God, Goats, and Government

In this episode, Senator Jackson closes out the legislative session while holding a bundle of joy–her son Khalil! She takes time to express gratitude for the many accomplishments of the first quarter of the year, like the passing of her Address Confidentiality Bill. She also offers insight into the work ahead as she continues to proudly serve her constituents in District 41.

Look Into My Eyes | Senator Jackson almost lost the chance to pass her Address Confidentiality Bill, SB 324, but in a last-minute push turned to telepathy to secure its approval. She also exposes the deceitful tactics used by her colleagues from the opposite party to modify the life-saving Narcan Bill HB1170 into a politically motivated puberty blocker bill. Lastly, Senator Jackson shares her perspective on the controversial Immigration Bill, HB 1105.

Qualified | Senator. Jackson eagerly awaits the conclusion of Qualifying Day while giving an update on her recent visit with Dr. Jill Biden. In addition, Senator Jackson and Shereetha J. celebrate the 50th episode of "God, Goats, and Government" and share a special announcement!

Crossover Day |  "This is my story. This is my reality and my fear." Senator Jackson shares her comments on the latest RFRA bill (SB 180) while shedding light on legislation to be mindful of as we reach the second half of the legislative session.

All-Star Week | From fig trees to fighting the good fight with three bill hearings, Farmer Jackson makes an appearance to recap an all-star week both in the garden and under the Gold Dome.

What's in the queue? | Senator Jackson prepares for a week filled with bill hearings as she works diligently to get her Address Confidentiality Bill (SB 324) passed before Crossover Day. Additionally, she has a hearing scheduled for her Interagency Council on Homelessness Bill and her new Physicians Bill, which aims to provide a two-year provisional license to foreign-trained physicians who wish to serve in high-need areas.

Trash to Treasure | After a farm clean-up day, Senator Jackson finds metaphorical treasure throughout her week with highlights such as a Black History Month Keynote Conversation at Agnes Scott College and receiving a surprise visitor at the Capitol–her son Reece! She also takes a moment to celebrate a special week of move-ins for some of her parishioners at Church of the Common Ground while addressing controversial legislation like SB63 that can harm unhoused citizens and more.

God, Goats, Government, and Gratitude | Despite a devastating discovery just before her Refugee Tuition Bill hearing, Sen. Jackson offers gratitude to the students who courageously shared their stories and all those who fought to get a vote on this life-changing bill. She also continues to fight the good fight alongside the Southern Poverty Law Center by pushing the needle forward in support of collaborative efforts across Georgia to address the critical issue of homelessness.

Both And | Senator Jackson shares where she sees God and what keeps her grounded as she reflects on an emotionally charged week following her vote against the ambiguity of HB30 and other difficult bills. She also gives a barnyard update and offers joyful wishes to her son for his 3rd birthday.

How It Works | Senator Jackson uses the lull of Budget Week to launch into the inner workings of how the legislative session (really) works by inviting her new Chief of Staff, Erin Cassel, to share their unique insight into life under the Gold Dome.

God, Goats, Government, and the Gift of Motherhood. | Sen. Jackson's back with her weekly recap. In this episode, she shares her outlook for this year's legislative session while discussing how the issue of swatting directly impacted her family. 

Rose, Thorn, and Bud | Senator Jackson closes out another legislative session with a behind-the-scenes look at Sine Die, while reflecting on the passing of bad bills like SB 140, and also taking time to look forward to the budding work ahead.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly | With Sine Die in sight and following a tough loss with SB140 being signed into law, Sen. Jackson provides an authentic look behind the legislative vail. And though she has to dig deep to find "The Good" from this week, she manages to close out the episode on a positive note.

March Madness | In an emotionally charged week, Sen. Jackson confronts the question: What is the value of a trans youth's life? She finds comfort in offering sanctuary as controversial bills like SB140 shape the atmosphere of this year's legislative session. She also provides insight into the progression of significant bills like the Mental Health Omnibus Bill, HB520. And she celebrates her beloved Dins (Furman University) making it to the NCAA tournament, then has a delightful surprise visitor named Teacup–a tiny goat who brought much needed joy to the Gold Dome.

Policy vs Politics | Following the buzz of Crossover Day, Sen. Jackson shares a moment from the well, where she addresses SB140, a controversial bill that would  prevent transgender youth from receiving gender affirming care. She also discusses the status of the Hemp Omnibus Bill she was asked to carry and as session progresses, admittedly, finding those weekly God moments can be challenging, yet Sen. Jackson continues to meet the moment by highlighting the beauty in the midst of adversity under the Gold Dome. 

