The blog.

24
Mar

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for March 24, 2023

Bunny is a young female Labrador Retriever and Vizsla mix puppy who is available for adoption from Butts Mutts in Jackson, GA.

It’s always Tongues Out Tuesday for this gorgeous girl BUNNY. Apparently BUNNY heard the expression, “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!” BUNNY girl is always smiling! She’s sweet, loving, smart and playful.

Any guesses as to why she landed that name?! Well y’all…she hops! Like a BUNNY. She has the cutest, quirkiest little bounce when she’s playing. Don’t wait until Easter to bring this BUNNY home! She needs a home now, and her happy energy will put a smile on your face! To Foster or Adopt BUNNY, apply at www. buttsmutts.com.

Boomer is a male Golden Retriever and mix who is available for adoption from Butts Mutts in Jackson, GA.

Sweet Boomer! So hard to photograph this active boy! Boomer isn’t hyper, but he is very busy exploring and trying to see what his humans are up to. He’s a curious boy and very smart! Boomer has a charming personality and a heart-warming smile. To Foster or Adopt, please apply at www.buttsmutts.com.

Luke is a young male Bloodhound and Weimaraner mix puppy who is available for adoption from Butts Mutts in Jackson, GA.

Luke has lived a hard life to be so young. He was found eemaciated and left to starve. One of our dedicated fosters has nursed him back to a healthy weight and gives him the love that he needs but now Luke is ready to find his FUR-ever family that will never abandon him again. He is 6 mos old, 50 lbs, very playful, great around the foster’s chickens, other dogs and cats too. We are still learning more about this handsome boy but if you are interested in being his happily ever after apply to adopt Luke at buttsmutts.com.

24
Mar

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for March 24, 2023

On March 26, 1734, the British House of Commons voted for spending £10,000 to subsidize the Georgia colony, down from £26,000 the previous year.

The British Parliament closed the Port of Boston on March 25, 1774, passing the Boston Port Act in retaliation for the destruction of $1 million worth of tea in the Boston Tea Party.

On March 24, 1824, the Marquis de LaFayette visited Augusta, Georgia.

On this date in 1825, LaFayette, a beloved French hero of the American Revolution, stopped in Augusta on his nationwide tour, and thousands turned out to greet him.

Storekeepers displayed all sorts of LaFayette gear – hats, portraits, souvenirs. An arch was constructed over Broad Street. A platform big enough to hold 600 diners was put up in front of the courthouse on Greene Street.

On March 26, 1920, This Side of Paradise, the debut novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald was published. The author was 23 years old.

Flannery O’Connor was born on March 25, 1925 in Savannah, Georgia. She would come to be recognized as one of the greatest American fiction writers. O’Connor graduated from the Georgia State College for Women, now called Georgia College and State University. She returned to Milledgeville in 1951, living at the family farm, called Andalusia, until her death at age 39 in 1964.

At GCSU, the Flannery O’Connor Room is located in the GC Museum, the Flannery O’Connor Collection includes manuscripts, and the College includes a program in Flannery O’Connor Studies.

O’Connor died of Lupus, which also killed her father.

Horton Smith won the first Masters tournament on March 25, 1934.

On March 25, 1937, Governor E.D. Rivers signed legislation creating the Georgia Department of Labor; in 1945, the Commissioner of Labor was upgraded from statutory office to Constitutional.

Governor E.D. Rivers signed a resolution on March 24, 1939, calling for the return of “General” locomotive made famous in the Great Train Chase from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Georgia. It currently resides in The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, Georgia. The other locomotive involved in the chase, The Texas, is displayed at the Atlanta Center.

Elvis Presley was inducted into the United States Army on March 24, 1958.

On March 24, 1970, Gov. Lester Maddox signed legislation naming the Largemouth Bass the Official State Fish.

On March 26, 1982, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Washington, DC for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; the design approved a couple weeks earlier was by 21-year old Yale architecture student Maya Lin.

On Saturday, March 24, 1984, five juvenile delinquents disaffected youth reported to detention at Shermer High School.

On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Florida Man Ron DeSantis will visit Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna on Thursday, according to the AJC.

The Republican’s scheduled visit Thursday to a suburban gun store is part of a media blitz that’s widely seen as a prelude to an official 2024 announcement expected within months.

