growth. Here are some potential initiatives:"

Believes preserving vegetation is crucial for infrastructure integrity, reducing heat-related deaths, and lowering energy costs by providing natural shade, thus advocating for environmental conservation to protect communities and save lives in Georgia.

Believes Georgia's innovative recycling by local firms, transforming materials into new products, reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility within its energy ecosystem.

The candidate's website says, "- Support the construction of environmentally conscious accommodations that utilize renewable energy sources and eco-friendly building materials."

The candidate's website says, "- Encourage and support local farmers in adopting sustainable and organic farming practices."

The candidate's website says, "- Collaborate with local businesses to promote eco-friendly practices and certifications."

Believes unchecked industrial logging leads to significant tree cover loss, increased CO₂ emissions, and exacerbates environmental disasters like floods and hurricanes, while also causing loss of wildlife habitats.

Opposes unchecked industrial logging because it leads to tree cover loss, increases CO₂ emissions, worsens environmental disasters like floods and hurricanes, and causes loss of wildlife habitats.

Said, "Implementing water management strategies is crucial for sustainable agriculture... This can include promoting efficient irrigation techniques, water recycling systems, and the use of precision irrigation technologies... supporting research and development in water-saving technologies and practices can help farmers optimize water use and reduce water pollution."

Supports implementing water management strategies such as efficient irrigation techniques, water recycling systems, and precision irrigation technologies.

The candidate's website says, "- Develop and maintain eco-friendly infrastructure such as trails, bike paths, and nature reserves to encourage responsible tourism."

Supports infrastructure such as trails, bike paths, and nature reserves.

The candidate's website says, "- Promote farm-to-table initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of food consumption."

Supports farm-to-table initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of food consumption.

- Opposes unchecked industrial logging because it leads to tree cover loss, increases CO₂ emissions, worsens environmental disasters like floods and hurricanes, and causes loss of wildlife habitats.
- Supports implementing water management strategies such as efficient irrigation techniques, water recycling systems, and precision irrigation technologies.
- Supports infrastructure such as trails, bike paths, and nature reserves.
- Supports farm-to-table initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of food consumption.

Energy & the Environment

Said, "In rural Georgia, we need more options to access healthcare... accesses to quality healthcare can mean the difference of an area growing in population, wealth, health and education... Health in the earliest years... strengthens development in early childhood that enable children to thrive and grow up to be healthy adults... This all starts with education, and lowering the cost of healthcare... Instead of a tertiary response to healthcare (treating illnesses after they are present) we need to be focusing on why these health issues arise."

The candidate's website says, "Medicaid is a health insurance program funded by both the state and federal government that covers about 1 in 5 Georgians... In Georgia, many adults do not qualify for Medicaid... However, Georgia has not expanded Medicaid to these levels, so adults between ages 19 and 64 without dependent children cannot get Medicaid coverage, and adults with dependents need to make below about $7,000 a year for a family of three... Georgians with incomes below the poverty line... often find themselves with no affordable health insurance options."

Said, "Some young women opt for abortions because we have not given these women enough resources or opportunity to be able to have a child without sacrificing everything else. Some have abortions because their doctors tell them it's needed to save their lives... Whatever the reason, pregnancy has been presented to young women as a bad thing... Should we ban abortion? Or should we expand resources for single moms?"

The candidate's website says, "Young women opt for abortions because we have not given these women enough resources or opportunity to be able to have a child without sacrificing everything else. Some have abortions because their doctors tell them it's needed to save their lives... Whatever the reason, pregnancy has been presented to young women as a bad thing... Should we ban abortion? Or should we expand resources for single moms? If we change the way we treat women who accidentally become pregnant... we would see a natural decrease in abortion."

Believes that denying abortions in cases of unsafe or nonviable pregnancies can lead to fatal outcomes, including sepsis, for women worldwide.

The candidate's website says, "In Georgia, individuals and families with intellectual or developmental disabilities are able to apply for COMP and NOW waivers to provide financial support for things like healthcare... Georgia has historically underfunded waivers... This year, Gov. Kemp was asked to fund 2500 waivers... but chose to only fund 250, leaving over 6500 disabled adults and children on the waitlist...again."

Said, "Healthcare in this state is lacking... over 14% of our state population was uninsured... less than 50% of the state actually receives insurance from their employer... In rural Georgia, we need more options to access healthcare."

