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  • Crowded Georgia PSC races draw 10 candidates amid rising utility costs

    Crowded Georgia PSC races draw 10 candidates amid rising utility costs

    Crowded Georgia PSC races draw 10 candidates amid rising utility costs

    Two seats, 10 candidates. 

    The Georgia Public Service Commission has gained popularity over the past year with rising utility costs accompanied by a historic expansion of Georgia Power’s grid capacity.

    Two seats of the five member commission are up for election this year. One, District Three, is currently held by Commissioner Peter Hubbard, a Democrat who beat out a Republican incumbent last year. 

    The other, District Five, is currently held by Commissioner Tricia Pridemore, who decided not to run for reelection this year. Instead, she is running for Congress in the 11th Congressional District.

    Because District Five is open for the taking, many candidates have thrown their hat in the ring.

    Three contenders for each of the Republican and Democratic parties have qualified for the race and one Libertarian candidate. The Republicans and Democrats will compete for the party nomination in the primary on May 19.

    Here are the candidates.

    • Craig Cupid, Democrat
    • Shelia Edwards, Democrat
    • Angelia Pressley, Democrat
    • Bobby Mehan, Republican
    • Carolyn Roddy, Republican
    • Joshua Tolbert, Republican
    • Thomas Blooming, Libertarian

    Two Republicans are competing for the party nomination in the District Three race: former Commissioner Fitz Johnson and Brandon Martin. Hubbard is the only candidate on the Democratic ticket.

    Early voting ends Friday, and the last day to vote in the primary election is May 19.

  • Kemp signs Georgia’s 2027 budget focused on growth and restrained spending

    Kemp signs Georgia’s 2027 budget focused on growth and restrained spending

    Kemp signs Georgia’s 2027 budget focused on growth and restrained spending

    Gov. Brian Kemp signed the budget for fiscal year 2027 on Tuesday saying that the plan will keep Georgia prosperous while also limiting government spending.

    “As I always say, our job is to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, because that’s the people’s money, not the government’s! That’s why we’ve saved or returned over $12 billion to the taxpayers, and why we’ll save them even more through the tax cuts I signed yesterday,” Kemp said.

    The budget prioritizes education, public safety, community and behavioral health and agriculture and forestry industries, Kemp said.

    While the budget maintains existing programs, it also allocates new funding to literacy programs for public schools and retirement benefits for state law enforcement.

    “Let me be clear: we’re talking about new spending; we aren’t making any cuts to or rolling back any parts of current programs. We’re preserving existing services while bringing total spending into alignment with projected revenues, just like every Georgia household has to do,” Kemp said.

    Kemp did warn that the state may need to rely on reserve funds to meet the needs of the new budget and cautioned the use of the funds on long-term projects.

    “But here again, I want to stress something I mentioned in my state of the state address back in January: reserves are a limited, one-time resource. As I’ve said before: you can’t spend one-time money on long-term liabilities,” he said.

    Kemp said the budget will need to be monitored through the amendment period to ensure the spending does not outpace revenues.

  • Georgia small businesses struggle with tariffs and rising operating costs

    Georgia small businesses struggle with tariffs and rising operating costs

    Georgia small businesses struggle with tariffs and rising operating costs

    Georgia small businesses are feeling the pinch from tariffs and rising costs.

    Katrina Golden owns Lil Mama’s Sweet Treats which serves coffee and baked goods at the VA Medical Center in downtown Augusta. 

    She said rising costs and job uncertainty caused less people to buy from her shop.

    “Long term, it’s not sustainable for small businesses,” Golden said. “Just bottom line, it’s not. In the past year in my area, there’s been three bakeries that closed, just in the past year. One of them wasn’t even open longer than about a year. We’re still open simply because, one, I refuse to give up.”

    Golden said she used to make $600 per day at her shop and now she only makes $300. At the same time, she is spending between 30-40% more daily due to rising costs of coffee, cups and packaging for desserts from tariffs.

    The Trump Administration has instituted tariffs saying the long-term gain of protecting U.S. manufacturers will outweigh the short-term cost to small businesses.

