Georgia lawmakers are agreeing to a state budget that will pay full tuition for all college students receiving a HOPE Scholarship while boosting pay for all state and university employees. A House-Senate agreement signed Wednesday sets a $32.5 billion state budget beginning July 1.
Monday on Political Rewind: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has given up legislation that would threaten key health care bills. Meanwhile, Gov. Brian Kemp quickly signed SB 140, which restricts gender-affirming care for transgender minors. And there are new developments at the site of the future Atlanta police training center.
Georgia House budget writers want a $4,000 pay raise for state law enforcement officers, double the $2,000 pay raise proposed by Gov. Brian Kemp for all state employees and teachers. They also want to pay higher rates to health care providers and expand training of new health care workers.
More than 20 people from around the country face domestic terrorism charges after dozens of young men in black masks attacked the site of a police training center under construction in a wooded area outside Atlanta that has become the flashpoint of conflict between authorities and left-leaning protesters.
Georgia lawmakers are watering down a bill to allow heavier trucks on state highways after widespread opposition to the original measure by state and local officials.
Emily Kohrs was between jobs when she suddenly found herself at the center of one of the nation's most significant legal proceedings. The Georgia resident became foreperson of the special grand jury investigating whether then-President Donald Trump and Republican allies meddled in the state's 2020 presidential election.
Georgia lawmakers are pushing bills that would allow sports betting and horse race betting without a state constitutional amendment. They argue such gambling be legal under the authority of Georgia's state lottery. The House bill would allow sports betting only.
Friday on Political Rewind: Released Atlanta police bodycam videos are stoking controversy over what happened the morning an activist was killed and a state trooper was wounded. Plus, Gov. Brian Kemp's inauguration featured a lavish ball, but his team won't reveal who paid for it.
Georgia senators are advancing a bill that would make prison sentences harsher for gang crimes. Senate Bill 44 would add a mandatory five years to sentences for anyone convicted of a gang crime and 10 years for anyone convicted of recruiting minors into a gang.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger wants his state to become an early presidential primary host — just not in 2024, as President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party are pushing. The Republican election chief tells The Associated Press he'd back an early primary in 2028.
Newly reelected Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia is promising to use his first full term to cut deals where possible with Republicans and deliver for his home state. But he's also taking on a new role as an unapologetic supporter of President Joe Biden.
