Georgia Trend Daily – March 4, 2020
March 4, 2020 Athens Banner-Herald
Georgia universities, colleges advised to close foreign exchange programs
Lee Shearer reports that the University System of Georgia has posted advice from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advising colleges and universities to consider shutting down student foreign travel on account of the coronavirus’ global threat, and bring back those students already studying in foreign countries.
March 4, 2020 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Macon/Bibb County: Middle Georgia’s Gem
Haisten Willis reports, what’s the best thing about Macon? That can be a difficult question to answer in a city with so much to offer. There’s 17,000 years of history to explore at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, the musical legacy of the recently reopened Capricorn Records, five different higher education institutions each serving a unique mission, massive logistics centers, an airport and nearby military base, and a rapidly improving infrastructure system.
March 4, 2020 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rate cut has limits in virus-proofing Atlanta’s economy
Michael E. Kanell reports that the Federal Reserve on Tuesday reacted to the spreading coronavirus outbreak by announcing a dramatic cut in short-term interest rates, but the emergency move is of limited help to a vulnerable Atlanta economy, experts say.
March 4, 2020 Atlanta Business Chronicle
Georgia-Pacific begins multi-million dollar overhaul of iconic downtown tower
Douglas Sams reports that Atlanta’s Georgia-Pacific Center, the fifth-largest tower on the city’s skyline, is starting the second phase of a multi-million dollar overhaul. Georgia-Pacific LLC, which oversaw the completion of the tower in 1982, is launching a renovation of common areas on the second, third and fourth floors.
March 4, 2020 Milledgeville Union-Recorder, CNHI
Bill would make it legal to brandish a gun
Riley Bunch reports that some Georgia lawmakers are working hard to make it legal for people to brandish a gun. Sen. Tyler Harper, R-Ocilla, introduced the legislation that would make it legal for gun owners to show their firearms during an argument as long as they don’t “aim it offensively” at another person.
March 4, 2020 Savannah Morning News
Savannah council hopes for gun destruction legislation
DeAnn Komanecky reports that Savannah council members got an update on their state legislation agenda at their Thursday, Feb. 27, workshop. Each year the council sets an agenda of items of local impact they would like state legislators to pass into law.
March 4, 2020 Albany Herald, Capitol Beat News
Georgia House to take up paid parental leave for state workers
Dave Williams reports that nearly 250,000 state employees, including 132,000 educators, would be able to take up to three weeks of paid parental leave under legislation introduced into the Georgia House of Representatives Tuesday. The bill would apply to parents following the birth of a child of their own, an adopted child or a foster-care placement.
March 4, 2020 Georgia Recorder
State Senate set to join House push against governor’s budget cuts
Maggie Lee reports that Georgia’s state Senate, like the House, is moving toward a budget that spends a few million more than Gov. Brian Kemp recommends for public health, public defenders and some other key spending priorities.
March 4, 2020 The Center Square
Georgia House green lights pair of health-care pricing transparency bills
Nyamekye Daniel reports that the Georgia House voted Tuesday in favor of two bills that target unexpected medical bills. Heading to the Senate are House Bill 888 and House Bill 789. The two bills are two of several surprise- or balance-billing pieces of legislation proposed by lawmakers this session.
March 4, 2020 Capitol Beat News
Georgia lawmakers put new limits on dual enrollment program
Beau Evans reports that a popular program allowing dual enrollment in high school and college classes in Georgia would get new restrictions under legislation that gained final passage in the General Assembly Tuesday. Supporters of House Bill 444, introduced by state Rep. Bert Reeves, say the amount the state spends for high school students to take an array of college classes has grown too large to keep the program financially afloat.
March 4, 2020 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia House panel backs grocery store deliveries of beer, wine
James Salzer reports that a lmost a decade after the General Assembly approved Sunday alcohol sales by stores, lawmakers may be moving to allow them to deliver beer and wine to Georgians. The measure’s sponsor, Rep. Brett Harrell, R-Snellville, the chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, said it’s a matter of convenience for Georgians who are increasingly getting groceries delivered.
