Georgia Trend Daily – March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024 Georgia.gov
Gov. Kemp Announces Incoming Adjutant General of Georgia National Guard
Staff reports that Gov. Kemp, on Friday, congratulated Major General Richard “Dwayne” Wilson on his selection to become the Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard, effective May 4, 2024. This follows Major General Thomas Carden’s appointment to Deputy Commander of the United States Northern Command/Vice Commander of the United States Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command, at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado.
March 18, 2024 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
The importance of supporting Georgia’s rural hospitals
Jason Bearden reports, hospitals are the heart of Georgia’s rural economy, and now more than ever, they need our support. Despite their importance to the communities they serve, rural hospitals currently face significant challenges that threaten their existence.
March 18, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
End of 6% real estate commissions could mean lower home prices
Michael E. Kanell reports that the unprecedented deal that eliminates the standard 6% sales commission in millions of home sales could dramatically change the way the home market works, slashing pay for agents and costs for consumers — sparking debate about whether the change will mean lower home prices. In settling a series of lawsuits, the National Association of Realtors agreed early Friday to pay $418 million in damages and abolish its rules on the share of sales price that is paid to agents and brokers.
March 18, 2024 Savannah Morning News
Savannah awarded key grant to plan I-16 flyover removal, receives support from Senator Warnock
Evan Lasseter reports that the City of Savannah received an important tranche of funding for planning the Interstate 16 flyover’s removal in downtown Savannah, another step in the city’s long-term goals to complete the project. The award comes in at $1.8 million through the federal Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant program, which is stood up by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
March 18, 2024 Augusta Chronicle
Report: $23 billion in clean energy projects ranks Georgia second nation for creating jobs
Erica Van Buren reports that a recent report ranks Georgia second in the nation for clean energy projects, creating nearly 30,000 clean energy jobs. Throughout the state, new clean energy projects have spurred $23.12 billion in investment, the second highest in the nation, in four sectors − solar, batteries, electric vehicles and other clean energy technologies − according to the Climate Power Clean Energy Boom report.
March 18, 2024 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Tea For Any Season
Sucheta Rawal reports, picture ladies and gentlemen seated at a lively parlor decorated with crystal chandeliers, white linens, and colorful flowers. China cabinets are filled with assorted plates and cups (sometimes neighbors drop off family heirlooms as donations), while classic period paintings adorn the walls.
March 18, 2024 Marietta Daily Journal
Ossoff Demands Action Against Fraudsters Targeting Veterans
Joe Adgie reports that Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia, is demanding the Federal Trade Commission step in to protect veterans from what he called “claim sharks,” who charge high fees to veterans filing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Ossoff made the demand flanked by veterans and representatives from the American Legion Post 160 in Smyrna on Friday.
March 18, 2024 Georgia Recorder
Efforts to help Georgia’s homeless population advanced by local governments, volunteers
Adalei Stephens reports that thousands gather each year in Georgia and nationwide during the last 10 days of January to conduct the annual homelessness census that guides legislative, funding and support efforts. The Point-in-Time headcount is the most comprehensive census for sheltered and unsheltered individuals.
March 18, 2024 State Affairs
Major GOP legislative priorities clear hurdles to move forward
Tammy Joyner and Jill Jordan Sieder report that two of the most substantial bills of the session — both high-priority do-overs for Republicans — cleared major hurdles this week after lengthy debates in each chamber. The Senate passed legislation to make major changes to Georgia’s law governing medical services and where medical facilities are built. And the House approved a controversial private school voucher bill.
March 18, 2024 Macon Telegraph
Georgia senator hopes bill will support first-time homebuyers amid affordability ‘crisis’
Myracle Lewis reports that a Georgia senator is filing legislation he hopes will address Georgia’s current housing affordability issues, which his office referred to as a “crisis.” The state has been ranked as the 13th-worst state in the nation for home buyers to purchase a starter home, according to Construction Coverage.
March 18, 2024 GPB
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff introduces legislation to protect election workers, polling places from threats
Ambria Burton reports, last week in Congress, Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff introduced legislation that would prevent acts of violence and threats against election workers and at poll places. Georgia election workers Shaye Moss and her mother Ruby Freeman were threatened after the 2020 election.
March 18, 2024 Capitol Beat News
Suspension of data centers tax break clears General Assembly
Dave Williams reports that legislation temporarily suspending a state sales tax exemption aimed at attracting data centers to set up operations in Georgia has barely made it through the General Assembly. The state Senate gave the bill final passage Thursday 29-22, the minimum number of votes needed to pass legislation in the 56-member chamber.
March 18, 2024 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New bill looks to regulate Georgia’s booting industry
Jozsef Papp reports that a new bill currently in the Georgia Senate looks to regulate the booting industry in the state, after an attempt to ban the practice last year failed. House Bill 119, introduced by State Senator Josh McLaurin, D-Atlanta, looks to deal with what he says are the two “most abusive practice of the industry.”