DeSantis picked an area freighted with political symbolism for his visit. Cobb County was once an important Republican stronghold that transformed during the Donald Trump presidency into a Democratic bastion. Joe Biden carried the county by 14 points in 2020.

DeSantis has been ramping up his national appearances in recent weeks as he prepares a likely White House bid. He’s seen as the top threat to former President Donald Trump, who launched his comeback tour months ago but has yet to return to Georgia.

With the nominating contests a year away, DeSantis was the top alternative state GOP leaders mentioned in texts, emails and phone interviews over a two-week span. Others floated former Vice President Mike Pence and Haley.

Under the Gold Dome Today

10:00 AM Canceled – Senate Rules Committee – 450 CAPContinue Reading..

23
Mar

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for March 23, 2023

Stella is a young female Hound and Labrador Retriever mix puppy who is available for adoption from the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, GA.

Stella and her siblings were surrendered by their owner, who was simply unable to care for so many at once. These precious pups were much loved and cared for until they were big enough to find homes of their own. They are now 15 weeks old and currently range in size from 21-30 pounds. Wow! Of course they still have a lot of growing to do!

If you a ready to take on the commitment of a large puppy, email reception@hsscg.org for an appointment to meet them. You are also welcome to stop by Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 4.

Colten is a young male Hound and Labrador Retriever mix puppy who is available for adoption from the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, GA.

Noel is a young female Hound and Labrador Retriever mix puppy who is available for adoption from the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, GA.

23
Mar

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for March 23, 2023

Patrick Henry addressed the Virginia Convention in Richmond on March 23, 1775, stating, “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

On March 23, 1861, the Georgia Secession Convention adopted a new state Constitution to be submitted to a referendum of the voters on the first Tuesday in July and then adjourned.

On March 23, 1972, in the case of Gooding v. Wilson, the United States Supreme Court held that a Georgia statute, OCGA § 26-6303, which provided: “Any person who shall, without provocation, use to or of another, and in his presence . . . opprobrious words or abusive language, tending to cause a breach of the peace . . . shall be guilty of a misdemeanor,” was unconstitutionally vague and violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.

On March 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan called for the development of an anti-missile system that would come to be known as the Strategic Defense Initiative.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Governor Brian Kemp issued Executive Order #03.22.23.01, ordering flags on state buildings and properties to fly at half-staff on Saturday, March 25, 2023 in honor of the late State Rep. Letitia “Tish” Naghise.

Under the Gold Dome Today – Legislative Day 38

TBD Senate Rules Committee: Upon Adjournment – 450 CAP
8:00 AM Natural Resources & Envt Resource Mgmt Sub – 606 CLOB
8:00 AM Senate Children & Families – 307 CLOB
9:00 AM CANCELED HOUSE MOTOR VEHICLES – 606 CLOB
9:00 AM HOUSE RULES COMMITTEE – 341 CAP
9:00 AM Senate Transportation – 450 CAP
10:00 AM HOUSE FLOOR SESSION (LD 38) – House Chamber
10:00 AM Senate Regulated Industries – 450 CAP
11:00 AM Cancelled – Senate Public Safety – 450 CAP
11:00 AM Senate Urban Affairs – 125 CAP
1:00 PM WAYS & MEANS – 406 CLOB HYBRID
1:00 PM Senate Floor Session (LD 38) – Senate Chamber

More from the AJC on the apparent rift between House and Senate:Continue Reading..

22
Mar

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for March 22, 2023

Chief is a 3-year old, 49-pound male Black Mouth Cur mix who is available for adoption from the Lee County Animal Shelter in Leesburg, GA.

My name is Chief. I am 3 years old. I am a big sweetheart. I do not like a leash. Every time someone puts a leash on me, I drop to the ground and play dead. I am really funny! I could possible overcome this but as for right now I prefer to be silly. My adoption fee is $40.00, that includes my neuter, vaccines, rabies, microchip, and heartworm test. I am heartworm negative!

Piper is a 9-month old, 45-pound male Black Mouth Cur mix puppy who is available for adoption from the Lee County Animal Shelter in Leesburg, GA.

My name is Piper. I am a 9 months old Cur mix. I am full of energy and love to be outside. I would love a family with kids to run and play with. I am very young and will need a lot of exercise. My adoption fee is $40.00, that includes my neuter, vaccines, rabies, microchip, and heartworm test. I am heartworm negative! Please visit me at Lee County Animal Shelter.

