Staff reports that the State of Georgia’s net tax collections for January totaled $2.25 billion, for a decrease of $314.1 million, or -12.2 percent, compared to January 2018, when net tax collections totaled roughly $2.57 billion. Year-to-date, net tax collections totaled $14.07 billion, for an increase of $202.8 million, or 1.5 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year, when net tax revenues totaled $13.87 billion.
Ben Young reports, this year’s legislative session represents a changing of the guard, with our first new governor in eight years, our first new lieutenant governor in 12 years and many new faces in both chambers. Planning for the 2020 budget will likely continue along the conservative path of former Gov. Nathan Deal, who established a decent rainy day fund in his term and budgeted for only modest increases in revenue.
Bo Emerson reports that the colossal “The Battle of Atlanta” painting, which once toured city to city like a rock musician, has seen hard times. It’s been torn, stained, ripped, abandoned and left out in the weather.
David Allison reports that Atlanta-based media giant Cox Enterprises Inc. is in talks to sell its TV stations to Apollo Global Management LLC for nearly $3 billion, Reuters reported citing unnamed sources.
J. K. Devine reports, for the second consecutive year, the University of North Georgia (UNG) has been recognized nationally as a top-producing university for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The recognition is for the current academic year. The Fulbright is a prestigious and highly competitive fellowship that enables graduate students to pursue academic endeavors overseas.
Isabel Hughes reports that after years of delay, the merger between Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Health System, the parent of Gwinnett Medical Center, has finally been approved, officials announced Tuesday. In a statement, the systems said that late last week, the Federal Trade Commission completed its review of the merger and gave its approval to move forward.
Morgan Carter reports that Gov. Brian Kemp announced his elected officials for Georgians First Commission Tuesday. Kemp named Cade Joiner and James Whitley to co-chair the commission. The two will lead the 18 member organization and report recommendations back to the governor’s office.
Trevor Williams reports, facing a tougher year than expected in 2018, Mohawk Industries nonetheless made key acquisitions around its global system that executives believe will set the Calhoun, Ga.-based flooring on better footing by 2020.
LonaPanter reports, thanks to a $3 million gift—the largest outright donation in school history—the University of Georgia School of Law will be able to continue transforming the legal education experience for many of its first-generation college graduates. The First-Start Scholars Program, created by a lead gift from 1982 alumna Kathelen V. Amos and the Daniel P. Amos Family Foundation, will begin awarding scholarships in the fall of 2019.
Wes Wolfe reports, it’s been a long time coming, but the U.S. Senate passed a massive public lands bill Tuesday, and included is a provision expanding the boundaries of Fort Frederica National Monument. “I am so pleased to see the Senate pass this legislation to preserve the rich, historical significance and archaeological heritage of some of Georgia’s oldest landmarks,” U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., said in a statement.
Diane Wagner reports that legislation creating a centralized state database of social services is moving through the House with powerful backers, and the sponsor says a recent change to federal law makes it imperative to pass it now. “Some federal programs under Family First are going to affect DFCS and foster care greatly,” said Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome. “There are waivers available, but we’re going to need that data to show what’s working.”
Sam Whitehead reports that Gov. Brian Kemp says helping students with mental health issues will make schools safer, and he’s putting money behind that idea. His proposed amended FY2019 budget includes $8.4 million for the Georgia Apex Program, which brings mental health professionals into public high schools to supplement the counseling services they already provide.
Doug Richards reports that Georgia lawmakers have introduced a bill that would raise their salaries by more than 300 percent. Legislators only make about $17,000 a year for work that is technically part-time. On a typical February day at the Capitol, lawmakers are at the center of a beehive of constituents, lobbyists and influencers. And among them all, the legislators are among the most poorly paid.
Andy Miller reports, this could be the General Assembly session that rocks Georgia health care. Between the regulatory reform measures already introduced, and the coming bill on federal “waivers,’’ lawmakers have a chance to reconfigure the medical landscape in the state.
Jim Galloway reports, if you’re looking for the point at which Republicans in Georgia began their slow turn toward Obamacare and the expansion of health care coverage it offers, 2015 is one of several places to start. That’s when the state’s business leaders were presented with evidence that the U.S. could quickly end up with two economies: One for states with adequate health care, and another for states without.
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced it is providing $6 million to fund new college and career academies in Muscogee and Catoosa counties. The new academies will offer high school students learning experiences that combine classroom instruction with real-world applications in several of Georgia’s leading industries. The goal is to prepare students for […]
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) recently designated seven cities as Rural Zones. Adel, Douglas, Eatonton, Forsyth, Rossville, Villa Rica and Washington will be eligible to receive tax credits for individuals who create jobs and make qualifying investments in the cities’ historic downtown areas. The Rural Zone designation lasts for five years and projects […]
Exotic destinations throughout the world. Luxury accommodations that include gourmet meals prepared by five-star chefs. Experienced, knowledgeable and attentive guides. If these sound like they’d be a good fit for a family member’s or friend’s bucket list, a travel experience with Aggressor Adventures could be the perfect holiday gift. The Augusta company has been in […]
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