Georgia Trend Daily – Feb. 4, 2022
Feb. 4, 2022 University of Georgia, CAES
Rising input costs expected to level out in 2022
Maria M. Lameiras reports that the lingering effects of the global pandemic continue to ripple through Georgia, with persistent supply chain issues and inflation affecting bottom lines. But a strong overall economic outlook and confident consumer spending signal recovery in 2022, according to University of Georgia agricultural economists at the 2022 Georgia Ag Forecast.
Feb. 4, 2022 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Political Notes: The Ups, Downs and In-betweens
Susan Percy reports that Scott McMurray is the new assistant commissioner/COO for Georgia Quick Start. The announcement was made by Greg Dozier, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia that administers the Quick Start program to provide workforce training for new and expanding businesses in the state.
Feb. 4, 2022 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Deal could give boost to affordable housing in Atlanta
Wilborn P. Nobles III and J.D. Capelouto report that Atlanta’s housing authority and a prominent developer have reached an agreement to resolve a years-long legal dispute over more than 75 acres of prime city-owned land, Mayor Andre Dickens announced Thursday. The agreement could be a major victory in the city’s effort to unlock more land for affordable housing units — one of Atlanta’s most urgent needs and a major promise Dickens made on the campaign trail last year.
Feb. 4, 2022 Saporta Report
Spelman College receives $10 million grant from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to support innovation, entrepreneurship
Allison Joyner reports that Spelman College announced a grant from The Arthur M. Blank Foundation to support an on-campus creative hub for young entrepreneurs and innovators. Schmidt Campbell, president of Spelman College, said, “through the support of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation the college can expand its existing Innovation Lab, where the entrepreneurial mindset flourishes at Spelman amidst a community of artists, entrepreneurs, creators and innovators.”
Feb. 4, 2022 Clayton Crescent
Ammons new GA NOBLE president
Robin Kemp reports that Georgia Bureau of Investigation Deputy Director of Public and Governmental Affairs Natalie Ammons, is the first woman to serve as president of the Georgia Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Ammons, a 29-year GBI veteran, was named NOBLE National Member of the Year in 2018 and has been a member since 2006.
Feb. 4, 2022 Gainesville Times
North Georgia Food Bank plans this massive expansion thanks to $2M grant
Conner Evans reports that Georgia Mountain Food Bank plans to expand its facility as part of a nearly $3 million project that will add needed refrigerated space after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a big increase in demand. The food bank, which serves Dawson, Forsyth, Union, Lumpkin and Hall counties, has been looking to expand for years, Executive Director Kay Blackstock said.
Feb. 4, 2022 Georgia Recorder
Georgia Senate committee endorses tax breaks for local police donations
Stanley Dunlap reports that Georgia senators are expected to vote soon on a bill endorsed by Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan that would create a $100 million tax credit program to support police and other law enforcement agencies. The Senate Finance Committee unanimously endorsed Senate Bill 361 on Wednesday, at a meeting where Duncan promoted the program’s ability to increase pay, hire more officers, improve training, and better equip local police departments and sheriff’s offices.
Feb. 4, 2022 Gwinnett Daily Post
Buford-area state Rep. David Clark barred from entering House chamber over positive COVID test — despite five subsequent negative tests
Curt Yeomans reports that State Rep. David Clark, R-Buford, announced on Thursday that he has been barred from entering the Georgia House of Representatives over a flap concerning whether he has COVID-19. Clark said he tested positive for the disease, but he added that he has been tested five subsequent times and those came back with negative results.
Feb. 4, 2022 Fresh Take Georgia
Georgia state Rep. Matt Dollar resigns from Legislature
Taylor Reimann reports that Matt Dollar, a 19-year veteran state representative, gave a long and teary-eyed speech as he resigned from the Georgia House Tuesday to take a job with the Technical College System of Georgia. During the current legislative session, the lawmaker authored a bill to create a new city of East Cobb where he grew up and lives currently.
Feb. 4, 2022 Gainesville Times
Former UGA football player, North Hall resident to challenge Rep. Andrew Clyde
Conner Evans reports that Ben Souther, a former University of Georgia football player and Murrayville native, announced this week he will challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde for Congress.
Feb. 4, 2022 Capitol Beat News
Georgia Senate committee holds hearing on legalizing recreational use of marijuana
Dave Williams reports that a state Senate committee held a hearing Thursday on three legislative proposals related to marijuana ranging from expanding Georgia’s medical marijuana program to legalizing recreational use of the drug. But in the conservative General Assembly, the odds of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee voting on any of the measures are long at best.
Feb. 4, 2022 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Jolt: Georgia Democrats have more resources, more to defend in 2022
Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein report that Georgia Democrats are used to mostly playing offense. This cycle they’ll need to play both sides of the court, defending U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s seat while also trying to flip other statewide races. And they’re amassing the resources to do it.
