Georgia Archives - The Georgia Star News

Georgia Gas Tax Moratorium Ends, Rises to 31.2 Cents

January 11, 2023January 10, 2023 Eric Burk

Governor Brian Kemp allowed Georgia’s moratorium on state gas and diesel taxes to expire on Tuesday night, after first introducing the moratorium in May and renewing it six times since then.

In 2022, Georgia’s gas tax was 29.1 cents and the diesel tax at 32.6 cents, but that’s going up on Wednesday to 31.2 cents and 35 cents, respectively. As of January 10, before the taxes took effect, Georgia’s average gas price was $2.808, below the national average of $3.270, according to AAA Gas Prices.

Report: Georgia’s Revenues Exceeded Expenses During the Last 15 Years

January 2, 2023January 1, 2023 The Center Square

Georgia saw its revenues exceed expenses overall during the past 15 years, a new report reveals.

The Peach State’s total revenue as a share of expenses during fiscal 2006-20 was 102.6%, according to a new analysis from Pew Trusts. That’s in line with the 50-state median of 102.7%.

Georgia Sees Its Population Grow by 1.7 Percent amid the Pandemic

December 31, 2022December 30, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia saw its population increase by 1.7% between 2020 and 2022, new numbers from the Census Bureau show.

As of July 1, Georgia’s population stood at more than 10.9 million, up from about 10.7 million at the same time in 2020.

Georgia Education Officials Cite Education Loss as a Top Priority for 2023

December 24, 2022December 23, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia education officials say they plan to address lost learning opportunities stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

But a leading Georgia nonprofit says state lawmakers should pass legislation to give parents more educational choices, saying the pandemic proved the “one-size-fits-all” model no longer works.

Georgia’s Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Spending $646 Million to Replace Its Entire Railcar Fleet

December 18, 2022December 17, 2022 The Center Square

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to replace its rail fleet, which officials say will eliminate many delays customers see.

MARTA’s board of directors signed off on the $646 million deal with Swiss-based Stadler Rail in November 2019. The deal for 56 four-car train sets — 224 total railcars — marked the largest procurement for either organization.

Fraudsters Show Vulnerability of Georgia’s Unemployment Benefit System

December 14, 2022December 13, 2022 The Center Square

Federal charges against eight people prosecutors say conspired to defraud Georgia out of millions of dollars in unemployment benefits shows the potential vulnerability of the state’s systems.

Georgia officials may find solace in the fact that the state is not alone when it comes to such challenges, an expert told The Center Square.

Georgia’s Tax Revenues Decreased by $2.4 Million in November

December 11, 2022December 10, 2022 The Center Square

One day after Republican leaders called on returning more than $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers, the state revealed some bad news.

On Friday, state officials reported November’s total general fund receipts decreased by 0.1% — or nearly $2.4 million — compared to November 2021. Still, tax collections surpassed $2.2 billion for the month and net sales and use tax collections increased by 9.8%.

Kemp Signs Another Extension of Georgia’s Gas Tax Moratorium

December 10, 2022December 9, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed an extension of the state’s motor fuel and locomotive fuel tax.

The governor also extended the supply chain state of emergency. The tax suspension and state of emergency run until Jan. 10.

Critics Say Georgia’s Gas Tax Moratorium Helps, but Isn’t Good Long-Term Policy

December 8, 2022December 7, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia hasn’t collected its gas tax since March, as Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a series of legislation and executive orders to place a moratorium on collections.

“Those prices have a huge impact on the economy as a whole,” National Federation of Independent Business Region Director Nathan Humphrey told The Center Square. “On top of all the other issues that small businesses were particularly struggling with from supply chain, inflation and [the] overall cost of doing business, the margins were just super tight, so when that hit, it really provided necessary relief.”

Report: Charter School Enrollment Increases in Georgia

December 4, 2022December 3, 2022 The Center Square

More Georgia students are attending charter schools, while enrollment at public schools is declining, according to a new report.

New figures from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools show that Georgia experienced a roughly 4.9% increase in charter enrollments between 2019-20 and 2021-22. Meanwhile, traditional public schools saw a roughly 1.9% decline in enrollments during the same period.

Georgia Moves Forward with Plan to Implement Work Requirements for Medicaid Coverage

December 1, 2022November 30, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) announced that the state will begin a work-for-Medicaid program, called Georgia Pathways, in July 2023. The program will require low-income individuals to complete 80 hours of work or volunteering in order to qualify for Medicaid coverage.

Georgia, Other States Settle Smartphone Ad Case with Google, iHeartMedia

November 30, 2022November 29, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia is set to receive nearly $1.2 million following a settlement with Google and iHeartMedia over a series of ads with “allegedly false endorsements” of the Google Pixel 4 smartphone.

