Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 2, 2023
Jan. 2, 2024 Capitol Beat News
State income tax cut to take effect Jan. 1
Dave Williams reports that a $1 billion election-year tax cut the Republican-controlled General Assembly passed last year will take effect on New Year’s Day. For now, the phased-in tax cut sets the state income tax rate for 2024 at a flat 5.49%, down from the current 5.75%. The tax rate will continue to decline annually, arriving at 4.99% in 2029.
Jan. 2, 2024 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
2024 Georgian of the Year | Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines
Susan Percy reports, just over three years from the time in March 2020 when COVID-19 brought Georgia’s Delta Air Lines – and much of the U.S. economy – to its knees, the moment came last fall when the airline announced its third-quarter 2023 financial results: a whopping $1.11 billion in profits, up from $869 million the same quarter the previous year, and record operating revenues of $15.5 billion, ahead of Wall Street estimates.
Jan. 2, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jekyll, ‘Georgia’s jewel,’ is thriving. But development fears linger
Adam Van Brimmer reports that the note is buried in a data-heavy government report, but the words define the risks of this popular Georgia coastal retreat becoming a “disappointing” destination. “Visitors are attracted to the unique natural and undeveloped destination that is Jekyll Island,” the missive reads.
Jan. 2, 2024 Rome News-Tribune
Merger of Atrium and Harbin Clinic Still Under Review by FTC
John Bailey reports, as 2023 comes to a close, merger plans between Atrium Health Floyd and the Harbin Clinic remain on hold pending a Federal Trade Commission review. The proposal, which had undergone an initial review by the federal agency, appeared to be close to fruition until October when the FTC stepped in to take a closer look at the proposal.
Jan. 2, 2024 Savannah Morning News
$30M federal grant aims to ease flooding in Savannah’s Springfield Canal area
John Deem reports that a $30 million federal grant will help address drainage issues in two historic West Savannah neighborhoods near the Springfield Canal. The City of Savannah will pick up $12 million in funding for the $42 million project to reduce flooding in the historic Carver Village and Cloverdale neighborhoods, according to an announcement Friday.
Jan. 2, 2024 Dalton Daily News
Commissioner says Georgia is HPAI-free following November outbreak in commercial duck flock
Staff reports that Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that as of Dec. 27, Georgia has achieved free status for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry following a November outbreak at a commercial raised-for-release waterfowl facility in Southwest Georgia. As listed with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), this designation allows exports and international trade for Georgia poultry products to be restored.
Jan. 2, 2024 Clayton News-Daily
Clayton State-Created English Textbook To Have State-Wide Impact
Staff reports that the work of numerous Clayton State students and professors is now set to impact the academic careers of all Georgia students. Mary Lamb, the Chair of the university’s Department of English, recently announced that a version of her textbook “Connections: Guide to First-Year Writing” — in its 11th edition — is now the textbook for eCore’s English 1101.
Jan. 2, 2024 GPB
GDOT to study potential removal of Savannah’s I-16 flyover from historically Black neighborhood
Benjamin Payne reports that the Georgia Department of Transportation plans to conduct a feasibility study on the possible removal of the Interstate 16 flyover from the west side of downtown Savannah. The Savannah City Council approved in December a memorandum of agreement with GDOT to conduct the $900,000 “preliminary engineering” study, with the state paying 80% and the city paying the remaining 20% through a federal grant from the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program.
Jan. 2, 2024 Fox 5 Atlanta
New year, new laws: Here are the notable laws that go into effect in Georgia
Staff reports that new year often means new laws. However, the majority of new laws that were signed by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp after the last legislative session went into effect on July 1.
Jan. 2, 2024 Georgia Recorder
Wild Hog Supper 2024 kicks off season of Georgia legislative events for policy wonk feasting
Stanley Dunlap reports that Georgians who may be feeling the post-holiday blues will have a chance to perk up for some great food and an even better cause on the eve of the upcoming state legislative session. The premier legislative kick-off event, Feeding Georgia’s Wild Hog Supper, is set to return on Sunday with guests able to devour tasty barbecue and all the assorted trimmings while mixing it up with state officials.
Jan. 2, 2024 Capitol Beat News
State senator taking aim at ‘swatting’
Dave Williams reports that a state senator plans to introduce legislation during the upcoming session of the General Assembly aimed at “swatting,” false reports of criminal activity that send police to the homes or offices of targeted victims. Since Christmas Day, three Republican state senators, a Democratic state senator, GOP Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome, have been targeted by swatting calls.
Jan. 2, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fights over antisemitism, Israel and religion coming to Georgia Capitol
Mark Niesse reports that amid the Israel-Hamas war, Georgia lawmakers are wading into a fraught debate over how to protect Jewish people from antisemitism without restricting freedom of speech. Bills that would make antisemitism a hate crime are poised to become some of the most contentious proposals at the Georgia Capitol after deep divides doomed similar measures last year.
