State Representative Patty Bentley Weighs in on Upcoming Legislative Session

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Like most of her colleagues, State Representative Patty Bentley knows passing a balanced budget will be priority number one in Atlanta. This year she’s hoping that budget will include money to give educators an extra boost in moral, and in their wallets.

“Prayerfully we will have money in that budget to address the issue of education across the state, particularly with pay increases for educators… that certainly is a big issue across the state of Georgia. I’m hearing constituents all the time talk about furlough days and the mere fact that they have not received a pay increase,” said Bentley.

She’s hoping the budget will also address pay raises for state employees.

In addition to the budget, Bentley’s focus is on economic development. She’d like to help local governments in her district make their cities and towns more attractive for businesses and industry to move in.

“You cannot have a conversation about economic development and not address education,” said Bentley.

Bentley’s focus will also be on figuring out a way to bring healthcare to the Georgians who won’t be covered since the state isn’t expanding medicaid.

Bentley said she’s not aware of any challengers, but regardless, she has plans to run for re-election for District 139.