Tahoe is a 3-year old male Mountain Cur mix who is available for adoption from the Lee County Animal Shelter in Leesburg, GA.

My name is Tahoe. I am a 3 year old Mountain Cur mix. My adoption fee is $40.00, that includes my neuter, vaccines, rabies, microchip, and heartworm test. I am heartworm negative! Please visit me at Lee County Animal Shelter.
22
Mar

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for March 22, 2023

King George III approved of the passage of the Stamp Act legislation on March 22, 1765 designed to pay for some of the costs the UK incurred in protecting the colonies, but it would lead to the movement that culminated in the American Revolution.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Beer and Wine Revenue Act on March 22, 1933, allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages, and later that year, the federal Prohibition was ended.

The first Masters golf tournament began on March 22, 1934 in Augusta, Georgia.

The state prohibition on all alcoholic beverages ended on March 22, 1935 with Governor Eugene Talmadge’s signature of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.

The United States Congress passed the Equal Rights Amendment on March 22, 1972; it would fail to garner enough state ratifications.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Lowndes County voters renewed their Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Education (E-SPLOST) in a referendum yesterday, according to the Valdosta Daily Times.

The referendum was approved with 71%, with 1,237 votes cast in favor, and 501 votes cast against.

The E-SPLOST initiative will go into effect when the current education special purpose local option sales tax ends.

Mableton voters will return to the polls in a Runoff Election for Mayor, according to 11Alive.

Now, the race for the city’s first-ever mayor appears to be headed to a runoff. Unofficial results show that the candidates weren’t able to get over the 50% plus 1 vote threshold, which triggers a runoff election.

The numbers show Aaron Carman [36%] and Michael Owens [31%] as the two candidates out of the four that had the most votes.

As for the Mableton council seats, some of those races are also projected to head to a runoff. However, in District 6, Debora Herndon ran unopposed after her opponent withdrew from the race in February. Unofficial results also show Ron Davis as the projected winner in the District 1 council race.

From Fox5Atlanta.

Who won Georgia House District 75’s special election?

Eric W. Bell, III, a Navy veteran, is the clear winner to fill the remainder of state Rep. Mike Glanton’s term. He garnered more than 60% of the vote.

Who will likely be in the runoff for Clayton County Sheriff?

Levon Allen was the leader on Tuesday, pulling about 47% of the vote. He will likely face Clarence Cox, who pulled in about 29% of the vote, in a runoff on April 18.

Did the Clayton County Schools one-cent tax pass?

Clayton County residents overwhelmingly agrees to pass a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). It is the “General Obligation Bonds and Sales and Use Tax for Educational Purposes of the Clayton County School District.”

Which Mableton City races are likely headed to a runoff?

The Mableton Mayor and three other districts still need to be decided.

The three candidates in District 2 were all within 10 points of each other. It appears Monica Delancy and Dami Oladapo are likely headed for the runoff with Kisha Scott trailing by less than four points behind Oladapo.

In District 3, it was even tighter. It appears Keisha Jeffcoat and Yashica Marshall will also meet in a runoff. Marshall, who pulled 24% of the vote, beat out Barry Krebs by less than a percentage point. It is unclear if this race will be recounted.

TJ Ferguson and Cheryl Davis appear to be in a runoff for District 5.

From the AJC:

The highly-watched race to replace convicted felon Victor Hill as sheriff of Clayton County appears to be headed to an April runoff.

Turnout was light in Tuesday’s special election, in which Hill’s protégé Levon Allen appeared to fall short of winning the office outright, despite the former sheriff turning over his Facebook page to his preferred candidate and stumping all over the county on Allen’s behalf.

Allen received about 47% of the vote in unofficial totals in the five-man race while his closest competitor, Clarence Cox, chief investigator for the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office, received about 29%.

In the Jonesboro mayor’s race, Donya Sartor appeared Tuesday to defeat challenger Pat Sebo-Hand while Alfred Dixon bested Arlene Charles for one of the two council seats. Don Dixon was unopposed in his quest for the other council seat.

