State Affairs Georgia

29/12/2024

James Earl “Jimmy” Carter was many things.
A Christian. A patriot. A humanitarian, and a builder of homes. A politician. A devoted husband, father and grandfather of 12. A naturalist. A painter and a poet.

Former president Jimmy Carter, one of Georgia’s most celebrated native sons, has died at 100. Carter was born in Plains, Georgia. From a small town to the White House, Carter touched lives around the world.

22/05/2024

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20/05/2024

Election workers nationwide have been under siege for the last four years as people continue to believe the 2020 election was stolen, ultimately making election workers scapegoats. But heading into Tuesday’s primary, some are feeling better about their safety. The story ⬇️

Georgia election workers say they are more confident about their safety heading into the 2024 primaries. Election officials have increased efforts to prepare election staff around the state to deal with safety risks.

20/05/2024

When the U.S. Supreme Court threw open the doors of public schools to Black students 70 years ago, Southern states — such as — did not go quietly when Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka became the law of the land.

“For six or seven years nothing happened. It was like it hadn’t come down,” said Charles Bullock, professor of public and international affairs at the University of Georgia.

Some states took action to desegregate schools, “but the Deep South didn’t,” Bullock said. There was “a lot of litigation,” he added. “Someone said as long as we can legislate, we can segregate. So nothing much happens until January of 1961.”

For years, states did little to adhere to Brown v. Board of Education, University of Georgia professor says.

17/05/2024

Whether they’re concerned with a Supreme Court race or women’s reproductive rights, voters showed up to cast early ballots this week in the Georgia primary election. And Republicans embraced the opportunity more than Democrats, continuing a trend in recent years.

The story: https://bit.ly/3yxsBqd

17/05/2024

For the first time in over a decade, voters in parts of middle ’s Bibb and Houston counties will vote for a new state House representative.

House District 143 is a newly redrawn district that now extends from Macon to Warner Robins. That redistricting prompted the departure of longtime incumbent Rep. James Beverly, D-Macon. His term ends in January.

Here's what you need to know ⬇️

Georgia House Rep. James Beverly decided not to seek reelection after redistricting. House District 143 is now up for grabs, with Democrat Anissa Jones and Republican Barbara Boyer vying for Beverly’s seat.

15/05/2024

In a rare primary challenge, incumbent Republican Sen. Ben Watson faces conservative education activist Beth Majeroni in the state Senate District 1 race in the Savannah area.

Watson has run unopposed or handily defeated Democratic challengers in seven previous general elections and hasn’t faced a Republican challenger since 2010, when he won 65% of the vote.

The Georgia primary is May 21.

Conservative education activist Beth Majeroni is the first candidate to challenge Georgia state Sen. Ben Watson in a Republican primary since 2010.

15/05/2024

Senator Colton Moore has drawn criticism from both House leadership and the Senate Republican Caucus — and now a Republican and a Democrat are running to take his seat.

Georgia state Sen. Colton Moore draws Republican challenger Angela Pence in the May 21 primary. Democrat Bart Bryant awaits the winner in November.

15/05/2024

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In this week’s edition:
✍️ Legislative leaders want to fix problems with getting professional licenses
✍️ Democratic challengers campaign on Medicaid expansion & education reform
✍️ Sen Colton Moore draws criticism, challengers

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14/05/2024

state lawmakers have launched an investigation into why businesses and individuals are having a hard time getting professional licenses in a timely manner, prompting push back from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The story ⬇️

The House and Senate leadership have launched a commission to investigate why businesses and individuals are having a hard time getting professional licenses in a timely manner.

10/05/2024

Since switching to the Republican Party last July, Rep. Mesha Mainor has earned the enmity of many of her former Democratic colleagues, as well as the voters who elected her. Now, she's expected to face an uphill battle to retain her seat.

Rep. Mesha Mainor, Georgia House District 56 incumbent, faces significant challenges for reelection after her switch from the Democratic to Republican Party.

09/05/2024

Gov. Brian Kemp on Tuesday ended a six-week whirlwind statewide bill-signing tour that enacted hundreds of new laws governing agriculture, families, elections, public safety and workforce development.

He also vetoed a dozen bills — including those dealing with homestead exemptions and easing eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship for former foster youths — during that time.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp enacted hundreds of new laws governing elections, squatters, homeowners associations and workforce development. Most took effect upon signing or will take effect July 1.

08/05/2024

Our weekly newsletter is in your inbox 📥

In this week’s edition:
✍️ Mesha Mainor is facing a bevy of opponents for her seat
✍️ Bill adds violation to Soil Amendment Act, but will it stop the stench?
✍️ Kemp sends a strong warning to college campus protestors

Not signed up yet? Get the weekly email that covers government, policy and politics that impact your everyday life—in 5 minutes or less: https://stateaffairs.com/georgia/

08/05/2024

After seven years and millions of dollars in restoration, Heritage GA opened its door last month to those seeking solitude and a chance to commune with nature. But the constant presence of trucks hauling a noxious concoction of waste byproducts from poultry processing plants threatens to ruin those plans.

On Monday, Governor Kemp signed a bill into law that could prove fortuitous for landowners and other businesses battling problems created by soil amendment — the poultry processing sludge used to treat soil. The story ⬇️

A historic catholic retreat in Georgia is threatened by foul-smelling waste from a nearby hog farm. A new law prevents companies with environmental violations from using soil amendments (sludge), offering hope for rural communities.

07/05/2024

After years of enduring intrusive, foul-smelling waste spread on untold tracts of rural land, living near such sites are finally getting some relief.

On Monday, Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law a bill that adds a new violation to the state’s 48-year-old Soil Amendment Act. Soil amendment is meant to help farmers create healthier soil.

Rural Georgia communities have put up with industrial waste being spread on their land, which has caused bad smells and environmental dangers. A new law cracks down on that practice, offering long-awaited relief.

01/05/2024

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis neglected her duties to provide protection from her alleged stalker, state Rep. Mesha Mainor said Tuesday at the state Capitol. Details from 11Alive ⬇️

Georgia Representative Mesha Mainor held a news conference on Tuesday to announce the filing.

01/05/2024

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In this week’s edition:
✍️ How the global bird flu impacts Georgia
✍️ Mesha Mainor alleges Fani Wills and others failed to protect her against stalker
✍️ GOP strategist leaving House Speaker post to join global law firm

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01/05/2024

A two-year-old strain of has heightened concerns in and the rest of the country after the virus recently spread to dairy cows.

Here’s what you need to know about the virus and its impact on Georgia and the rest of the country ⬇️

A two-year-old strain of bird flu has heightened concerns in Georgia and the rest of the country after the virus recently spread to dairy cows. How bad is it? Can it kill you? Can I eat chicken and eggs and drink milk?