According to a news release, in 2019, Google contracted iHeartMedia to record pro-Pixel 4 ads. However, the purported testimonials in the ads were from people who had not previously owned or used the Pixel 4 phone.

Report: Georgia Could Generate Millions Through Sports Betting

November 29, 2022November 28, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia is one of the largest markets without legalized sports betting, and the state could rival others that have already legalized such wagering.

While the state does not have sports wagering, it does have a lottery. Last week, the Georgia Lottery Corp. reported its most profitable first quarter since its start in 1993.

Aerospace Company Plans to Build Electric Aircraft in Georgia, but Taxpayer Subsidies Are Unknown

November 19, 2022November 18, 2022 The Center Square

An aerospace company offering “sustainable urban air mobility” plans to spend $118 million on electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft manufacturing facility in Newton County.

Unsurprisingly, state officials would not say whether Georgia taxpayers will cover the cost of any incentives for the company.

Georgia Set to Receive Part of a Nearly $400 Million Settlement from Google over Location-Tracking Probe

November 15, 2022November 14, 2022 Just the News

Google agreed to a $391.5 million settlement with 40 states after an investigation found that the tech giant participated in questionable location-tracking practices, state attorneys general announced Monday.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called it a “historic win for consumers.”

Georgia Awards $39.4 Million in Grants to Courts to Clear Up COVID-Related Case Backlogs

November 12, 2022November 11, 2022 The Center Square

The state has awarded $39.4 million in grants aimed at helping more than three dozen judicial circuits to clear case backlogs.

The Judicial Council of Georgia Ad Hoc Committee announced the grants, funded by federal American Rescue Plan money, to circuits that applied. These awards for the 2023 calendar year are part of the Judicial Council’s ARPA grant program’s second year.

Auto Parts Manufacturer Planning $317 Million Investment in Georgia to Supply Hyundai Electric Vehicle Plant

November 11, 2022November 10, 2022 The Center Square

An automotive parts manufacturer is planning to spend $317 million on a new manufacturing facility near Statesboro, but state officials won’t say how much of the bill taxpayers will have to cover.

Joon Georgia Inc. plans to create 630 new jobs at Bulloch County’s Bruce Yawn Commerce Park, previously named the Southern Gateway Commerce Park. State officials touted the news as “the first confirmed supplier” for Hyundai Motor Group’s new Bryan County facility.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp Defeats Dem Challenger Stacey Abrams in Georgia

November 9, 2022November 9, 2022 Georgia Star News Staff

In the 2022 Georgia gubernatorial election, Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp defeated Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams for the second consecutive time.

Kemp won 54% of the vote, with 86% reporting, according to NBC News. Abrams received 45.3% of the vote.

Georgia’s Kemp Leads Abrams in Rematch of 2018 Gubernatorial Race

November 5, 2022November 4, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia’s gubernatorial race is in the home stretch, as Democrat Stacey Abrams and Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, face off in a rematch of the 2018 race.

Democrats have blamed Kemp for the closure of Atlanta Medical Center, accused the governor of trying to buy votes using federal COVID-19 relief money and criticized his stance on abortion and guns.

Despite Legal Battle, $5 Billion Rivian Electric Vehicle Plant Still in Progress for Georgia

November 2, 2022November 1, 2022 The Center Square

Work on electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian Automotive’s $5 billion plant will progress as planned despite an ongoing legal fight, officials confirmed to The Center Square.

Site grading began in the early fall, and the judge’s ruling does not affect progress on development, Marie Gordon, a spokeswoman for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, told The Center Square. However, Gordon deferred to a representative of a public affairs agency to answer more substantive questions about the project.

Georgia Unemployment Rates Drop in September

October 28, 2022October 27, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia’s Regional Commissions saw a drop in their unemployment rates in September, officials said.

Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in September stood at 2.8% for the third consecutive month. The rate is down slightly from 3.2% in January and from 3.5% in September 2021.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Regional Commission’s preliminary non-seasonally adjusted unemployment was 2.6%. That is down from 3% a month ago and 3.5% a year ago.

Report: Georgia Has One of the Nation’s Best Improvements in Its Unemployment Rate

October 25, 2022October 24, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia reported one of the best changes in its unemployment rate of any state in the union, a new analysis found.

According to the report from WalletHub, Georgia has the 15th best change in unemployment. That trailed neighboring Florida (No. 6) and Alabama (12) but was better than South Carolina (28), Tennessee (32) and North Carolina (35).

Georgia’s Kemp Receives B Grade for Fiscal and Tax Policies

October 23, 2022October 22, 2022 The Center Square

The Cato Institute gave Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp a B on its 2022 Fiscal Policy Report Card of governors, citing his tax cuts as a reason for the grade.

