Making Life Work for Gwinnett Families in HD 97
Affordability
Gwinnett County is one of the fastest-growing communities in Georgia. It is now the home to over 1 million residents. But as our community grows, so does the cost of living—and too many families are feeling the strain: Housing, rent, childcare, and everyday expenses are rising faster than wages. For many in House District 97, staying ahead is getting harder.
Jacques Laurent believes affordability should not be out of reach for the people who live and work here and will work for you in the state capitol.
The Reality
Home prices and rent have risen significantly across Gwinnett in recent years, creating financial stress, particularly in our district.
Many renters are cost-burdened, spending a large share of their income on housing often created by out of state investors.
Longer commutes and traffic costs are adding to the financial pressure.
Wages are not keeping pace with rising expenses.
Families are working harder but falling further behind.
What Needs to Change
Increase Housing Options: Support workforce and mixed-income housing so families can afford to live in their own communities.
Plan for Smart Growth: Align housing, transportation, and infrastructure so growth lowers costs, not raises them.
Support Higher Wages and Opportunity: Invest in workforce development and small businesses for higher earnings. Small businesses power our community. They should reap the benefits.
Reduce Barriers: Streamline regulations so housing supply can meet demand.
The Goal
Affordable housing within reach.
Lower cost of living pressures.
A stronger, more inclusive local economy.
These goals are achievable by laws and policies that Jacenacted by the state of Georgia.
Contrast
While others accept rising costs as the price of growth, Jacques Laurent is focused on making sure Gwinnett’s growth works for working families.
If you work here, you should be able to afford to live here.
Protecting Democracy in HD 97
Democracy
Gwinnett County is one of the most diverse and fastest-growing counties in Georgia, with over 1 million residents and a rapidly expanding electorate. In recent elections, Gwinnett has seen hundreds of thousands of ballots cast, reflecting strong civic participation—but also increased pressure on our voting systems.
Jacques Laurent believes our democracy must keep pace with our growth so every voter can participate confidently and without barriers.
The Reality
High voter turnout in Gwinnett putts strain on polling locations and election resources.
Long lines and wait times have impacted voters in past elections.
Rapid population growth has outpaced investment in election infrastructure.
Voters need clear, consistent information to navigate the process In a district as diverse as HD 97, access and trust are critical.
What Needs to Change
Invest in Election Infrastructure:
Provide counties like Gwinnett with the staffing, equipment, and technology needed to run efficient elections.
Improve Voter Communication:
Make voting information clear, accessible, and available in multiple languages.
Protect the Right to Vote:
Ensure every eligible voter can participate safely and without intimidation.
The Goal
Shorter lines and smoother elections
Greater voter participation
A system people trust
No external interference to our democratic process
Contrast
While others focus on division around elections, Jacques Laurent is focused on making voting accessible, efficient, and trusted for every community in Gwinnett.
Protecting Civil rights in HD 97
Civil Rights
Gwinnett County is one of the most diverse counties in Georgia, with over 1 million residents and a population where more than 60% are people of color and over 25% of residents are foreign-born. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths but it also requires leadership that ensures fairness and opportunity for all.
Jacques Laurent believes civil rights are about making sure every person in our community is treated with dignity and has a real chance to succeed.
The Reality
Language barriers can limit access to services and opportunities
Unequal access to resources impacts education, housing, and employment
Rapid growth and diversity require more inclusive and responsive policies
Many families feel unseen or unheard in systems meant to serve them
In a district as diverse as HD 97, fairness must be intentional.
What Needs to Change
Expand Access and Inclusion: Ensure government services, information, and opportunities are accessible to all communities.
Strengthen Equal Opportunity: Promote fairness in education, housing, and employment so no one is left behind.
Improve Community Engagement: Build stronger connections between government and its communities.
Support Inclusive Growth: Make sure economic progress benefits every part of our community.
The Goal
Equal access to opportunity
Stronger, more inclusive communities
A system that works for everyone
Contrast
While others focus on division around elections, Jacques Laurent is focused on making voting accessible, efficient, and trusted for every community in Gwinnett.
INVESTING IN Public Education in HD 97
Education
Gwinnett County is home to one of the largest and most diverse school districts in Georgia, serving over 180,000 students across more than 140 schools. Families in House District 97 rely on strong public schools but rapid growth and outdated systems are putting real pressure on classrooms, teachers, and students.
Jacques Laurent believes our schools should be equipped to meet today’s needs not yesterday’s.
The Reality
Overcrowded classrooms as Gwinnett continues to grow. Many of our schools are forced to resort to mobile homes, which are barely adequate to teach our children.
Teacher shortages and burnout, making retention a challenge. We need better pay and easier pathway to become and remain a school teach in Gwinnett.
Outdated state funding formulas that do not reflect real costs. The Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula is 41 years old, 10 years older than the world wide web.
Unequal access to resources, from technology to student support services, our kids are often at a disparity to learn.
What Needs to Change
Modernize School Funding-
Georgia must update how it funds schools so districts like Gwinnett can meet the real needs of students today.
Support and Retain Educators-
Competitive pay, classroom support, and respect for teachers are essential to keeping great educators in our schools.
Address Growth and Infrastructure-
Have smarter plans to keep pace with school capacity with our growing communities.
Expand Student Support-
More counselors, mental health services, and resources to support the whole child.
Strengthen Career Pathways-
Expand technical education and workforce programs, creating a pathway to success.
The Goal
A public education system that is: Fully funded, Equitable, Prepared for growth, and Focused on student success.
CLOSING
Our schools should reflect the strength of our community and prepare every student to thrive.