This week’s Courier Herald column: When I write about our state’s government and governing, it is often through the prism of the state’s budget. Like too much of life, money is how we keep score. It shows us what we prioritize in spending, and how much we’re willing to take from our citizens in order
This week’s Courier Herald column: With the legislature now meeting in Atlanta and the week for candidates to officially file to put their names on ballots fast approaching, Georgians can now experience the differences between campaigning and governing in real time. You’ll sometimes have to look closely to spot the pivots. Several candidates on the
Last week’s Courier Herald column: If you look around at any business, you’ll likely notice they’re short staffed. Georgia’s unemployment rate is at an all-time low, and help wanted signs are everywhere. Wages for entry level jobs are going up. While the official “minimum wage” hasn’t changed in over a decade, market forces remain at
Last week’s Courier Herald column: As the calendar turns to the second week of January, Georgia’s eyes begin to look to Atlanta. Some are looking for leadership in problem solving, some are looking for campaign fodder, and some are emulating NASCAR fans just hoping for a big crash. The annual meeting of the Georgia General
This week’s Courier Herald column: Georgia House Speaker David Ralston this week unveiled a $75 million spending proposal for “Law Enforcement and Mental Health”. The headline feature of the package is a one-time $1,000 bonus for every POST certified local police officer and sheriff’s deputy in the state. State law enforcement officers received a $1,000
This week’s Courier Herald column: In the 1985 movie Brewster’s Millions, Richard Pryor’s character had to spend thirty million dollars in thirty days in order to inherit three hundred million dollars. There were a few catches. He couldn’t own anything of value at the end, he couldn’t gift the money to anyone or charity, and
This week’s Courier Herald column: There was good news out of the Governor’s office this week, as Brian Kemp sent word that state revenues for November were up 8.3% from one year ago. For the first five months of this fiscal year, Georgia’s tax revenues are up 5.7% compared to last year. This is, unquestionably,
Governor Kemp today vetoed four bills, and offered statements regarding those. At the bottom of the press release, there is a note on a bill he signed, HB 105. It’s important. In the coming weeks, I will issue a proclamation calling for a special session of the General Assembly to pass the Hurricane Michael tax
This week’s Courier Herald column: The Georgia General Assembly gaveled Sine Die late Friday night, ending an unusual 2020 meeting of the legislature. It was a session interrupted by a pandemic, one that gave legislators an up close and personal look at both peaceful protests and civil unrest, and sent budget writers back to the
The Georgia Budget & Policy Institute published a letter urging the governor and legislators to raise new sources of revenue. Thirty-six other signees joined the left-leaning organization including: the League of Women Voters of Georgia, the International Rescue Committee and Open Hand Atlanta. An odd mix to be sure. Charlie has a good primer on
