As you may know, I am running for Lieutenant Governor. Our campaign is about providing Georgians with the opportunity to achieve the American dream, which includes home ownership, a high quality job or an ability to start a business, real healthcare, and an ability to provide a bright and safe future for oneself and one's family. 

To allow all Georgians to take advantage of new opportunities, we must invest in critical tools early. In education, a constitutional amendment to require reduced class sizes, placing school safety officers in dangerous schools, and providing economic incentives to ensure that great teachers serve in low performing schools are critical components to bringing Georgia out of fiftieth place in the nation in education. 

Health insurance is another critical tool for securing a family. Last year, 48,000 children were cut from a health insurance program known as PeachCare. This self-responsibility program allowed for primary and preventative care for children of working families who pay group health insurance premiums. However, these massive cuts have resulted in thousands of unreimbursed emergency room visits costing all Georgians millions of dollars in higher premiums and higher healthcare costs. We must restore this program which brings millions of tax dollars back to Georgia resulting from a 70% federal match for every 30% contribution made by our state. 

Also, giving people the opportunity to become homeowners, business owners, or to gain a college or technical education is a critical part of our campaign. Tax exempt savings accounts of a certain amount each year for first time home ownership, college or technical education, or business startup are other critical tools to turning Georgia into a state of savers, as opposed to a state of foreclosure and credit card debt. These accounts, known as Individual Development Accounts, which I proposed in 2002 in the Georgia Senate, can provide a tremendous opportunity for all Georgians to achieve the American dream. 

I hope you will consider joining our campaign of opportunity and substantive solutions. These goals are lofty, but achievable. We are asking people to invite us to speak to local groups, to send us concepts on solving Georgia's problems, and to provide a financial contribution if they can for the campaign. A February 18, 2005 poll by McLaughlin and Associates showed us with a five point lead over our biggest rival, Ralph Reed, in the other primary. We believe Mr. Reed will come out of that primary, and we must build on our present momentum for the general election. Please feel free to check out our website after March 10, 2005 at www.greghecht.com. Thank you for your consideration. 

Contact Greg K. Hecht