Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 15, 2024
Jan. 15, 2024 Georgia.gov
Gov. Kemp Swears In Lauren Curry as Chief of Staff
Staff reports that Gov. Kemp on Friday announced that Lauren Curry has officially been sworn in as Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office, making history as the first female to assume the role permanently in the state. A longtime and accomplished public servant, Curry has served in leadership positions in multiple state agencies, including in the office of former Governor Sonny Perdue and the administration of former Governor Nathan Deal.
Jan. 15, 2024 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Economic Development Around the State
Christy Simo reports, Toyota Industries Electric Systems North America Inc. (TIESNA) is expanding its Toyota Industries campus in Jackson County with a $69 million manufacturing facility that will produce DC-to-DC converters. The expansion will produce 250 new jobs when operations begin in 2025.
Jan. 15, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Middle East crisis can ripple to Atlanta pumps
Michael E. Kanell reports that escalating military action in the waterways of the Mideast could have an impact on oil and gas prices. But experts say a sharp rise is not likely here unless the crisis grows broader and more intense.
Jan. 15, 2024 GlobalAtlanta.com
Leader of City’s International and Immigrant Affairs Office Steps Down
Trevor Williams reports, Atlanta’s face to the world looks a bit different in 2024 as a stalwart leader leaves the department that manages the city’s growing global profile. Vanessa Ibarra, who has served as director of the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs for five years, is stepping down to take care of her son, a decision she said was difficult but necessary.
Jan. 15, 2024 Athens Banner-Herald
UGA, Augusta University presidents support new UGA medical school
Wayne Ford reports, in the wake of Gov. Brian’s Kemp’s announcement on last week to spend $50 million to create a separate medical school at the University of Georgia, top officials connected to both medical schools in the state issued statements supporting the measure. Currently, the UGA medical school located on Prince Avenue is in a working partnership with the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
Jan. 15, 2024 Newnan Times-Herald
Singleton, Crane enter field for 3rd Congressional seat
Staff reports that several familiar names to Coweta County have recently joined the race for an open Congressional seat. Mike Crane and Phillip Singleton recently announced plans to throw their hats in the ring for the 3rd Congressional District.
Jan. 15, 2024 GPB
What Georgia lawmakers are saying about Medicaid expansion so far
Sofi Gratas reports that state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle responsible for making decisions around health care policy seem to agree that Medicaid, and whether or not the state will choose to expand it, will be a major issue this legislative session. The first days of the 2024 legislative session have seen Democrats and Republicans engaging in conversations around the policy shift that would have major implications for the health care industry in Georgia.
Jan. 15, 2024 Georgia Recorder
Georgia governor aims to get down to business with school voucher legislation this year
Ross Williams reports, Gov. Brian Kemp gave a full-throated shoutout to school vouchers in a major speech Thursday, boosting the odds of action on the controversial measure. “As a small business owner for almost 40 years now, I believe – like many of you – that competition and the free market drive innovation and, at the end of the day, result in a better product for the consumer,” Kemp said. “When it comes to education, the same principles hold true.”
Jan. 15, 2024 State Affairs
Kemp’s bold budget hikes, D.C. defiance – Legacy building or astute politicking?
Tammy Joyner and Jill Jordan Sieder report, over the past two years, many students who’ve ridden the bus to Woodland High School in Stockbridge have often missed their first period class because there weren’t enough bus drivers. That shortage forced existing drivers to double up on routes, making kids late to school.
Jan. 15, 2024 Rome News-Tribune
State Lawmakers Head Back to Start Budget Hearings
Diane Wagner reports that the Georgia General Assembly is slated to reconvene Tuesday for a week of budget presentations. The joint House and Senate appropriations hearings do not count toward the 40 days of the session.
Jan. 15, 2024 Capitol Beat News
State Senate bill targets cyberbullying
Dave Williams reports that State Sen. Jason Anavitarte introduced legislation this week aimed at protecting teenagers from cyberbullying and other negative effects of social media. Anavitarte, R-Dallas, and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who presides over the Senate, first announced they planned to target social media last summer.
Jan. 15, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At RFK Jr.’s Atlanta rally, frustrated conservatives seek another choice
Greg Bluestein reports, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brought his longshot White House campaign to Georgia on Sunday with a downtown Atlanta event that was part campaign rally and part petition drive to secure the independent candidate a spot on the November ballot. If Sunday’s event was any indication, the anti-vaccine activist will have a long way to go to gather the thousands of signatures needed.