Said, "Covid-19 has hit us hard... I am very pro-vaccine and support vaccine mandates for healthcare workers... I does not support mask mandates or vaccine mandates for the general public..."

The candidate's website says, "It is crucial that we not only look at healthcare from an adult consumers perspective, but also from the lens of a child, who is arguably more in need of high quality healthcare and health education starting at an early age."

Believes in prioritizing high-quality healthcare and health education for children, who, burdened by adverse experiences, may engage in harmful behaviors affecting their physical and mental well-being.

The candidate's website says, "In 2022, Brian Kemp cut $4 Million in funding for HIV treatment under medicaid. We need to elect legislators this year that want to expand medicaid, and push for a healthier, happier Georgia."

The candidate's website says, "Sexual and reproductive health care services are crucial components of healthcare for LGBTQ people... all people who are capable of becoming pregnant... may have a need for full-spectrum pregnancy, family planning and abortion care."

The candidate's website says, "- After the first trimester, a person may receive an abortion for any medically related reason, inclusive of incest and rape at any time - the crime does not have to be reported to law enforcement."

The candidate's website says, "- Abortion procedures must be available at all state licensed women's clinics and all private reproductive health clinics."

The candidate's website says, "However, abortion is something that should free of restriction for the best possible outcome for our young women... To account for wide access to abortion, we would also need to be creating additional legislation... Through this, we will see a natural decrease in abortions as well... so we need to change the system to keep women from finding themselves with unwanted pregnancy."

The candidate's website says, "Women's Reproductive Healthcare and access goes far beyond what you would normally think of... It is a life-saving procedure thousands of women undergo every year in order to save their own lives, literally, physically, mentally, and financially..."

The candidate's website says, "It's unacceptable that Georgia is near the bottom of the nation when it comes to access to mental health care, currently ranking 48th out of 51 states in 2022. (Georgia dropped 2 places from 46th as of 2021)."

The candidate's website says, "57% of adults with a mental illness in the US do not receive treatment... In Georgia, with 65% of adults with a mental illness not receiving treatment... 18.5% of adults with a mental illness in Georgia do not have health insurance."

Said, "It's time to hold our representatives accountable... We need leaders who are willing to do the work and think outside the box to find realistic solutions to our growing mental healthcare needs..."

Said, "Yesterday was amazing! So many supporters came out, and We had a very peaceful, safe rally where we allowed men and women to speak on the reversal of Roe v Wade, and how this decision will negatively affect our lives."

The candidate's website says, "Abortion is still legal in Georgia FOR NOW. You only need to be literate to be able to read legislation and news. It’s very clear that abortion could become not only illegal, but criminal."

Said, "One of the many reasons I am running for state legislature is to expand and improve Georgia’s quality and access to health care. As a..."

The candidate's website says, "$4 Million in funding for HIV treatment under medicaid"

Said, "While I am pro-choice... there has been no substantial alternative given to women in the case of unwanted pregnancy."

Said, "I am a very strong believer in compromise, and I believe we can find one if we're willing to think outside the box when it comes to the larger affects of banning healthcare."

The candidate's website says, "- Any person can receive an abortion for any reason up to the first trimester (~12-16 weeks)"

The candidate's website says, "- Medical abortions after the first trimester must be approved by an individuals physician."

The candidate's website says, "- Birth Control that is covered by insurance, free, and accessible"

Said, "I am not someone who claims to have all the answers; but I believe that we owe it our mothers, daughters and sisters to establish a system that supports them, and see a decrease in abortion at the same time."

Said, "These experiences have allowed me to understand just how much work we have to do when it comes to improving healthcare in Georgia... they have also equipped me with the tools to find solutions and make meaningful improvements."

Said, "Georgia WIN List held a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol to recognize 22 more pro-choice women who have been endorsed in 2022... ready to take back our reproductive rights in November."

The candidate's website says, "This is a life and death situation... But do not let your privileges cloud your perspective... and cannot judge others on the decisions they make in theirs."

The candidate's website says, "Georgia has not expanded Medicaid to these levels"

Said, "First, my more conservative view, is to compromise on the regulation of abortion. Here's the idea;"

Said, "If you haven't already, visit my position page on cis Women's Reproductive Healthcare as well as LGBTQ+ Reproductive Health, and be sure to check out Georgia Win List's 2022 Candidates!"

