What Sen. Jon Ossoff told over 1,300 at Women’s Empowerment Luncheon in Columbus
Over a thousand people gathered in the Columbus Convention and Trade Center on Friday for the 22nd annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon, with U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) speaking as a surprise guest.
In addition to vendors, there were over 1,300 attendees to the luncheon, Hayley Tillery, executive director of the trade center, told the Ledger-Enquirer.
“This is probably the most attendance we’ve had so far,” Gavin Henry, of Davis Broadcasting, told the Ledger-Enquirer.
This event was hosted by Davis Broadcasting. It has been a long-time mission of the Davis family, Tillery said.
“We are humbled that the anticipation and excitement for the Women’s Empowerment Luncheon grows year after year,” Cheryl Davis, chief operating officer for Davis Broadcasting, said in a news release.
Guest speakers
This year’s theme was “Choose Kindness,” according to the news release, with actor and director Tasha Smith, known for her roles in “Bad Boys,” “Ride or Die” and “Empire,” providing the keynote speech.
Ossoff provided spoke as a special guest who wasn’t listed on the event’s program.
During his speech, Ossoff thanked the miliary service members in the room and reflected on the U.S. forces in combat.
“We unite in extending our love, sympathy, support and condolences to the bereaved,” Ossoff said. “We pray for the survival and the recovery of the wounded.”
Much of Ossoff’s speech was focused on healthcare as he criticized blocking Medicaid expansion, the state’s abortion laws and the shutdown of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee.
“Let’s stop pretending that those responsible for this are serious, competent people,” Ossoff said during his speech. “They’re up in Atlanta having a steak at The Palm, handing out your tax dollars to their donors, while women are bleeding out in Georgia labor wards because they didn’t get prenatal care.”
Reversing Medicaid cuts to address the closing of hosipitals and decreasing access to healthcare will be one of his priorities if reelected, Ossoff told the Ledger-Enquirer in an interview after his speech.
St. Mary’s Hospital in Lavonia, Georgia, has shut down its labor and delivery unit, citing Medicaid cuts, he said.
“Now, a laboring mother delivering a child may have to drive an hour or more to get care,” Ossoff said. “That’s just unacceptable in the wealthiest country in the world.”