NOW is the time. | Sen. Jackson extends a call-to-action to put a stop to Senate Bill 140, a bill banning transgender youth from receiving the essential care they need. Additionally, as both clergy and legislator, she provides unique insight into her role in the latest RFRA (Religious Freedom Restoration Act) press conference on Ash Wednesday. Lastly, Sen. Jackson finds great joy in her visits with students from Redan High School and Our Resilient Community and finally outsmarts her dogs by discovering the magic of their newly found "Houdini" abilities.

Bills, Bills, Bills | Sen. Jackson's SB 83 (Stalking Bill) passes unanimously out of Judiciary Committee! She also takes time to discuss the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the negative impact it can have on Georgians if passed. Additionally, she shares highlights from her visit with students from Clarkston High School and much more.

"One of the greatest honors of my life." | Sen. Jackson receives the Firefighter Legislator of the Year Award. She also steps in as Chaplain of the Day, extending an invitation to her fellow legislators to be open to the possibility of changing their minds.

Watch, Wait, and See |  Before making an appearance on GPB's "Lawmakers",  Sen. Jackson takes a moment to share updates about Week 4 of session, the current bills she's heard thus far, and directly addresses the disheartening circumstances of one of her constituents. She also celebrates the arrival of Black History Month while continuing to embrace her own role as a history maker.

Billion with a "B" | Sen. Jackson recaps budget week, while also taking on an exciting leadership opportunity as the delegation chair for Dekalb County. Additionally, she highlights the importance of building community under the gold dome and also does her part to help offset the impact of the current egg shortage. 

We're Back! | Sen. Jackson starts her second term off with a bang while navigating her roles as an Episcopal priest, farmer, and state legislator for District 41.

Episode 31 | Senator Jackson reflects on the disheartening close to session on Sine Die, all while celebrating her peers, their careers, and sharing what she's learned in her first two years under the Gold Dome.

Senator Jackson sits down with Shereetha J. and her classmates at Agnes Scott College for their Technologies of Social Change graduate studies course. In this episode, Jackson uses her unique insight as a priest, farmer, and state legislator to navigate essential conversations on  social movements and the policies that impact those movements; along with presenting opportunities for advocacy during these moments of contention.

Week 11 | With Sine Die on the horizon, Sen. Jackson takes time to close out Women's History Month by having a conversation with Sen. Nikki Merritt from District 9. As freshman legislators and women of color, Jackson and Merritt process their unique experiences under the Gold Dome--highlighting the importance of teamwork, the consequences of speaking one's truth, and what keeps them grounded while doing this good and vital work.

Week 10 | Crossover Day Recap. Senator Jackson navigates  the highs and lows of a nearly 12 hour day under the Gold Dome by sharing what it takes to  shepherd her Mental Health Bill, SB  468, out of Senate--even when the odds are seemingly stacked against it. 

Week 9 |  Leading up to Crossover Day, Senator Jackson provides essential updates on SB 535 (Homeless Criminalization Bill), SB 481 (Second Chance Hemp Bill), and SB 377 (Critical Race Theory Bill). She also takes a moment to share her excitement around running again as the Democratic nominee for District 41.

Week 8 |  Senator Jackson addresses (BAD BILL) SB 535 which targets homelessness by stripping funds from cities, banning permanent housing.  She also provides a recent budget update which could prove beneficial for adaptive sports in the state of Georgia. Additionally, Jackson highlights the importance of advocacy and how reaching out to your state representatives not only matters but can truly make a difference.

Week 7 | Possums, Raccoons, Turkeys? Oh my! Senator Jackson briefly revisits  conversation around House Bill 1147 as her constituents continue to weigh in. She also takes time to share a Point of Personal Privilege from the Senate floor where she addresses the impact of not allowing trans kids to participate in sports alongside their peers. 

Week 6 | Senator Jackson shares an update on her Second Chance Hemp Bill while taking listeners into the legislative weeds  by discussing the current housing crisis.  In addition, she addresses an unexpected topic--the hunting of possums and raccoons--and takes time to have lunch with one of her youngest constituents, Bethany.

Week 5 | It's a great week of representation for District 41 under the Gold Dome! Students from Clarkston High School stop by for New Americans Day and Fr. Dennis Patterson from Holy Cross Episcopal Church serves as Chaplain of Day. Sen. Jackson also provides an update on her Hemp Bill, those cute baby chicks, and much more.

Week 4 | Senator Jackson names the intentionality behind "God, Goats, and Government".  She also shares her plans for Black History Month and what she's learned under the Gold Dome in this week's Committee meetings. More importantly, she explains how Committees work and why they're significant to legislation as a whole.

