WASHINGTON – During tonight’s State of the Union Address, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) will be joined in Washington D.C. by Monica Simpson, Executive Director of SisterSong. For 26 years, SisterSong has served as one of the most effective advocacy organizations in Georgia fighting for reproductive justice. SisterSong is also the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit challenging Georgia’s six-week abortion ban. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said: 

“The freedom to make our own healthcare decisions is only the beginning. I am grateful for Monica’s leadership in the movement for Reproductive Justice as we continue to work collectively to stop extremist Republican attacks on our freedoms.” 

Monica Simpson, Executive Director of SisterSong said: 

“I am deeply honored to be attending the State of the Union address with Congresswoman Nikema Williams. Congresswoman Williams is a fierce champion of issues that are central to SisterSong’s guiding tenet of Reproductive Justice—including abortion and bodily autonomy, voting rights, racial justice, and LGBTQI+ equality. As a constituent, I have seen firsthand how Congresswoman Williams stands up for women and people of color, and I am delighted to have a seat next to her during this momentous occasion.”

Congresswoman Williams will also host a virtual State of the Union watch party for invited guests in Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. The guests for the virtual watch party are: Ms. Videssa Woods, a retiree who will receive an 8% increase on her Social Security check; Ms. Shawnlea Garvin, a small business owner who provides job opportunities that are typically out of reach for women and monitories; Coty Elder, co-founder of Kitt Labs which empowers members on their tech journey; Ms. Tinesha Shabazz, a single mother who highlights how climate change will have Black communities harder than other communities; Ms. Katrenna Casey, a retiree who would pay exorbitant costs prescription drugs without Tricare for Life; Mr. Michael Wimbish, an Army veteran; and Mr. Morocco Coleman who counsels incarcerated and disabled veterans. 

Congresswoman Williams said: 

“I’m in Congress protecting our freedoms while investing in people. My virtual State of the Union guests show how my work in Congress is improving lives throughout Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. After the historic accomplishments of the 117th Congress, there is still more work to do.” 

Ms. Katrenna Casey said: 

“If I did not have Tricare for Life I would probably be deceased because I would not be able to afford the medicines. If politicians considering cuts to benefits had to rely on insurance like seniors do, they would see things differently. Seniors are on a fixed income and we have to rely on supplemental insurance. Why do we–the greatest country in the world–have to pay for these medicines? Joining Congresswoman Williams for the State of the Union This is an excellent benefit for me to be able to join. I feel fortunate to be invited. This is one of the most important issues facing seniors.”

Mr. Michael Wimbish said: 

“I had prostate cancer and was declared an Agent Orange Veteran. The Honoring Our PACT Act helped expedite my claims process. The armed services has helped a lot of people. One of the main ways is with the pension. I don’t think Republicans would want their pensions taken away from them. Republicans’ agenda is against the people who have served their country. I thank Congresswoman Williams for the invitation and I’m honored that she would even consider me.”

Ms. Videssa Woods said: 

“The extra money on my Social Security check is always handy. The little bit increase is much needed and appreciated. I’m very appreciative of the role the Congresswoman played. The extra money just helps me get to the grocery store and back. It helps me at the grocery store because everything has gone up so much. Just a little swipe and it’s all gone. I’m very excited to get close to the process.”

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District on the exclusive Financial Services Committee. She is a champion of voting rights and builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams is committed to closing the racial wealth gap and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of your ZIP code or bank account.

###