In episode five of The Georgia Diagnosis, Rep. Dr. Michelle Au sits down with Rep. Spencer Frye of Athens to discuss listening to constituents, preparing future leaders and turning policy into practical results.

Frye shares how his fellowship gives UGA students a role in shaping legislation. They also explore taxes, public services and insurance costs, along with Micah’s Creek, an Athens Area Habitat for Humanity development designed to make homeownership more affordable and create greater stability for residents.

Notes: Learn about State Representative Spencer Frye below:

State Rep. Spencer Frye represents Georgia House District 122, which includes portions of Athens and Winterville, and serves as vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus. First elected in 2012, he is also executive director of Athens Area Habitat for Humanity. His background in construction, small business and affordable housing informs his approach to public service. Through the Spencer Frye Fellowship, he helps University of Georgia students gain experience in policy research, legislative work and leadership.

Learn more: Spencer Frye’s official Georgia House biography.

What does it really take to pass meaningful legislation when the other party holds the majority? In episode four of The Georgia Diagnosis, Rep. Dr. Michelle Au sits down with State Representative Scott Holcomb to explore how bipartisan legislation actually gets passed in Georgia.

Holcomb shares the behind-the-scenes story of his landmark legislation addressing Georgia’s backlog of untested sexual assault kits, including the unlikely friendship he developed with former Republican House Speaker David Ralston. They also discuss Medicaid expansion, criminal justice reform, and the difficult choices lawmakers face when compromise is necessary to get results.

Notes: Learn about State Representative Scott Holcomb below:

State Representative Scott Holcomb has served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 2011 and represents House District 101 in metro Atlanta. An attorney, military veteran, and advocate for bipartisan problem-solving, Holcomb is best known for his work passing Georgia’s landmark 2016 legislation addressing the backlog of untested sexual assault kits. He has also championed criminal justice reform, compensation for wrongfully convicted individuals, and expanded access to health care. A former Army prosecutor with a master’s degree in public health, Holcomb brings a practical, policy-focused approach to his legislative work.

Learn more at https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/bios/holcomb-scott-769.pdf

Who gets heard at the Georgia Capitol, and what does it take to turn representation into real influence? Rep. Dr. Michelle Au reunites with her former Senate suitemate, Sen. Nikki Merritt, chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, for a candid conversation about Georgia’s changing communities and the work of making their voices count under the Gold Dome.

Their conversation touches on the fight over redistricting, partnerships across Black, Asian American and Latino communities, and an internship program helping prepare Georgia’s next generation of leaders. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how communities organize, advocate and turn a shared voice into action.

Notes: Learn about State Senator Nikki Merritt below:

Senator Nikki Merritt represents Georgia’s 9th Senate District in Gwinnett County and serves as chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. First elected in 2020 after flipping a Republican-held seat, she brings a background in telecommunications, labor advocacy and community service to the legislature. During her 23-year telecommunications career, her involvement with the Communications Workers of America helped shape her advocacy for working families. Raised in Austell, Merritt is a Georgia State University graduate and lives in Grayson with her family.

Learn more at https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/bios/merritt-nikki-4978.pdf