January 13th, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contacts:
Shaleeka Powell, shaleeka@endpovertyinca.org, (916) 907-4456
Nell Klassen, nell@ellecomm.com
#Listen2Workers Expands to Georgia, Amplifying the Voices of Workers
MACON, GA – January 12, 2026 – Last week, Georgia House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley and Stacey Abrams met with workers in Macon to discuss the urgent affordability challenges facing families across the state. This gathering is part of the national expansion of #Listen2Workers, a narrative-change initiative from End Poverty in California (EPIC) that enables workers to connect directly with their representatives. The campaign aims to ensure that the experiences and ideas of working people inform public policy and legislative priorities.
The event brought together workers from across Georgia to share firsthand accounts of the daily challenges they face, including non-livable wages, inadequate transportation, and lack of access to capital. Lawmakers listened as participants described the impact of these and other issues on their families and communities, and together they discussed actionable steps to address affordability and improve support for working families.
Georgia faces a mounting affordability crisis. Nearly half of all Georgian households are either living in poverty or working but aren’t paid enough to cover basic needs. Moreover, there is a shortage of more than 200,000 affordable rental homes for low-income families.
Launched in California in 2025, the #Listen2Workers campaign connects workers directly with policymakers. A dozen California lawmakers are now participating, and legislators in an additional 11 states have pledged to support the campaign largely through the efforts of the State Innovation Exchange (SiX). In Georgia, in addition to Leader Hugley, other participating legislators include Rep. Dr. Annisa Jones who attended the event, as well as Rep. Lisa Campbell, Rep. Lydia Glaize, Rep. Phil Hugley, Rep. Marvin Lim, and Rep. Kim Schofield.
The campaign’s model centers on community listening sessions as well as one-on-one conversations, where workers share their personal experiences and policy concerns directly with lawmakers. The expansion of #Listen2Workers reflects growing calls for state officials nationwide to prioritize worker voices and ideas in decision-making.
“As elected officials, we have a responsibility to make decisions rooted in the real experiences of Georgia’s working families. By truly listening to workers—their struggles, hopes, and ideas—we can craft policies that respond to their needs and help build a stronger, more equitable future for everyone in our state,” said House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley.
“The Listen2Workers conversation reaffirmed critical truths about this current moment: While people and their families are hurting, they still believe better is possible and they have smart ideas about how to improve their lives. Today’s discussion cements the importance of leaders across sectors taking responsibility and taking action. The time is now,” said Stacey Abrams.
“Workers tend to only hear from their elected officials when it’s election time. The #Listen2Workers campaign is designed to break that cycle. We want lawmakers to listen to workers on an ongoing basis and craft legislation that is responsive to their real experiences and needs,” said Devon Gray, President of End Poverty in California.
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About the #Listen2Workers Campaign
The #Listen2Workers campaign, initiated by End Poverty in California (EPIC), is dedicated to promoting meaningful dialogue between workers and local, state and federal leaders, informing public policy with firsthand experiences, and inspiring civic participation across communities.
About End Poverty in California (EPIC)
End Poverty in California (EPIC) is a nonprofit organization that brings together local leaders, advocates, policymakers, funders, and communities to reduce poverty and create equal opportunity.
About State Innovation Exchange (SiX)
State Innovation Exchange (SiX) is a national resource and strategy hub that collaborates with leaders and organizations to champion community-driven solutions and strengthen civic engagement nationwide.