Week 3 | Senator Jackson celebrates new life on the farm and the launching of the Mental Health Caucus! She also provides a candid update on the hearing for her stalking bill, SB 197, and shares a moment from the well; where she calls out the divisiveness of SR 363 using her own District as a shining example.

**Please note this episode mentions suicide. Below you can find resources of support both nationally and in the state of Georgia. Take care of yourselves and know that you are never alone.** Week 2 (Navigating the Unknown) |  Senator Jackson takes time to discuss both her excitement and frustration with only day 4 and 5 confirmed on the calendar of 40 days of Session and virtually 1 days notice to prepare for an upcoming hearing of her Senate Bill 197 which tackles stalking in the home.  She also shares her complicated God Moment of the week.  If you're thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and also anyone in Georgia experiencing an emotional crisis can text GA to 741741 to communicate with a trained Crisis Counselor. Children and Teens are especially welcome. These services are free, confidential and available 24/7.

Week 1 of Session |  From giving a speech to her alma mater, to an appearance on "GPB Lawmakers",  and also making sure her goats are ready for the impending snow day; a predicted slow start to Week 1 proved to be quite the opposite for Senator Jackson.

Back In Session | Sen. Kim Jackson talks God (Football), Goats, and Government as she prepares to take on her 2nd year under the Gold Dome.

Sen. Kim Jackson ends Special Session on a note of gratitude while continuing to shine a light on Republican tactics to push through gerrymandered maps. 

It's week two of special session on redistricting but Sen. Kim Jackson takes a moment to discuss pastoral care for Ahmaud Arbery's family. She also revisits her experience at the New American Pathways Gala held at Zoo Atlanta and makes space to call out the blatant attempted unseating of Sen. Michelle Au through gerrymandering by Republicans.

Sen. Kim Jackson continues her freshman year under the gold dome with a special November session focusing on redistricting. While doing so, she brings wisdom from the barnyard to the Senate floor as Chaplain of the Day and catches listeners up on all things God, Goats, and Government. 

Senator Kim Jackson shares her roses (positives) and thorns (not so positive) thoughts about her first session as a Georgia State Legislator.  She also takes time to focus on what's ahead as she plans to pre-file a new bill, gear up for another campaign season, and more importantly continues to seek moments of rest and reflection; because this deep and meaningful work is ongoing.

Session has officially ended, but the work continues. In this episode, Senator Jackson  takes a moment to reflect on Sine Die (Poison Pills), budget approval for the Southwest Georgia Project (Black Farmers), and the intentionality of Holy Week (Easter is Coming).

Following her passionate speech from the well in response to voter suppression bill HB 202, Senator Jackson sits down with her mentor, Former Representative Simone Bell. Both Jackson and Bell offer invaluable insight into capitol culture and strategies. Representative Bell also responds to the heart-wrenching arrest of her successor Representative Park Cannon.

Senator Jackson takes a moment to reflect on the 8 lives lost to gun violence in the metro Atlanta spa shooting targeting Asian Americans. She also shares a recent speech from the well while highlighting some of the shady tactics implemented by Republicans in a last minute attempt to push bad bills to finish line.

Senator Jackson experiences her first Crossover Day at the Capitol, talks strategy from the Senate floor to address  voter suppression bills, as well as finds a House Representative to carry her Lease Release Bill, SB75.

Following an unanimous push for her SB75 Lease Release Bill,  Senator Jackson shares her strategy for Crossover Day at the Capitol and her plans to address anti-trans and voter suppression legislation presented by Republicans.

Senator Jackson takes time to appreciate the small victories after a tough legislative week of  targeted voter suppression omnibus bills being pushed by her Republican peers.  

Senator Jackson shares her favorite GOAT---Greatest Of All Time--Black History makers while also discussing  how she prepped for the judiciary hearing on her Lease Release Bill, SB 75.

Senator Jackson talks about her new goat playground, takes a deeper dive into her new Lease Release bill SB 75, and shares essential information to encourage others to become actively involved in their local government.

It's not every day that one gets to experience the fullness of their purpose. However, in this  bonus material from Episode 5 Senator Jackson does just that when she shares a personal moment following her historic first speech from the well.

This week we talk highs and lows as Senator Kim Jackson drops her first bill, gives her first speech from the floor, and takes an intentional step back from her bill on rubber bullets. 

Senator Kim Jackson breaks down her role on the Agriculture and Public Safety committees and the key topics each committee governs. More importantly, Senator Jackson talks self care and shares a prayerful moment involving one her favorite hymns. 

Senator Jackson takes a cue from her dancing goats as she reflects on the joy she felt while watching the Presidential Inauguration. She also offers her unique perspective on increased police presence at the Capitol and shares her plan to introduce her first bill on prohibiting the use of rubber bullets on citizen.