Supports mandatory vaccinations for medical and government workers, advocates for remote work, self-education on vaccines, mask-wearing in public, and staying home when ill to ensure communal safety and health for the future.

The candidate's website says, "Women's Reproductive Healthcare and access goes far beyond what you would normally think of... It is a life-saving procedure thousands of women undergo every year... To take away this choice is to take away a woman's right to life, liberty and her pursuit of happiness."

Said, "One of the many reasons I am running for state legislature is to expand and improve Georgia’s quality and access to health care... I have always been aware of the importance of mental health care, and how interconnected our minds and our bodies truly are..."

The candidate's website says, "Simply allowing mental health care to be covered by insurance is not enough, especially when over half of our state is uninsured. We must expand access to health insurance, healthcare, and health education."

Said, "You are only aware of what you’re exposed to; so if you truly cannot understand why a woman would want to protect access to abortion, be thankful you’re clearly less impacted and let others be heard."

Said, "Reproductive Healthcare and access to abortion... is a life-saving procedure thousands of women undergo every year... To take away this choice is to take away a woman's right to life, liberty and her pursuit of happiness... I can commit to supporting any and all legislation that expands reproductive healthcare to Georgian's..."

Supports expanding Medicaid in Georgia, emphasizing its significant benefits for individuals with disabilities, including improved health, reduced financial strain, increased independence, and job creation.

Supports vaccine mandates for healthcare workers, autonomy, and access to vaccines. Opposes general mask and vaccine mandates. Advocates for education and business owner discretion on masks. Emphasizes "My body, My choice" in healthcare decisions.

Supports vaccine mandates for healthcare workers. 

The candidate's website says, "Removing access to abortion is life-threatening... Preventing people from accessing abortion... adds another barrier to safe reproductive healthcare."

Opposes government-mandated masks and vaccines; supports ensuring vaccine access, prioritizes public education on vaccines, and upholds bodily autonomy, aligning with "My body, My choice" in both healthcare and women's rights.

Opposes government-mandated masks and vaccines, and said "'My body, My choice'" goes both ways! We cannot support women's autonomy and support vaccine mandates in parallel."

The candidate's website says, "Reproductive Healthcare for the LGBTQ Community is an extremely important topic... Above all, we need to do a better job of including the LGBTQ community in discussions about access to abortions, expanding healthcare, and understanding physical and mental healthcare for their community."

The candidate's website says, "Reproductive Healthcare for the LGBTQ Community is an extremely important topic... we need to do a better job of including the LGBTQ community in discussions about access to abortions, expanding healthcare, and understanding physical and mental healthcare for their community."

Supports comprehensive reproductive healthcare for LGBTQ individuals, including abortion, fertility preservation, STI/HIV treatment, cancer screenings, violence support, and gender-affirming services, noting a Guttmacher study on transgender and nonbinary abortion access.

Supports comprehensive reproductive healthcare for LGBTQ individuals, including abortion, fertility preservation, STI/HIV treatment, cancer screenings, violence support, and gender-affirming services.

The candidate's website says, "- Allow first-time single mothers to apply for WIC, Medicaid and claim dependents while pregnant"

Supports allowing first-time single mothers to apply for WIC, Medicaid, and claim dependents while pregnant.

The candidate's website says, "- Expand Medicaid to cover hospital births"

Supports expanding Medicaid to cover hospital births.

- Supports expanding Medicaid in Georgia.
- Supports vaccine mandates for healthcare workers. 
- Supports access to abortion.
- Opposes government-mandated masks and vaccines, and said "'My body, My choice'" goes both ways! We cannot support women's autonomy and support vaccine mandates in parallel."
- The candidate's website says, "Reproductive Healthcare for the LGBTQ Community is an extremely important topic... we need to do a better job of including the LGBTQ community in discussions about access to abortions, expanding healthcare, and understanding physical and mental healthcare for their community."
- Supports comprehensive reproductive healthcare for LGBTQ individuals, including abortion, fertility preservation, STI/HIV treatment, cancer screenings, violence support, and gender-affirming services.
- Supports allowing first-time single mothers to apply for WIC, Medicaid, and claim dependents while pregnant.
- Supports expanding Medicaid to cover hospital births.
- Opposes conversion therapy.