Under the Gold Dome – Committee Work Day

8:00 AM HOUSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM – 406 CLOB
8:00 AM Cancelled – Senate Natural Res & Envt – 450 CAP
8:30 AM HOUSE Judiciary Non-Civil Hong Sub – 132 CAP
9:00 AM HOUSE GOVERNMENTAL AFF – 406 CLOB
9:00 AM Senate Public Safety – 450 CAP
9:00 AM Cancelled- Senate Judiciary – 307 CLOB
10:00 AM Senate Retirement – 307 CLOB
10:00 AM Senate Regulated Industries – 450 CAP
11:00 AM HOUSE JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL – 132 CAP
12:00 PM Senate State & Local Govtal Ops – 125 CAP
12:00 PM Senate Insurance & Labor – Mezz 1 CAP
1:00 PM CANCELED HOUSE JUVENILE JUSTICE – 515 CLOB
1:00 PM HOUSE PUBLIC SAFETY – 506 CLOB
1:00 PM HOUSE Education Policy Sub – 406 CLOB
1:00 PM Senate Higher Education – 307 CLOB
1:30 PM HOUSE HIGHER EDUCATION – 606 CLOB
2:00 PM HOUSE Education Curriculum Sub – 406 CLOB
2:00 PM HOUSE SPECIAL RULES – 415 CLOB
2:00 PM Senate Rules – 450 CAP
3:00 PM HOUSE MOTOR VEHICLES – 515 CLOB
3:00 PM HOUSE Natl Res & Envt Envtal Quality Sub – 415 CLOB
3:00 PM CANCELED HOUSE INDUSTRY & LABOR – 506 CLOB
3:00 PM Senate Appropriations: Compensation Sub – Mezz 1 CAP
3:00 PM Senate Health & Human Svcs – 450 CAP
4:00 PM Senate Finance – Mezz 1 CAP
5:00 PM HOUSE WAYS & MEANS – 406 CLOB
5:00 PM Senate Agriculture & Consumer Aff – 450 CAP

The AJC’s Greg Bluestein wrote yesterday that legislation to create a new exemption to the state’s Certificate of Need program for healthcare facilities may derail House and Senate comity.Continue Reading..

21
Mar

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for March 21, 2023

Mollie is a female Shepherd and Terrier Mix who is available for adoption form Baldwin County Animal Control in Milledgeville, GA.

Blaze is a young male Anatolian Shepherd Mix who is available for adoption form Baldwin County Animal Control in Milledgeville, GA.

Elfie is a young female Black Mouth Cur Mix who is available for adoption form Baldwin County Animal Control in Milledgeville, GA.

21
Mar

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for March 21, 2023

Lyman Hall was elected to the Continental Congress on March 21, 1775 from St. John’s Parish; the next year he would sign the Declaration of Independence as a representative from Georgia.

On March 21, 1941, Governor Eugene Talmadge signed legislation establishing the Eastern Standard Time Zone as the only Time Zone in Georgia. Prior to that, Georgia observed two different time zones.

On March 21, 1965, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. led more than 3000 protesters in a march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery.

On March 21, 1980, President Jimmy Carter announced the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.

Former Georgia Governor and United States Senator Herman Talmadge died on March 21, 2002.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Under the Gold Dome Today – Legislative Day 32

TBD     Senate Rules Committee: Upon Adjournment – 450 CAP

8:00 AM          CANCELED HOUSE HIGHER ED – 506 CLOB

8:00 AM          HOUSE EDUCATION – 406 CLOB

8:00 AM          HOUSE MOTOR VEHICLES – 606 CLOB

8:00 AM          HOUSE AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER AFF – 415 CLOB

8:00 AM          Senate Education & Youth – 450 CAP

9:00 AM          HOUSE RULES – 341 CAP

10:00 AM        HOUSE FLOOR SESSION (LD 37) – House Chamber

10:00 AM        Senate Floor Session (LD 37) – Senate Chamber

1:00 PM          HOUSE PUBLIC HEALTH – 606 CLOB

1:00 PM          HOUSE Judiciary Non-Civil Hong Sub – 506 CLOB

1:00 PM          HOUSE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS – 406 CLOB

1:00 PM          Senate Banking & Financial Institutions – 450 CAP

1:30 PM          HOUSE JUDICIARY – 132 CAP

2:00 PM          HOUSE HEALTH – 403 CAP

2:00 PM          HOUSE RETIREMENT – 406 CLOB

2:00 PM          HOUSE DEFENSE AND VET AFFAIRS – 515 CLOB

2:00 PM          Senate Ethics – 310 CLOB

2:00 PM          Senate Education & Youth – 307 CLOB

3:00 PM          HOUSE JUVENILE JUSTICE – 606 CLOB

3:00 PM          Public Safety and Homeland Security Dean Greene Sub – 506 CLOB

4:00 PM          HOUSE WAYS & MEANS – 406 CLOB

4:00 PM          Senate Regulated Industries – 450 CAP

The AJC writes about Senate Bill 99, which is supported by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and would allegedly benefit his father’s business.Continue Reading..

