AIA W/Event
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GOOD MORNING! We’re 18 days away from Sine Die, also known as the final day of the Georgia legislative session. State lawmakers are off today. They’ll be back tomorrow.
Here are five other things to know for today:
- For now, THC-infused drinks are legal alternatives to alcohol. But a bill moving through the state Legislature could ban them, the AJC’s Mark Niesse reports.
- Before leaving office, former Georgia U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson used his campaign cash to pay for lavish trips to a ski resort and a concert festival, the AJC’s Tia Mitchell and Phoebe Quinton report.
- Legislation approved by Congress late last week gives President Donald Trump the authority to end the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s research on gun violence, opioid abuse and suicide, the AJC’s Michael Scaturro reports.
- Georgia lawmakers are considering stiffer penalties for fentanyl trafficking and possession, the AJC’s Caleb Groves reports.
- The AJC’s Michelle Baruchman looks at how Gov. Brian Kemp’s litigation overhaul proposal would impact health care.
KEMP TRAVELS
As the fight over Gov. Brian Kemp’s litigation overhaul thickened last week, the Republican was monitoring the back-and-forth from afar.
The governor, recently elected as chair of the Republican Governors Association, was in Florida raising cash for the organization. One picture showed him on a yacht with GOP donors Philip and Tikky Nicozisis.
His political adviser, Cody Hall, said to expect Kemp to keep up the travel schedule.
“As Chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Governor Kemp will continue traveling the country raising money and building support for the organization to ensure we elect Republican governors in Georgia and other states across the nation in 2025, 2026, and beyond.”
So where do things stand with his overhaul? Supporters expect a vote on the House floor this week, though they also anticipate an amendment with changes to the legislation, designed to limit certain lawsuits and curb big jury awards.
Among the parts of the bill under scrutiny is a provision that could make it harder for victims of sex crimes to seek civil damages. Another would create bifurcated trials, which allows cases to be split into two stages — deciding fault, then damages — rather than considering everything at once.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY AGING IN ATL
Do you have questions for yourself, a parent or a relative about aging? This event is for you
Join the AJC for an informative event about aging well in Atlanta. Hear from healthcare and wellness experts and learn ways to maximize your local pharmacy. Get educated on the best ways to manage your estate and avoid costly pitfalls. Learn how to make sure your wishes on important healthcare decisions are known and easily executed by loved ones. Explore Medicare plans and learn how to avoid scams. We’re looking forward to seeing you Wednesday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Georgia International Convention Center.
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BORROWING
When it comes to building things, Gov. Brian Kemp pays cash — and he’s proud of it.
The Republican governor has touted how last year Georgia did not borrow money to pay for construction projects. He wants to do it again this year. But he’s getting pushback from the Republicans who control the state House of Representatives.
The House budget would borrow more than $321 million to build schools and prisons as well as purchase school buses, the AJC’s David Wickert reports. House Appropriations Committee Chair Matt Hatchett, R-Dublin, said it’s one-third the amount of debt the state has typically issued in past budget years.
“Debt in Georgia is not the same debt in Washington, D.C., where cash is borrowed to pay for runaway spending,” Hatchett said, noting Georgia is one of several states with a AAA bond rating from the major agencies.
Senate Republicans appeared cool to the idea, with several budget chairs last week saying the House’s budget exceeds the state’s revenue estimate. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, said removing the bond package would reduce state revenues by about $300 million. That’s why he has asked state agency heads to prepare for a potential 1% budget cut.
“The request is made to get your input on potential future budgetary changes,” Tillery told department heads. “If you would prefer to not provide such information, should the Senate take the position of the Governor and not create a bond package, we may be forced to reduce your budget without your input.”
GOOD MORNING! We’re 18 days away from Sine Die, also known as the final day of the Georgia legislative session. State lawmakers are off today. They’ll be back tomorrow.
Here are five other things to know for today:
- For now, THC-infused drinks are legal alternatives to alcohol. But a bill moving through the state Legislature could ban them, the AJC’s Mark Niesse reports.
- Before leaving office, former Georgia U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson used his campaign cash to pay for lavish trips to a ski resort and a concert festival, the AJC’s Tia Mitchell and Phoebe Quinton report.
- Legislation approved by Congress late last week gives President Donald Trump the authority to end the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s research on gun violence, opioid abuse and suicide, the AJC’s Michael Scaturro reports.
- Georgia lawmakers are considering stiffer penalties for fentanyl trafficking and possession, the AJC’s Caleb Groves reports.
- The AJC’s Michelle Baruchman looks at how Gov. Brian Kemp’s litigation overhaul proposal would impact health care.
KEMP TRAVELS
As the fight over Gov. Brian Kemp’s litigation overhaul thickened last week, the Republican was monitoring the back-and-forth from afar.
The governor, recently elected as chair of the Republican Governors Association, was in Florida raising cash for the organization. One picture showed him on a yacht with GOP donors Philip and Tikky Nicozisis.
His political adviser, Cody Hall, said to expect Kemp to keep up the travel schedule.
“As Chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Governor Kemp will continue traveling the country raising money and building support for the organization to ensure we elect Republican governors in Georgia and other states across the nation in 2025, 2026, and beyond.”
So where do things stand with his overhaul? Supporters expect a vote on the House floor this week, though they also anticipate an amendment with changes to the legislation, designed to limit certain lawsuits and curb big jury awards.
Among the parts of the bill under scrutiny is a provision that could make it harder for victims of sex crimes to seek civil damages. Another would create bifurcated trials, which allows cases to be split into two stages — deciding fault, then damages — rather than considering everything at once.
BORROWING
When it comes to building things, Gov. Brian Kemp pays cash — and he’s proud of it.
The Republican governor has touted how last year Georgia did not borrow money to pay for construction projects. He wants to do it again this year. But he’s getting pushback from the Republicans who control the state House of Representatives.
The House budget would borrow more than $321 million to build schools and prisons as well as purchase school buses, the AJC’s David Wickert reports. House Appropriations Committee Chair Matt Hatchett, R-Dublin, said it’s one-third the amount of debt the state has typically issued in past budget years.
“Debt in Georgia is not the same debt in Washington, D.C., where cash is borrowed to pay for runaway spending,” Hatchett said, noting Georgia is one of several states with a AAA bond rating from the major agencies.
Senate Republicans appeared cool to the idea, with several budget chairs last week saying the House’s budget exceeds the state’s revenue estimate. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, said removing the bond package would reduce state revenues by about $300 million. That’s why he has asked state agency heads to prepare for a potential 1% budget cut.
“The request is made to get your input on potential future budgetary changes,” Tillery told department heads. “If you would prefer to not provide such information, should the Senate take the position of the Governor and not create a bond package, we may be forced to reduce your budget without your input.”
About the Author
Ron is the lead Anchorman for Channel 4, a local San Diego news station alongside Brick Tamland, Brian Fantana and Champion "Champ" Kind. They enjoy success as the number one news station in San Diego and routinely attend parties to celebrate this accomplishment.
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