Healthcare

The candidate's website says, "SB 367: Eliminates Ballot Drop Boxes, and eliminates additional registrars offices to be used to accept absentee ballots."

The candidate's website says, "Electing someone just because they’ve done the job before, doesn’t mean they will do the job correctly. ... In our area, many incumbents are career politicians, and have been the incumbent for decades."

Said, "Our country was designed to allow community members to run for office... It was designed so no specific group of people holds all the power."

The candidate's website says, "Politicians are not required to vote in best interest of the people, or the way they are told and often they choose not to. In our area, many incumbents are career politicians, and have been the incumbent for"

Said, "This year, we must all have an informed vote. We must vote for candidates that are part of our community, that listen and ask questions... That is how progress and change occurs."

Said, "This dual role of shadowing a representative while actively pursuing a seat in the legislature has been an eye-opening experience... Plus, I get to keep everyone in the loop with what’s happening- upcoming votes, the latest bills, and what laws are passing... Let’s work together to make sure the legislation that impacts our lives aligns with our values and priorities."

Believes shadowing a legislator while running for office provides insight into effective community representation and emphasizes the importance of keeping constituents informed about votes, bills, and laws to ensure legislation reflects community values and priorities.

Said, "Georgia, we have the power to make a change. But it all starts with being registered to vote and showing up on election day. Let's make sure our voices are heard, and let's fight for the healthcare we deserve!"

Said, "We the people of the United States decided over time that we wanted change. We stopped voting for the incumbents and started voting people who wanted change into office. We are at a very similar time now."

Said, "Take a moment and just think about all the change America has gone through. The emancipation of slaved people, the Women’s vote, the civil rights movement... Now imagine if at those times, politicians just said 'We’ve always done it this way, so there’s no need to change'"

Said, "As I said on the steps of the Statesboro Courthouse, we will not go back. This is our chance to fight for the rights of our children and grandchildren. We will not go quietly."

Said, "This election season, I hope to earn your contribution by being honest, transparent, and showing (not just saying) that I have District 158 as a top priority."

Said, "I wanted to take the time to explain why this is the last way you should be voting. Even if it comes down to party affiliation or if someone is the incumbent or not."

Said, "When I’ve asked individuals why they voted for a certain person or if they know anything about other candidates, many people (including many of my peers) don’t know what to say."

Said, "I’m sure if you’ve been following our grassroots campaign, I sound like a broken record. But, that is just how important it is to make sure you and your families get to the polls."

Said, "So why the protest? We protest because we have a constitutional right to criticize our government, as well as to organize. We had a right taken from us, so we expressed our right to protest."

The candidate's website says, "As we‘ve seen in the aftermath of SB 202, voting continues to become more and more inaccessible for Georgian‘s with disabilities... voting must be accessible to every citizen, regardless of ability."

Supports making voting more accessible for people with disabilities.

Believes widespread voter misinformation exists, with many unaware of election significance or timing, often due to local government inaccessibility in rural areas.

- Supports making voting more accessible for people with disabilities.
- Believes widespread voter misinformation exists, with many unaware of election significance or timing, often due to local government inaccessibility in rural areas.

Voting & Elections

Said, "In the past, Georgia has made strong efforts to reform our criminal justice system and protect public safety... The reforms resulted in not only an overall decline in our prison population, but also a 30% decrease in the number of African Americans incarcerated over the 8-year period... Today, we've seen an increase in these number as we've neglected to keep up with these efforts through Covid-19. Gun violence and homicides have strongly increased between 2019-2020 in rural areas... instead of throwing more money at the prison systems, we need to address how to fix the problem before it becomes unmanageable."

The candidate's website says, "As a society, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that our justice system is fair, just, and focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone... Caring about the quality of life in prisons reflects our commitment to upholding ethical and moral standards in the treatment of all individuals, including those who have committed crimes."

The candidate's website says, "By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior and offering rehabilitation programs... they are less likely to engage in criminal activities in the future."

Supports enhancing prison quality of life through rehabilitation and underlying factor mitigation to lower recidivism, advocating for state actions that aid societal reintegration and reduce future criminal behavior.

Believes state governments must ensure prisons are safe and humane, addressing overcrowding, violence, and basic needs, through improved infrastructure, security, and staffing.