20
Mar

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for March 20, 2023

Eugene is a young male Miniature Pinscher mix puppy who is available for adoption from Animal Rescue Foundation in Milledgeville GA.

Meet our sweet Eugene! His sister Wednesday has already been adopted and he is ready to go to. He is about 14 weeks old and is a wiggly typical puppy. He’s ready to play full blast and fall asleep in your lap at the end of the day. We don’t expect him to be a big dog since his mother is a 25 pound min pin mix. We don’t know what his daddy was, but he was bigger than mom. Eugene is up to date on shots, neutered, and microchipped. If you are interested in meeting Eugene, please fill out the adoption application at the link below.

Rosie is a female Boxer and Labrador Retriever mix who is available for adoption from Animal Rescue Foundation in Milledgeville GA.

Meet Rosie! Rosie is about 3 years old and was previously adopted from us as a puppy. Unfortunately, due to a change in circumstances for her family, Rosie is looking for a new home. Rosie is high energy and affectionate. She’d love a home with a yard to play in. She loves playing in the water hose, and tries to bite the water as it comes out! Rosie is crate trained and housebroken. She loves friendly kitties and is fine with other dogs. Rosie is fully vetted, heartworm negative, and microchipped.

Remi is a male Pointer mix who is available for adoption from Animal Rescue Foundation in Milledgeville GA.

Meet Remi! This guy was brought back after 6 years with his owner, who unfortunately passed away. He lived with 3 other dogs, but is not good with our dogs in the shelter. This could be because of the shelter environment. He does have an old injury to his eye, but our vet says that it isn’t bothering him and doesn’t need treatment. He loves to play tag, chase and wrestle. He absolutely adores having his tailbone and sides scratched. This guy is nervous in the shelter, and needs a home asap. He is about 7 years old.
20
Mar

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for March 20, 2023

March 20, 1854 saw a meeting in Ripon, Wisconsin that is generally considered the founding of the Republican Party.

[F]ormer members of the Whig Party meet to establish a new party to oppose the spread of slavery into the western territories. The Whig Party, which was formed in 1834 to oppose the “tyranny” of President Andrew Jackson, had shown itself incapable of coping with the national crisis over slavery.

The Civil War firmly identified the Republican Party as the party of the victorious North, and after the war the Republican-dominated Congress forced a “Radical Reconstruction” policy on the South, which saw the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution and the granting of equal rights to all Southern citizens. By 1876, the Republican Party had lost control of the South, but it continued to dominate the presidency until the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933.

The Georgia State Capitol was completed on March 20, 1889. Ron Daniels, the Poet Laureate of GaPundit, has written an ode to the Gold Dome:

Well I guess it was back in eighteen eighty nine,
When a couple of boys in Dahlonega went down in a mine,
And found it was slap full of gold.
Then these folks in Atlanta wanted to keep growing,
So they told the legislature the Capitol had to be going,
And so those politicos said “Good Bye Milledgeville! Our attorneys will be in touch.”
Now the Capitol had been moved before,
Savannah, Louisville, and more,
They’d even moved it down to Macon on an overloaded poultry wagon.
Atlanta sure wanted to lend the State a hand,
Giving the legislature plenty of land,
Hammers started swingin’ and, boy howdy, they sure were buildin’.
The architect of this here building was feeling bold,
Covering the building’s dome all in beautiful gold,
Leaving the gold mine empty, and leaving someone with the shaft.
Well, Governor Gordon was slap full of delight,
When his eyes did recognize that impressive sight,
On March 20, 1889, a completed Capitol building.
He grabbed the keys and a few words he spoke,
The words he uttered were no joke,
“Boys when you’re hot, you’re hot! Now thanks a lot.”

On March 20, 1943, Governor Ellis Arnall signed legislation authorizing a referendum to amend the Georgia Constitution and make the Public Service Commission a Constitutional agency.

