Tuesday on Political Rewind: A discussion with Georgia mayors on governing through the pandemic. Also, an Atlanta federal judge began hearing arguments this week in a lawsuit claiming Georgia’s newly drawn congressional map under represents Black voters. Plus, school mask mandates are being dropped in a number of states. How have the politics of COVID played out in local Georgia communities?
A bill to erect a monument on Capitol grounds in honor of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who was born in Georgia, passed the Senate on Monday. A committee also heard SB 377, a controversial bill that would limit schools’ ability to teach “divisive concepts.”
Monday on Political Rewind: Partisan gerrymandering has reduced the number of competitive congressional seats to lows not seen for decades. Meanwhile, Georgia GOP legislators promote bills that would exert new control over the teaching of race in state classrooms. Also, the federal trial for the McMichaels for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery starts this week.
Friday on Political Rewind: This year's session of the General Assembly might be defined by efforts to control what is taught in the state’s schools. GOP bills banning “critical race theory” and “obscene” books are in the mix. Our panel looks at the potential impact. Meanwhile, one defendant in the federal trial of the murderers of Ahmaud Arbery withdraws his guilty plea, ensuring the hate crime trial will go forward for at least one of the three men convicted in the state trial.
In a one-on-one interview with GPB Lawmakers host Donna Lowry, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan provided an update on the progression of his top legislative priorities.
Thursday on Political Rewind: A look at the slate of legislation in the General Assembly. Among those bills, we discussed a proposed parental "bill of rights” for Georgia schools. Gov. Brian Kemp said the legislation would allow parents a more active role in their child’s education, but critics warn the bill could cause a chill on free speech. Republican governors of other states, like Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida, are pushing similar legislation.
Wednesday on Political Rewind: Permitless carry advances in the state Senate. Meanwhile, more than two dozen business leaders oppose Buckhead cityhood. David Perdue releases his first TV commercial. Plus, we'll hear from a lead sponsor on HB 1013, which seeks to improve mental health resources.
Legislation intended to keep politics out of school board elections advanced out of the Georgia Senate Rules Committee and is expected on the Senate floor on Wednesday.
Monday on Political Rewind: The McMichaels have reached a plea deal to avoid federal charges in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, but a judge needs to sign off on it. Arbery's parents are calling the deal a betrayal. Meanwhile, David Shafer, the chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, has been subpoenaed. He'll testify to the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. Plus, we look at how the Supreme Court could change after the retirement of Justice Breyer.
Friday on Political Rewind: After two new polls show Gov. Brian Kemp with a solid lead over his opponent Sen. David Perdue, the Kemp camp calls for Perdue to drop out of the race. Meanwhile, GOP legislators continue their campaign to increase oversight on the curriculum in Georgia schools.