The candidate's website says, "- Supporting a new Automatic Rifle Ban with buyback programs"

Believes gun violence in America, particularly Georgia, is escalating; supports measured gun control, aligning with most Americans, without infringing on the 2nd Amendment.

The candidate's website says, "The solutions to these problems start with identifying the root of the issue. ... Many police officers and departments agree that there can be work done in areas like standardized training throughout the state, establishing operation standards, and mental & physical health requirements for officers ... Police unions are helpful to have for insurance, legal aid, tuition assistance, and travel expenses while working, and can be regulated to ensure due process and avoid inside corruption."

The candidate's website says, "The primary concern lies in the proposed expansion of mandatory cash bail to 30 new offenses... This means that judges would be required to impose cash bail for offenses that do not involve physical harm..."

The candidate's website says, "HB 1035 also passed the House on Wednesday, which allows for the Board of Pharmacy to establish Naloxone (NARCAN) Vending Machines in areas such as college campuses... with the hope to save more lives with broader access to Narcan."

The candidate's website says, "in areas such as college campuses. This bill passed unanimously with the hope to save more lives with broader access to Narcan."

The candidate's website says, "Common sense gun laws are the more effective and practical ways to solve mass gun violence. This includes (but is not limited to)"

The candidate's website says, "Overall, standardized training ensures public and officer safety that much more."

The candidate's website says, "SB 63, which passed in the House on Tuesday, addresses issues related to mandatory cash bail and has the potential to impact criminal legal reform efforts throughout Georgia, particularly in rural areas like ours."

The candidate's website says, "mandatory cash bail to 30 new offenses, including many non-violent misdemeanors."

The candidate's website says, "3. Promote Reentry Programs and Support Services:"

Said, "Georgia is a state that has virtually no LGBTQ protections, and still allows conversion therapy to be used on adults and children... It seems like the best place to start would be with something we should ALL agree in criminal, and in need of repeal."

The candidate's website says, "mandatory cash bail and has the potential to impact criminal legal reform efforts"

The candidate's website says, "such as possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, failure to appear, forgery, and criminal trespass."

Supports police departments and law enforcement reform, acknowledging the current system fails both officers and marginalized communities, necessitating better training, funding, and a shift towards trust and service.

The candidate's website says, "Providing access to education and vocational training programs can have a positive impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals... and reduce recidivism rates. By offering educational opportunities... prisons can contribute to the personal growth and rehabilitation of inmates."

The candidate's website says, "Prison overcrowding... has led to the privatization of correctional facilities. The Georgia State Legislature could introduce bills aimed at reducing prison overcrowding and improving conditions in both public and private prisons..."

The candidate's website says, "2. Parole and Early Release Programs: ... Implementing policies that expand parole eligibility and establish clear criteria for early release. This can help ensure that individuals who ... pose a low risk to society can be reintegrated into the community, reducing the prison population."

Opposes conversion therapy as abusive, supports criminalization in Georgia, and endorses APA's stance against it, advocating for license revocation for therapists practicing it.

Supports common sense gun laws aimed at reducing crime and violence, citing data that defensive gun use is rare, and advocates for state-level legislation to enforce these measures for public safety.

The candidate's website says, "Preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society is crucial for reducing recidivism... These programs can help individuals transition back into their communities and reduce the likelihood of reoffending."

Supports programs for reintegration of inmates into society to reduce recidivism.

The candidate's website says, "3. Investment in Rehabilitation Programs: Allocating resources to enhance educational, vocational, and mental health programs within correctional facilities. These programs can help prepare individuals for successful reentry into society, reducing recidivism rates and the need for long-term incarceration."

Supports investment in rehabilitation programs and allocating resources to enhance educational, vocational, and mental health programs within correctional facilities. 

Supports standardized training and certification for police to ensure unbiased service and facilitate officers' transitions between departments, ensuring consistent training across cities, enhancing public trust.

Supports standardized training and certification for police to ensure unbiased service and facilitate officers' transitions between departments, ensuring consistent training across cities.

The candidate's website says, "Access to quality healthcare is essential for the well-being of incarcerated individuals... State governments can work to improve healthcare services inside prisons by ensuring that inmates receive necessary medical care, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment..."

Supports better healthcare services inside prisons such as medical care, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment.

