Georgia governor defends voting law amid corporate backlash

Georgia Gov. Brian kempBrian KempBiden reportedly backs move MLB All-Star Game out of Georgia Delta CEO, Georgia Governor walks away from state election regulations Coca-Cola CEO says Georgia’s voting law is unacceptable and “ a step back ” MORE (R) on Wednesday dismissed criticism raised by business leaders over Georgia’s recently passed voting bill.

“I’m happy to take care of it,” Kemp said of the company’s backlash while appearing on CNBC’s “Closing Bell.”

“If they want to have a debate on the merits and the facts of the bill, we should do it,” he added.

Voting rights activists have condemned the bill, which restricts the ballot box, enacts new voter identification requirements and prohibits giving food and water to voters who line up on the day of the vote. ballot. Many critics claim it would disproportionately affect voters of color.

Executives at Delta and Coca-Cola, both of whom are headquartered in Georgia, on Wednesday called the recently signed voting legislation unacceptable. On the same day, 72 black business leaders signed a letter calling on companies to speak out against the bill in an effort led by former American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault and Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier.

“There is no middle ground here,” Chenault said in the letter. “Either you are for more people voting, or you want to suppress the vote.”

“I encourage these CEOs to take a look at the other states in which they do business and compare the real facts in Georgia,” Kemp said Wednesday evening.

Kemp claimed the bill actually expanded voter access, according to CNBC, highlighting a provision that expands early voting hours in person.

Shortly after Delta CEO Ed Bastian issued a statement condemning Georgia’s voting bill, Kemp responded in a statement, saying he and other state lawmakers “had spoken directly with representatives of Delta on several occasions “while making the bill.

“At no time has Delta opposed the expansion of advance voting, the strengthening of voter identification measures, the increase in the use of secure drop boxes statewide, and the making it easier for local election officials to administer elections – that’s exactly what this bill does, ”Kemp said in a statement shared with The Hill.