    Golden also lost a longtime employee because she was no longer able to afford health benefits after the Affordable Care Act tax credit expired.

    Patrice Hull owns the clothing store in downtown Atlanta called Stuff We Wanna Say and is also the founder of the clothing and bag line Created to be Noticed.

    She has worked with manufacturers abroad to produce her clothing line, but tariffs have made importing goods unaffordable.

    “I just stopped ordering because it just wasn’t feasible,” Hull said. “So then I decided to just sell miscellaneous things like pens, journals, hats that some of them I make myself, or not actually make, but I embroider and do things myself. So, in essence, I diluted my brand in order to stay afloat just by selling whatever I could to make a dollar at that point.”

    The increase in gas prices has also impacted shipping costs, which causes a deeper strain on Hull’s business.

  • Kemp signs workforce bills aimed at boosting talent pipeline in Georgia

    Kemp signs workforce bills aimed at boosting talent pipeline in Georgia

    Kemp signs workforce bills aimed at boosting talent pipeline in Georgia

    In a mad dash to sign bills before the Tuesday deadline, Gov. Brian Kemp signed more pieces of legislation Monday focused on strengthening Georgia’s workforce.

    “In order to be the best state in the country for business and economic growth, Georgia also has to be the Top State for Talent,” Kemp said in a news release. “Our skilled and highly qualified workforce is a major reason why job creators keep coming to and expanding in our state. Today, I’m proud to sign legislation that further strengthens our workforce so we can remain the best place for opportunity well into the future, ensuring all Georgians can succeed no matter their zip code.”

    Kemp signed Senate Bill 556, which codifies the Georgia DREAMS Scholarship program under the Georgia Student Finance Commission. In addition, the bill loosens course restrictions to determine a student’s GPA for the HOPE scholarship, establishes a scholarship program for medical students and removes some requirements for part-time work study students at the Technical College System of Georgia.

    “From streamlining professional licensing to strengthening educational opportunities, Georgia is leading the way to ensure our workforce is strong, equipped, and prepared for the jobs of tomorrow,” said state House Speaker Jon Burns in the news release. “The House will continue to support our business community, strengthen our workforce, and invest in the opportunities that keep Georgia thriving for generations to come.”

    Kemp also signed House Bill 1302, also known as the Education and Workforce Strategy Act. The bill allows the newly named Office of Education and Workforce Strategy to coordinate with relevant state agencies on workforce development initiatives.

    Here are the other five pieces of legislation Kemp signed Monday.

    • House Bill 1328 expands the University of North Georgia military scholarship.
    • House Bill 541 expands the Tuition Equalization Grant program to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at specific insitutions.
    • House Bill 1254 moves several licensing boards to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.
    • Senate Bill 432 prevents tuition, technology fees and other funds from lapsing annually through 2030.
    • Senate Bill 553 establishes clear pathways to licensure for specific construction industry professions.
  • What’s the (New)Deal, Debbie?

    What’s the (New)Deal, Debbie?

    Our guest at the Kitchen Table this episode is⁠ Debbie Cox Bultan⁠, CEO at NewDeal.

    ⁠NewDEAL⁠ is a selective center-left network of state and local elected leaders from across the nation. Ther mission is to scour the country to lift up the best and brightest elected officials who are pragmatic and get results – including councilmembers, county executives, mayors, state legislators, and state-wide leaders below the level of governor. We promote their ideas for expanding opportunity, spurring economic growth, and creating broadly shared, sustainable progress. Hear how Debbie and NewDEAL got their start, how they’ve navigated their 15-year (so far) journey through some choppy political waters, and what they have their eye on, looking ahead.

  • Georgia attorney general candidates outline priorities ahead of election

    Georgia attorney general candidates outline priorities ahead of election

    Georgia attorney general candidates outline priorities ahead of election

    A lesser known election that impacts Georgians is the race for the state attorney general. 

    The attorney general serves as the state’s top legal officer and is responsible for prosecuting certain crimes, defending state laws, protecting consumers and advising government agencies.

    Candidates for attorney general have prioritized different issues this election cycle from public safety and consumer protections to civil rights.

    Election Day for the primaries is approaching on May 19, and early voting will end this Friday.