The candidate's website says, "1. Sentencing Reform: Introducing legislation that promotes alternative sentencing options, such as community service, probation, or rehabilitation programs, for non-violent offenders. This approach can help reduce the number of individuals incarcerated for low-level offenses and alleviate prison overcrowding."

Supports alternative sentencing options, such as community service, probation, or rehabilitation programs, for non-violent offenders. 

- Supports gun control.
- Supports programs for reintegration of inmates into society to reduce recidivism.
- Supports investment in rehabilitation programs and allocating resources to enhance educational, vocational, and mental health programs within correctional facilities. 
- Supports standardized training and certification for police to ensure unbiased service and facilitate officers' transitions between departments, ensuring consistent training across cities.
- Supports better healthcare services inside prisons such as medical care, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment.
- Supports alternative sentencing options, such as community service, probation, or rehabilitation programs, for non-violent offenders. 

Public Safety

The candidate's website says, "Last year, Georgia's legislature passed a $2000 pay increase for our Educators... most teachers spend more than $2000 on classroom supplies alone, per semester..."

Supports modernizing Georgia's public education, emphasizing current knowledge and critical thinking, and advocates for trade school investment to build a skilled workforce and enhance state prosperity.

Opposes voucher programs for disabled students, citing lack of fair choice and potential discrimination by private schools not bound by Federal laws like IDEA or required to accommodate special needs.

Believes in immediate action to guarantee every child's right to tailored education, supports candidates who prioritize student welfare, and opposes cuts to public education funding, emphasizing its role in economic prosperity through equal opportunities.

The candidate's website says, "It's important to acknowledge that some schools are better funded to reimburse their teachers than others... but there are still many that leave it entirely up to the teachers to get everything they need... Every year when school begins, we start to see social media posts about shared amazon wishlists or GoFundMe's that support teachers and their classrooms. Thousands of teachers all over the country spend thousands of dollars of their own money in order to buy decorations, supplies and books for their classes... From preschool all the way to 12th grade, teachers struggle every year to make a living wage, just to spend their paychecks on their jobs... Teachers make the sacrifice so their school boards don't have to."

Believes teachers often spend personal funds on school supplies, exceeding modest reimbursements, and despite loving their jobs, struggle with low wages, turning to social media for support in providing classroom necessities from preschool to 12th grade.

The candidate's website says, "A staggering 66.9 percent of teachers answered that they were unlikely to recommend pursuing a career in teaching... Only 2.7 percent of those surveyed said that they were very likely to recommend it."

Believes the interest in teaching careers among youth is waning, citing a Georgia survey where 66.9% of teachers wouldn't recommend the profession, with only 2.7% very likely to endorse it.

Said, "I will always support and invest in Georgia Public Schools, Teachers, and their students..."

The candidate's website says, "- Provide additional grants and scholarships for educators to continue their education, and come out of school debt-free."

The candidate's website says, "Public Schools are the only type of learning institution that are required to accommodate students with disabilities... In order to provide the best learning environment possible, we could pass legislation such as;"

The candidate's website says, "- A bill requiring Direct Support Professionals to be provided to any public school student with an intellectual or developmental disability by the State at a 1:1 ratio."

Said, "As a disabled candidate running for office in Georgia, I am deeply concerned about the imminent threat posed by bills like SB 233, which aim to expand private school voucher programs under the guise of "school choice."

The candidate's website says, "SB 379: Gives schools the option to replace guidance counselors with chaplains."

The candidate's website says, "HB 915 passed in the House on Wednesday... These changes included new funding to Georgia Southern University’s Savannah Campus to establish a Dental School! This is a huge investment into our area and workforce, providing more educational and employment opportunities to our community members."

Said, "Teachers that work so hard, their students know it too... What many people don't realize, however, is that teachers' classrooms don't come fully stocked and ready for students."

The candidate's website says, "No public educator in the United States should have to shell out thousands of dollars of their own money for school supplies and classroom sets of books."

The candidate's website says, "No public educator in the United States should have to beg strangers on the internet to help them afford school supplies. However, they do."

Said, "The future of public education is on the ballot this year... vote blue to ensure the future of public education in Georgia and the country."

The candidate's website says, "It's important to acknowledge that some schools are better funded to reimburse their teachers than others... but there are still many that leave it entirely up to the teachers to get everything they need."