On March 20, 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson notified Alabama Governor George Wallace that Alabama National Guard troops would be called up to maintain order during a third march from Selma to Montgomery. Within five months, the Voting Rights Act would be passed by Congress.

On March 20, 1970, Governor Lester Maddox signed legislation designating the Brown Thrasher the official state bird, and the Bobwhite Quail the official state game bird.

Happy birthday to Georgia-born actress Holly Hunter (1958) and film director/actor Spike Lee (1957).

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Baldwin County Voters head to the polls tomorrow to decide on a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), according to 13WMAZ.

“A one cent sales tax is already existing, so we’re asking our voters to extend it for another six years,” [County Manager Carlos] Tobar said.

Tobar says they use SPLOST funds to help improve the infrastructure.

“Water, sewer lines, road bases, resurfacing, airport improvements, public safety improvements, parks and recreation,” he said.

“In my opinion, it’s the fairest way to get the resources we need for public safety and to protect the community,” [Baldwin Fire Department’s Lt. Kevin Meek] says.

Election day will be held at the Baldwin County Government building from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m.

Voters in Twiggs and Jones counties are also voting Tuesday on extending their penny sales tax.

Jones County wants to raise $23 million over the next five years for schools.

Also headed to the polls are Clayton County voters, who will decide on a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Education (E-SPLOST) according to the AJC.

Clayton residents will vote on the SPLOST on Tuesday as part of a special election that will also choose a new sheriff and the county’s District 75 state House representative. If approved, the county’s 1-cent special purpose local option sales tax for education would be collected for five years.

Unlike past referendums, however, the school system is asking residents to approve the issuance of $435 million in district bonds to pay for the $350 million in projects. Ronick Joseph, the district’s chief capital improvement officer, said Clayton historically has been a “pay as you go district” and that seeking bonds would allow the school system to get funding quicker.

Like many districts, Clayton is seeking the new funding while the most recent SPLOST, which will expire on Dec. 31, 2024, is still in effect.

[Interim Clayton County Schools Superintendent Anthony] Smith said the district has about $30 million in its account balance from past SPLOSTs.

“This is how you pay for capital improvements in a school system,” he said during the town hall. “The federal government doesn’t come in and build all this stuff for you. The state has a minimum role. It’s the local taxpayers, the ones who really provide for the bulk of the funding for this stuff.”

On the Clayton County election for Sheriff, from the AJC:

Five current and former Clayton County law enforcement officials are competing to fill the remainder of former Clayton Sheriff Victor Hill’s four-year term in office.

Levon Allen, Clarence Cox, Terry Evans, Dwayne Fabian and Chris Storey have been crisscrossing the south metro Atlanta community for the past several months hoping to persuade voters that they can lead the Clayton sheriff’s office and jail, which has been embroiled in controversy for more than a decade because of Hill.

Voters will go to the polls Tuesday to select a new sheriff, a state house District 75 representative and the issuance of $435 million in bonds for the construction of new schools, school buses and early learning centers for pre-K students.

Mableton will have a chance to elect their first Mayor and City Council tomorrow, according to the AJC.

Turnout was low during the three-week early voting period in the new city of Mableton, where residents are electing their first mayor and council.

In total, 2,518 people voted early in person in the March special election and 112 returned absentee ballots so far, according to unofficial results from the elections department.

In comparison, over 18,500 people voted early in person at the two advanced voting locations in Mableton during the November election; turnout in general elections is typically much higher than in special elections.

The city’s first mayor and council will be responsible for establishing the municipal government, creating a budget and determining what services the city will provide. During the roughly two-year transition period, city leaders will work together with the county to establish service provision and other governing essentials.

While residents consider who those first leaders will be, one group of residents has been pushing state lawmakers to remove them from the city completely, citing concerns over how the cityhood movement was conducted.

At the same time, they are supporting a slate of candidates in six of the seven elected offices, meaning those backed by the de-annexation movement could potentially form a majority on the council.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is advertising in Georgia for its abortion services, according to the Augusta Chronicle via the Savannah Morning News.

New York City rolled out a new phone line, the Abortion Access Hub, in November. The hub would be confidential, and connect callers to abortion providers within the five boroughs. It would be funded with $1 million dollars and staffed 12 hours a day, six days a week, with bilingual staff.

