Georgia Trend Daily – Feb. 20, 2024
Feb. 20, 2024 Georgia.gov
Gov. Kemp Announces Second Round of Funding Increases for CJCC’s Victim’s Services Grant
Staff reports that Gov. Kemp on Monday announced he has directed the Office of Planning and Budget to again increase funding for the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s (CJCC) Victim’s Services grant using $26 million in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for FY25. Following the addition of over $13.2 million added in December for FY24, this brings the total amount of ARPA funding currently dedicated to this grant to $94,237,210.
Feb. 20, 2024 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Baked With Feminine Tenderness
Sucheta Rawal writes, do you remember the first pound cake, chocolate eclair or apple pie you tasted in your life? Perhaps they were created by your mother or grandmother, and the memories of those treats fill your heart with love and happiness.
Feb. 20, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
State Farm’s Dunwoody office campus could get hotel, 300 apartments
Zachary Hansen reports that the developer behind a massive corporate campus in Dunwoody is looking to incorporate a hotel and hundreds of apartments due to decreased demand for new office towers. Texas-based KDC plans to add 175 hotel rooms and 300 apartments to its Park Center development, a large office district anchored by insurance giant State Farm.
Feb. 20, 2024 Newnan Times-Herald
Hitachi opens new regional headquarters in Newnan
Laura Camper reports that Hitachi Construction Marine Americas celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated regional headquarters in Newnan on Monday, Feb. 19, with a full day of events, including a visit from Gov. Brian Kemp. The company renovated its warehouse and factory into the offices, meeting space and working spaces it needs at the new headquarters.
Feb. 20, 2024 GPB
Investment in early childhood mental health may reduce crime, boost national security, veterans say
Ellen Eldridge reports that investments in early childhood mental health programs are not just important for helping children build a foundation for future education and well-being but also critical for public safety and national security, according to a new report. The Council for a Stronger America’s “Early Childhood Mental Health Is Key to Georgia Kids’ Success” found that educational deficits, crime, substance abuse, and obesity prevent 73% of Georgia youth from qualifying for military service, which makes the country less secure.
Feb. 20, 2024 Dalton Daily Citizen
Georgia bill would outlaw ‘grooming’ of minors
James Swift reports that a piece of legislation making its way through the Georgia General Assembly could make “grooming” a felony offense in the state. House Bill 993 was introduced during the ongoing legislative session on Jan. 23.
Feb. 20, 2024 Clayton News-Daily
Jonesboro Increases Minimum Wage For City Employees
Anthony Rhoads reports, beginning with the first pay period in March, some city of Jonesboro government employees will get more money in their checks. At its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 12, the Jonesboro City Council unanimously approved an increase in the minimum wage for city government employees to $19 per hour.
Feb. 20, 2024 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
GA installs first battery storage system in Talbot County. How it works & why it’s important
Kala Hunter reports, when millions of Georgians begin their day by turning on lights, the coffee machine, take a shower, dry their hair, and run the dishwasher, the energy demand in the state spikes. Clean energy sources like solar may not be available to produce electricity during the peak demand when the sun isn’t yet shining–or if there is a rain storm, for example.
Feb. 20, 2024 Macon Telegraph
Georgia House committee passes a new fishing rights bill, but is it too restrictive?
Gary Dotson reports that a state House committee has narrowly approved legislation guaranteeing Georgians the right to fish in navigable rivers and streams over the objections of representatives of recreational boating interests who complained the bill is overly restrictive. House Bill 1172, which cleared the House Judiciary Committee by just one vote, is a follow-up to legislation the General Assembly passed on the last day of last year’s session.
Feb. 20, 2024 Georgia Recorder
Democrats in state Legislature pitch Georgia public ballot initiatives for popular policies blocked by Republicans
Ross Williams reports, every year, Georgia lawmakers come to Atlanta to make laws. But what if regular Georgians could directly participate in drafting legislation? That’s what some Democratic House members are asking with longshot legislation seeking to amend the state constitution and allow voters to directly weigh in on state laws during elections.
Feb. 20, 2024 Capitol Beat News
Georgia lawmakers take up community solar bill
Dave Williams reports that legislation that would let Georgia Power customers buy electricity from third-party providers of solar energy got a first hearing in the General Assembly Monday. Under House Bill 1152, customers could subscribe with community solar providers for projects producing no more than six megawatts of power.
Feb. 20, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
PG A.M.: ‘Immature’ fight over elections splits Georgia GOP rivals
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Van Brimmer report, the Republican-led Georgia Senate is clashing with the state’s top elections official over the use of QR codes on voter ballots. The rift could offer a glimpse of a 2026 battle for governor between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