Said, "My main policy concerns surround education... Children are like sponges; they absorb everything around them... They notice when their favorite teacher doesn't come back the next year. They see their teachers rising stress levels."

The candidate's website says, "spending money they make on their employers? That's right. Teachers make the sacrifice so their school boards don't have to."

Supports legislation (HB 385) allowing retired teachers with 30+ years to teach again, receiving both pension and salary, to address teacher shortages, despite many preferring higher-paying jobs outside teaching.

The candidate's website says, "Public Schools are the only type of learning institution that are required to accommodate students with disabilities. While this is mandated"

The candidate's website says, "through the American's with Disabilities Act, Georgia has very little state legislation that supports individuals with disabilities in educational settings specifically. In order to provide the best learning environment possible, we could pass legislation such as;"

The candidate's website says, "new funding to Georgia Southern University’s Savannah Campus to establish a Dental School!"

Said, "Over the past week via Twitter, I've complied a list of over 500 teachers in the USA that need help clearing their lists on Amazon. (See Below)"

Said, "(Just to put it in perspective, most schools require reading or have a list of books a student must read in their English curriculum... A student may be able to buy used or borrow from their local library, but a teacher would spend $200+ on a class set of new copies depending on the book and publisher.)"

The candidate's website says, ". A student may be able to buy used or borrow from their local library, but a teacher would spend $200+ on a class set of new copies depending on the book and publisher.)"

The candidate's website says, "Additionally, we have seen an extreme decline in young people wanting to become teachers. A"

The candidate's website says, "SB 501: Allows public schools to display the 10 Commandments"

The candidate's website says, "- Launch educational campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable practices among both tourists and local communities."

The candidate's website says, "- Create additional grants and funding opportunities for School Systems that incentivize integrated learning environments, accessibility and equity for children with disabilities. (Ex. A grant for screen readers, additional special education teachers, classroom technology or books printed in Braille.)"

Supports mandatory public education, advocating for children's access to quality learning, fair teacher compensation, modern curricula, updated resources, classroom technology, inclusive school design, and conducive learning environments for student success.

The candidate's website says, "SB 88: Censors conversations about gender identity in private and public schools."

Opposes voucher programs, citing loss of protections for disabled students and diversion of funds from public schools, exacerbating underfunding and harming all students.

Opposes voucher programs, citing loss of protections for disabled students and diversion of funds from public schools.

Supports mandatory public education, advocating for children's access to quality learning, fair teacher compensation, modern curricula, updated resources, technological integration, inclusive infrastructure, and conducive learning environments to foster college-ready, high-achieving students.

Supports mandatory public education, advocating for children's access to quality learning, fair teacher compensation, modern curricula, updated resources, and technological integrations.

The candidate's website says, "- Raise the required base salary for a full time teacher to $50,000 a year paired with incentive for teacher retention."

Supports raising the base salary for a full-time teacher to $50,000 a year.

The candidate's website says, "- Pass additional legislation that establishes a $4000 yearly stipend for teachers to use on their classrooms that is not tied to a teachers paycheck or level of income."

Supports establishing a $4000 yearly stipend for teachers to use on classroom supplies.

The candidate's website says, "A bill requiring Braille, ASL and ESL classes to be available and provided for any child in Georgia Public schools..."

Supports requiring Braille, ASL, and ESL classes to be available for any child in Georgia Public schools.

Supports Georgia's HB 385 allowing retired teachers with 30+ years to work full-time while receiving both pension and salary, addressing teacher shortages, despite many preferring higher-paying jobs outside teaching.

Supports Georgia's HB 385 allowing retired teachers with 30+ years to work full-time while receiving both pension and salary.

- Opposes voucher programs, citing loss of protections for disabled students and diversion of funds from public schools.
- Supports mandatory public education, advocating for children's access to quality learning, fair teacher compensation, modern curricula, updated resources, and technological integrations.
- Supports raising the base salary for a full-time teacher to $50,000 a year.
- Supports establishing a $4000 yearly stipend for teachers to use on classroom supplies.
- Supports requiring Braille, ASL, and ESL classes to be available for any child in Georgia Public schools.
- Supports Georgia's HB 385 allowing retired teachers with 30+ years to work full-time while receiving both pension and salary.

Madeline Ryan Smith

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