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Georgia’s U.S. senators, governor trumpet major expansion by solar panel maker QCells
Solar panel manufacturer Qcells plans to expand its Dalton plant – again – and build a new facility in Cartersville, which state leaders say is a $2.5 billion investment that will bring new 2,500 jobs to Georgia. It’s also the latest in a string of high-profile green energy projects planned for the state. The South […]
Georgia lawmakers kick off 2023 session with new House speaker, UGA football on their minds
The state Capitol was bustling Monday with first-day-of-school energy as lawmakers returned to Atlanta for this year’s legislative session. The General Assembly got off to a quick start, swiftly electing a new speaker after the death of longtime House Speaker David Ralston in November. There was another reason for the fast tempo, though: Some lawmakers […]
Georgia lawmakers hope to build on 2022’s mental health reforms
Last legislative session lawmakers stepped up state oversight for a 2008 federal law requiring insurers to provide behavioral health benefits that are on par with physical health. But what happens when consumers try to access those benefits and can’t book a timely appointment with an in-network therapist or find a substance abuse treatment provider in […]
More than 500,000 Georgians could begin to lose health coverage by spring if pandemic-era Medicaid relief ends
Hundreds of thousands of Georgians who have had health insurance through Medicaid during the pandemic could begin to lose their coverage this coming spring under the proposed federal spending bill unveiled this week. The congressional proposal would end the pandemic-era rule requiring states to continue covering Medicaid enrollees even if they no longer qualify under […]
Georgia legislative panel sounds call for state music promoter, revamped tax credit
A bipartisan state panel wants to remix the state’s tax credit for musical productions and crank up other resources for an industry with a rich history in Georgia. The legislative study committee met over the last few months and toured music landmarks like Capricorn Sound Studios in downtown Macon, where the Allman Brothers Band, Charlie […]
Senate panel pushes for new money to support Georgians with disabilities, pay hike for caregivers
A bipartisan Senate panel has proposed funding services for an additional 2,400 people with disabilities next year, putting the state on track to eliminate Georgia’s waitlist in three years. And those state senators are also pushing for a wage increase for the workforce providing direct care for people with disabilities so they can live in […]
Window closing to start 2023 with health coverage through the federal marketplace
The last day to sign up for health insurance in the new year through the federal marketplace is this Thursday. But if Georgians miss the deadline, they can still sign up to have coverage starting in February if they sign up by Jan. 15. Antrell Tyson, regional director with the U.S. Department of Health and […]
Warnock, Walker rally with closers as Georgians vote in droves to build Senate muscle
Sen. Raphael Warnock’s reelection bid received a late boost Thursday from former President Barack Obama, who urged supporters to show up once again in force at the ballot box despite the lower stakes in this year’s runoff. “Some folks are asking, ‘Well if Democrats already have control of the Senate, why does this matter? What’s […]
Federal coronavirus relief aid to deliver $250 million to help bridge Georgia’s digital divide
Dozens of Georgia counties with spotty access to high-speed internet will be eligible for a $250 million pot of grant funding available through last year’s federal pandemic relief aid. Georgia’s U.S. senators promoted the funding Thursday, saying the money could boost connections for tens of thousands of homes and businesses in rural areas of the […]
New Georgia ‘Dirty Dozen’ update spotlights Clean Water Act’s power to rein in polluters
When pollution sullied Linda Smith’s childhood swimming hole on the Canoochee River more than two decades ago, she started documenting the damage with a bulky camcorder and educating herself about federal environmental protections. At first, Smith said her family struggled to bring attention to the oozy algal blooms floating on the surface of the blackwater […]
Georgia lawmakers toast fond memories of courtly GOP state House speaker from Blue Ridge
Longtime House Speaker David Ralston, a consensus builder molded by his beloved north Georgia mountains, died Wednesday afternoon just a little more than a week after announcing he would not run again for speaker because of his health. Ralston, who was the longest currently serving state House speaker in the country, died following an extended […]
Veteran state lawmaker named to lead Georgia’s mental health reform efforts
The governor has appointed the head of an influential behavioral health reform panel to lead the state agency responsible for Georgia’s safety net system for people with disabilities and behavioral health needs. A week after winning another term, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday that he has appointed Kevin Tanner as commissioner of the state Department […]