Following President Trump’s national declaration of a state of emergency due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Governor Brian Kemp this afternoon declared a state of emergency for the State of Georgia. (press release below) Under Georgia law, the legislature must meet to ratify the Governor’s proclamation. As such, the Legislature, despite being on an indefinite break
Today is crossover day, what is normally one of the busiest days of the Georgia General Assembly. And yet, the thoughts and actions of many are elsewhere, and thus a few words here about the Covid-19 virus, reeling financial markets, potential government responses, and what the next few weeks will likely look like. Imagine if
In a sign that there’s more cooperation on the budget than has been readily apparent to date, Governor Kemp today has requested an additional $100 Million be added to the State’s amended budget to respond to the growing Covid-19 pandemic. Speaker Ralston has quickly sent word that he supports the request. The supplemental or amended
On a day that the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker, and Georgia Economic Development officials spent time recognizing the film industry at the Capitol for the creation of an entire industry that employs thousands of Georgians, Governor Kemp has announced new Economic Development wins across the state. Kerry Group will be investing $125 million into their
Georgia’s is currently committing broadband suppression via a virtual pole tax. Separate bills working their way through the House and Senate are aimed at removing barriers that would reduce the cost to deploy high speed internet services. Supporters of the legislation say it would pave the way to more broadband coverage in rural areas. Opponents
Georgia’s economy remained strong through February, with net tax revenues up 4.1% year over year. The news comes as the amended budget for FY20 is about to move from conference committee to the floors of the House and Senate, with reasonable expectations that revenues for the full year ending in June can be met. Covid-19
Grip and grins are ubiquitous in politics. When someone is an elected member of Congress and a candidate for statewide office, they’re just part of the job. Last week was the annual CPAC gathering, and one of the attendees has since tested positive for Covid-19. Senator Ted Cruz announced over the weekend he would self-quarantine
Speaker David Ralston was the featured guest at today’s Atlanta Press Club luncheon, and he used the occasion to make a bit of news on taxes. With Ways & Means Chairman Brett Harrell in attendance, a tax reform proposal was announced to flatten Georgia’s income tax rates while providing an earned income tax credit. From
Governor Brian Kemp has just sent word that an additional site in Georgia is being prepared in order to isolate and treat Georgians that may have been exposed to Covid-19, a/k/a Caronavirus. Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta is already hosting passengers from a cruise ship. Now, Hard Labor Creek State Park is being prepared
This week’s Courier Herald column: It’s been an unusual session of the Georgia General Assembly, even for a gathering where the first rule is to expect the unexpected. It’s been a long time since fissures within the governing majority in Georgia were as public, and with policy proposals and priorities as disparate. Much of the