    Here are the Democratic candidates.

    Tanya Miller

    Miller, a former prosecutor, is emphasizing that the attorney general should work as the legal advocate for Georgians, and she says she will focus on issues such as illegal gun activity, gang violence, crimes against children and training for local law enforcement.

    Miller serves as the state representative for House District 62 and chair of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus.

    Allan “Bob” Trammell

    Trammell, a former state legislator and court attorney, has focused his campaign around protection for communities, the economy and the environment, the finances and civil rights of Georgia residents and online users.

    Trammel served three terms in the Georgia House of Representatives and did a stint as the House Minority Leader.

    Here are the Republican candidates.

    Bill Cowsert

    State Sen. Cowsert, R-Athens, has strongly emphasized crime enforcement and changes to the way prosecutions are addressed in the state.

    He has proposed the Safe Streets Strike Force, which will consist of aggressive, anti-crime prosecutors that will step in to prosecute people if local prosecutors refuse.

    Brian Strickland

    State Sen. Strickland, R-McDonough, has focused his campaign around crime and public safety as well as defending Georgia’s election and gun laws.

    Strickland serves as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is a practicing attorney.

  • Gov. Kemp signs tax cuts, business growth bills into Georgia law

    Gov. Kemp signs tax cuts, business growth bills into Georgia law

    Gov. Kemp signs tax cuts, business growth bills into Georgia law

    Gov. Brian Kemp signed another round of bills Monday focused on lowering taxes and supporting economic growth.

    “We’ve remained the No. 1 state for business for a historic 12 consecutive years because of our commitment to growing opportunity and budgeting conservatively,” Kemp said in a news release. “That approach has allowed us to return billions of dollars to taxpayers, and the legislation I signed today will keep that momentum going as we further lower our state income tax rate, deliver on meaningful property tax relief, and ensure job creators have the opportunity to grow and thrive in the Peach State.”

    House Bill 463 lowers the state income tax rate from 5.99% to 4.99% beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and increases the standard deduction. It also raises the retirement income exclusion to $70,000 in 2027 and repeals some tax credits and sales and use tax exemptions. 

    Senate Bill 33 was a priority for state House Speaker Jon Burns. The bill enacts broad property tax reform by establishing a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax to provide homeowner tax relief.

    “When Georgians across the state made clear that affordability was the number one issue they faced, Republican leadership delivered real, meaningful relief that allows hardworking taxpayers to keep more of their money where it belongs – in their pockets,” Burns said in a news. “From another historic income tax rebate and rate reduction to property tax relief and lower costs at the pump, the Georgia House was proud to champion measures delivering results when and where they were needed most.”

    Here are the other 7 pieces of legislation Kemp signed Monday.

    • House Bill 1129 creates guardrails for state-designated enterprise zones.
    • House Bill 1185 modernizes complex corporate litigation policies and revises some standards around the Georgia Statewide Business Court.
    • House Bill 328 increases the tax credit for student scholarship organizations, expands student eligibility and increases accountability measures for program providers.
    • House Bill 445 expands the right of business owners in Georgia to appeal tax reassessments of certain high-value tangible personal property to a hearing officer and establishes new qualifications and procedures for officers handling appeals.
    • House Bill 987 codifies a voluntary framework for independent contractors to receive portable benefits through dedicated accounts, allowing contributions without affecting their employment classification.
    • House Bill 1209 establishes a limited sales and use tax exemption for construction materials used in specific developments near certain state-owned convention facilities.
    • Senate Bill 111 expands the eligibility criteria for rural hospital organizations to include freestanding emergency departments and lowers indigent care thresholds.
  • Georgia groups to host virtual town hall on the 14th Amendment

    Georgia groups to host virtual town hall on the 14th Amendment

    Georgia groups to host virtual town hall on the 14th Amendment

    The Northwest Georgia Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and the League of Women Voters of Marietta-Cobb County are hosting an online town hall next week to discuss the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

    The event, “Constitutional Consciousness: Understanding the 14th Amendment” will stream on Monday, May 18, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

    Legal experts from the Southern Poverty Law Center and Syracuse University College of Law will discuss the amendment and its impact in people’s daily lives. They will also discuss advocacy and how to use constitutional law to influence policy change.

