September 18, 2014 – Georgia Watch today presented its 2014 Consumer Champion awards to four legislators for their work to protect and benefit consumers in Georgia.
Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus) received the “Champion for Access to Civil Justice” award for coming out strongly against a Senate bill that would have taken away Georgian’s constitutional right to trial by jury for medical malpractice.
Rep. Mike Dudgeon (R-Johns Creek) received the “Champion for Consumer Energy” award for sponsoring legislation to give Georgia consumers the freedom to choose solar energy and to save money through the financing option that makes that energy investment the most affordable.
Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome) received the “Champion for Healthcare Access” award for speaking out in favor of Medicaid expansion during the 2014 session and for his long legislative record in support of access to healthcare.
Rep. Josh Clark (R-Buford) received the “Champion for Safeguarding Personal Finance Protections” award for sponsoring a bill to help protect Georgia’s youngest residents from identity theft by allowing parents to freeze their children’s credit.
“Georgia Watch is proud to recognize these four Consumer Champions for standing up for the interests of Georgia consumers and to help protect their legal rights,” said acting Georgia Watch Executive Director Liz Coyle.
The awards were presented at Georgia Watch’s annual gala by two of the organization’s Advisory Board members, the Honorable Roy Barnes, former Governor and past Consumer Champion award recipient, and nationally syndicated consumer expert, Clark Howard.
Founded in 2002, Georgia Watch is a statewide consumer advocacy organization working to empower and protect Georgia consumers on matters that impact their wallets and quality of life. Through education, advocacy and policy development, Georgia Watch focuses on safeguarding consumer protections in personal finance, as well as ensuring lower utility bills, cleaner energy, access to quality, affordable healthcare, protecting the right to trial by jury and promoting access to the courts.