Georgia Trend Daily – March 5, 2026
March 5, 2026 Georgia.gov
Gov. Kemp: Power Grid Technology Leader Breaks Ground in West Georgia
Staff reports that on Tuesday, Gov. Kemp announced that PFIFFNER Group, an international leader in technology solutions for energy, is investing an estimated $18.5 million in a new manufacturing facility in Franklin, Georgia, creating up to 60 new full-time jobs in Heard County over the next 10 years. “PFIFFNER Group joins a growing list of international business partners who choose to create jobs in Georgia because they know it is a good bet,” said Governor Brian Kemp.
March 5, 2026 Georgia Trend Exclusive!
Georgia Ports Initiative Helps Families Repair, Buy or Build Homes
Jana Lawrence reports, the Georgia Ports Authority’s Workforce Housing Initiative has so far helped 178 families repair, buy or build a home in the Savannah area. “A strong community depends on strong families and stable neighborhoods,” said Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch.
March 5, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Why a Norwegian firm chose Georgia for an innovative way to produce aluminum
Mirtha Donastorg reports, whether you know it or not, aluminum is a vital part of your everyday life. From driving a car to gazing out a window at home, aluminum products are what help make that happen. And there’s a good chance some of those products came from a plant about 50 miles north of Atlanta, at an aluminum extrusion plant in Gainesville owned by aluminum giant Hydro.
March 5, 2026 GlobalAtlanta.com
Swiss Firm to Make Transformers in West Georgia With $18.5M Investment
Trevor Williams reports that a Swiss manufacturer of instrument transformers for high-voltage power substations is set to invest $18.5 million to set up a new factory in Heard County. PFIFFNER Group, based in Hirschthal, Switzerland, broke ground Tuesday on the facility in Franklin, Ga., which is set to employ 60 people once it’s up and running in 2027.
March 5, 2026 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Ed Harbison of Columbus, ‘the dean’ of the Georgia Senate, won’t seek reelection
Mark Rice reports that State Sen. Ed Harbison (D-Columbus), the longest-serving member in this year’s Georgia Senate, won’t seek reelection. Harbison, who has been a state senator for the past 33 years, announced his decision Wednesday in the senate.
March 5, 2026 Athens Banner-Herald
Who is Ryan Millsap? Georgia film executive enters US House race
Miguel Legoas reports, a surprise new candidate entered the race to represent northeast Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives, and he’s a notable figure in the local film industry. Millsap is the former chairman and CEO of Blackhall Studios (which is now Shadowbox Studios) where movies like “Venom” and “Blockers” as well as shows like “Loki” were filmed.
March 5, 2026 Gainesville Times
Rep. Rich McCormick qualifies for reelection for District 7
Kelly Whitmire reports that U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick has qualified to run for Congress for a third term. In an announcement on Monday, March 2, McCormick, a Republican who has been in office since 2023, said he qualified in Atlanta for the seat for Georgia’s 7th Congressional District, which includes a portion of Hall and all of Forsyth, Dawson and Lumpkin counties.
March 5, 2026 Marietta Daily Journal
Push to make some Cobb elections nonpartisan advances
Isabelle Manders reports, two Georgia Senate committees have advanced bills that would make certain local elections in Cobb County nonpartisan, signaling the measures could receive further consideration by the full chamber. On Tuesday, Senate committees favorably reported legislation that would end partisan elections for the Cobb County Board of Education, Cobb Board of Commissioners and the district attorney.
March 5, 2026 WABE
Georgia state House unanimously passes tax rebate of $250 for single filers, $500 for joint
Meimei Xu reports, Georgia state representatives unanimously passed a bill to give taxpayers a one-time tax rebate of $250 for single filers, $500 for joint filers and $375 for heads of households. The bill applies to those who filed tax returns for 2024 and 2025.
March 5, 2026 Savannah Morning News, The Imprint
Lawmakers approve $81 million to relieve Georgia child welfare deficit
Jordan Anderson reports, Georgia lawmakers have struck a bipartisan deal to fill the state child welfare agency’s budget hole, following months of scrutiny and a looming deficit that compromised critical social services. Last Wednesday, the Georgia House and Senate finalized the amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget — a sweeping plan that steers an extra $81 million to the Department of Human Services.
March 5, 2026 State Affairs
HOA crackdown legislation clears Georgia Senate
Beau Evans reports that Sen. RaShaun Kemp, D-Atlanta, often hears “horror stories about HOAs that have gone rogue.”Constituents regularly pack community meetings in his metro Atlanta district to slam their homeowners associations, which have gained poor reputations over some HOAs that have foreclosed on houses for things as simple as not mowing the lawn or undesirable window blinds.
March 5, 2026 WABE
Georgia bill to protect student political activity named after Charlie Kirk’s TPUSA passes Senate
Meimei Xu reports, Georgia state senators passed a bill Wednesday to protect certain public student political activities in the memory of late conservative political commentator and activist Charlie Kirk. The bill, which is a legislative priority for Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, passed 46 to 7 and now goes to the House for further consideration.
March 5, 2026 Georgia Recorder
Bill allowing Georgia property owners to sue over homelessness, immigration clears House
Alander Rocha reports, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a measure Wednesday that could allow property owners to sue city and county governments if they fail to enforce state laws related to homelessness, public safety and immigration. House Bill 295, sponsored by Athens Republican Rep. Houston Gaines, passed with a 98-75 vote, clearing the lower chamber just ahead of a key legislative deadline. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.
March 5, 2026 Capitol Beat News
Georgia lawmakers advance legislation to punish protesters who get in the way
Ty Tagami reports that protesters became a target of Georgia lawmakers this week as both the state House and Senate passed legislation to enhance punishment against people who get in the way of police or of drivers. “The danger is real,” said Rep. Ginny Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs, explaining why she wanted to make it a felony to use a vehicle, whether moving or stationary, in a non-violent effort to block local, state or federal officers.
March 5, 2026 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia House approves increased access to birth control, more paid leave
Michelle Baruchman reports that women in Georgia could get greater access to contraceptives, and some could be eligible for more paid time off after giving birth, under a pair of bills that passed in the state House. The Republican legislation comes as both parties have sought to make life more affordable for working families and provide more support for young women and new parents.