    The event is free, and people can register on Eventbrite.

    Here are the speakers:

    • Arthur Ago, director of Strategic Litigation and Advocacy at the SPLC
    • Professor Paula C. Johnson, Co-Director of the Cold Case Justice Initiative at Syracuse University College of Law
  • Kemp signs 10 Georgia bills impacting agriculture, forestry and water policy

    Kemp signs 10 Georgia bills impacting agriculture, forestry and water policy

    Kemp signs 10 Georgia bills impacting agriculture, forestry and water policy

    Gov. Brian Kemp signed 10 bills last week that impact Georgia agriculture and natural resources.

    The signing follows several days of Kemp approving legislation ahead of the Tuesday deadline to either sign or veto bills passed by the Georgia legislature before they become law.

    “Georgia’s farming and foresting families are some of the toughest people in our state who, despite the challenges of the past several years, have persevered and continue to put food on our tables, clothes on our backs, and provide the material for structures like our very homes,” Kemp said in a news release.

    Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper applauded Kemp’s decision to sign the legislation at the event Wednesday.

    “We’re always going to do everything in our power to support our Georgia farm families, our consumers, our forestry industries and our ag industries in a time of need,” he said. 

    House Bill 117 requires all food service establishments that serve shrimp imported from other countries to notify customers either on their menu or through other signage. House Bill 134, also known as the Keep Georgia Forested Act, expands tax credits for forestry manufacturers.

    Here are the eight other pieces of legislation Kemp signed.

    • House Bill 1159 exempts any payments received from the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program and the Specialty Crop Farmers Program from income tax.
    • House Bill 1008 updates that State Water Plan to revise Regional Water Planning Councils and specifies that Memorandum of Agreements will be renewed as-needed.
    • House Bill 956 expands the use of Solid Waste Trust Fund to include permitting, monitoring, regulation or guidance development, inspections and enforcement.
    • House Bill 983 protects prescribed burning by preventing counties and municipalities from imposing additional barriers on landowners.
    • House Bill 1310 designates cotton as the official state fabric of Georgia.
    • Senate Bill 306 streamlines the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment process to help protect Georgia farmers and farmland.
    • Senate Bill 435 renames the Georgia Development Authority to the Georgia Agricultural Development Authority.
    • Senate Bill 551 removes the egg candling code section from Georgia law for those with backyard flocks.
  • Georgia House names 2026 study committees on health, youth and taxes

    Georgia House names 2026 study committees on health, youth and taxes

    Georgia House names 2026 study committees on health, youth and taxes

    Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns announced study committee appointments Wednesday for the 2026 interim. 

    “Study committees are an important opportunity for our members to continue gathering the facts on critical policy issues ahead of next year’s legislative session,” Burns said in a news release. “Each member appointed to a 2026 study committee brings unique expertise and perspective that will help shape meaningful policy initiatives as we prepare to deliver real, meaningful results for our neighbors across the state.”

    Study committees gather outside of the legislative session to speak with stakeholders, residents and experts about key policy areas impacting Georgians. Committee members often propose legislation based on the findings of the study committee.

    Burns named representatives to 10 study committees, seven of which are Blue-Ribbon Study Committees and two of which are Joint Study Committee with the state Senate.

    Find out about study committee meetings on the Georgia General Assembly’s calendar and more about each member of the committees on the Special and Study Committees page.

    Here are the 10 study committees:

    • Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Community Health and Healthcare Oversight
    • Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Transportation Infrastructure and Vehicle Regulation
    • Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Local Government Taxation, Funding, and Budgeting
    • Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Criminal Post-Conviction Litigation
    • Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances
    • Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Education Performance Metrics and Workforce Stability
    • Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on the Impact of Online Platforms on Georgia Youth
    • Joint Study Committee on Generational Sustainability of Family Farms
    • Joint Study Committee on Evaluating Escalating Costs in Georgia’s Foster Care System
    • House Study Committee on Pharmacy Benefits Managers and Consumers’ Access to Prescription Medications