In the coming months, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene began advertising the hub on multiple platforms and in multiple languages. But they also spent hundreds of thousands of dollars advertising the hub hundreds of miles away in three other states — Georgia, Florida and Texas.

“The Dobbs decision may have been the Supreme Court’s latest attack on human rights and health care, but New York City will continue to be a safe haven for anyone seeking to access a safe, legal abortion,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams at the time.

“This is the biggest waste of government resources since Andrew Cuomo’s trip to Savannah to lecture us on Covid,” wrote Garrison Douglas, press secretary for Gov. Brian Kemp, in response to an inquiry about the program.

Internal records show the Health Department contracted for a 36-billboard campaign to run in January. Billboards were set up in Augusta, Martinez and Atlanta in Georgia, along with Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. A signed contract with Lamar for the billboards shows a total cost of $138,370 for the advertising.

At the same time, the department planned to spend $371,000 on Google and Snapchat adds to run from Jan. 3 to the end of June, bringing the total estimated cost of the out-of-state advertising more than $500,000.

The Department of Health spokesperson confirmed the advertisement buy through Snapchat in Florida, Georgia and Texas because those states have abortion restrictions. They also confirmed that they had not bought ads in surrounding states, including Alabama and Tennessee, where abortion has been completely banned. No further explanation was provided for why particular states were targeted.

Zombie Season has begun in the State Capitol, according to the AJC.

No bill is ever truly dead at the Georgia Capitol during a legislative session — not when it can rise like a zombie at any moment.

Without warning, a bill that would have honored a southeast Georgia soap box derby suddenly transformed last week into legislation to legalize sports betting across the state.

An elections bill abruptly gained several sections that had previously fallen short, requiring more audits and clarifying wording on absentee ballot applications, just before a final committee vote Wednesday.

It’s the time of the year when Georgia lawmakers cut and paste language from bills that previously failed into legislation that has survived, a practice that avoids public scrutiny, vetting and transparency in the rush to make laws before midnight on the final day of a session.

But these kinds of legislative machinations are allowed as long as the new bill fits into the same section of state code as the original.

It doesn’t matter whether a totally different bill passed one chamber. Leaders in the the other chamber can change it, without a requirement for public comment or debate. Both the House and Senate ultimately must vote on the same version of a bill for it to become law.

Replacing the language of a bill to include new ideas avoids the General Assembly’s internal deadline for measures to pass their first chamber, either the state House or Senate, by the 28th day of the 40-day legislative session.

During the last days of this year’s legislative session, any bill can rise from the grave.

All it takes is leaders in the state’s Republican majority to write it into a completely different bill, followed by approval in the House and Senate.

Under the Gold Dome Today – Legislative Day 36

TBD Senate Rules: Upon Adjournment – 450 CAP
8:00 AM HOUSE Education Policy Sub – 506 CLOB
8:00 AM HOUSE ENERGY, UTILITIES & TELECOM – 403 CAP
9:00 AM HOUSE RULES – 341 CAP
10:00 AM HOUSE FLOOR SESSION (LD 36) – House Chamber
10:00 AM Senate Floor Session (LD 36) – Senate Chamber
1:00 PM HOUSE PUBLIC HEALTH – 606 CLOB
1:00 PM HOUSE JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL – 132 CAP
1:00 PM Cancelled – Senate Agriculture & Consumer Aff – 450 CAP
1:00 PM Senate Transportation – Mezz 1 CAP
2:00 PM HOUSE TECHNOLOGY & INFRA – 406 CLOB
2:00 PM HOUSE HIGHER EDUCATION – 506 CLOB
2:00 PM Senate Gov’t Oversight – 307 CLOB
2:00 PM Senate Health & Human Services – 450 CAP
3:00 PM HOUSE JUVENILE JUSTICE – 606 CLOB
3:00 PM Senate Finance – Mezz 1 CAP
4:00 PM HOUSE WAYS & MEANS – 406 CLOB
4:00 PM Senate Judiciary – 307 CLOB
4:00 PM Senate Appropriations: Compensation Sub – 450 CAP

Governor Brian Kemp signed Executive Order #03.17.23.02, calling a Special Election to be held May 16, 2023 in State House District 68 to fill the vacancy created by the death of State Rep. Letitia “Tish” Naghise.Continue Reading..