The libertarian think tank also gave Kemp, a Republican, a B on its 2020 report card. The analysis grades governors on their fiscal policies from a limited-government viewpoint; the higher the grade, the more a governor has cut taxes and spending.

Georgia Officials Tout Record Number of Jobs

October 22, 2022October 21, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia labor officials touted a rosy economic picture as the number of jobs in the state continued to increase, though the number of employed Georgians declined.

The number of jobs in the state increased to a new all-time high of more than 4.8 million.

Georgia Attorney General Candidates Offer Differing Solutions for Increasing Crime

October 21, 2022October 20, 2022 The Center Square

A new report from WalletHub found that Atlanta experienced the 38th highest increase in the homicide rate of the 50 largest cities in the country.

The topic of crime in the state was a hot topic during this week’s Atlanta Press Club debate of the attorney general candidates: incumbent Republican Attorney General Chris Carr, Libertarian Martin Cowan and Sen. Jen Jordan, D-Atlanta.

Midterm Election in Georgia Sees Record Numbers as Early Voting Commences

October 19, 2022October 18, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia saw a record number of voters turn out for a midterm election, state officials said.

As of Tuesday, 143,077 voters have cast ballots in Georgia — 131,318 voted early in person, while 11,759 voted via an absentee ballot. The number of in-person voters is an 85% increase from the 70,849 voters who cast ballots in person on the first day of early voting in the 2018 midterm election.

Warnock, Walker Square Off in Georgia Senate Debate

October 16, 2022October 15, 2022 Just the News

Incumbent Georgia Republican Sen. Raphael Warnock squared off against his Republican challenger, former football star Herschel Walker in a Friday debate.

Inflation opened the debate. Walker attributed the rise in consumer prices to the Biden administration’s spending plans. He further proposed pursuing energy independence as a solution to both the nation’s economic and national security woes. He declined to back cuts to military spending when asked. “We have to be ready for war. This is not a playground,” he said.

Poll Has Georgia’s Kemp Out to a Big Lead in Gubernatorial Race

October 13, 2022October 12, 2022 The Center Square

A new poll shows Gov. Brian Kemp widening his lead over challenger Stacey Abrams with less than a month until election day and just days before early voting starts.

The new Georgia News Collaborative poll found Kemp, a Republican, leading Abrams, a Democrat, by a margin of 51% to 40.7%. Libertarian Shane Hazel drew 2.3% of the vote, while 6% were undecided.

Despite Recession Fears, Georgia Tax Revenues Continue to Increase

October 10, 2022October 9, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia continues to see its revenues increase amid ongoing economic concerns nationwide.

State officials said Friday that the Peach State’s September net tax collections totaled nearly $3.1 billion. That represents an increase of 9.9% over a year ago.

Georgia Says It Awarded $104.7 Million in Road Projects, but $93 Million Deferred

October 8, 2022October 7, 2022 The Center Square

The Georgia Department of Transportation said it awarded seven projects valued at more than $104.7 million in August.

However, the awards list the agency provided indicates that the state only awarded about $12.1 million in projects. A GDOT spokesman said officials deferred a pair of widening and reconstruction projects worth roughly $93 million and expect to award them later.

Herschel Walker Down 12 Points in Latest Georgia Senate Poll

October 7, 2022October 6, 2022 Georgia Star News Staff

Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker trails incumbent Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia by double digits amidst a scandal over him allegedly paying for an ex-girlfriend’s abortion, per a new poll released on Wednesday.

Walker polled 38% support compared to 50% for Warnock, according to SurveyUSA, which conducted the poll for 11Alive News in Atlanta. Should Warnock gain even one vote more than 50% in November’s election, it would be enough to beat Walker outright and avoid a runoff election against him later in the year.

Georgia Law Enforcement Officers Ask Legislature for Wage Increases Due to Retention Issues

September 25, 2022September 24, 2022 The Center Square

Law enforcement officers from across Georgia want state lawmakers to help increase wages for officers.

During a House Study Committee on State and Local Law Enforcement Salaries meeting in Americus, representatives from state and local agencies detailed the difficulties they have hiring and retaining officers.

Georgia’s $6.5 Billion in Film Subsidies Add Up to $416K per Each New Industry Job

September 24, 2022September 23, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia officials pride themselves on the state’s tax credits for the movie industry, but a leading economist says the tax credits don’t benefit the state.

“There’s nothing politicians love more than jocks and movie stars,” Kennesaw State University economist J.C. Bradbury told The Center Square. “That’s why they give out a lot of subsidies for sports stadiums, and film and movie credits are also something that are often given out.

Georgia’s $130 Million Plan for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Receives Federal Approval

September 22, 2022September 21, 2022 The Center Square

The Federal Highway Administration has signed off on Georgia’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, opening the door to millions in federal taxpayer dollars for the state.

With this approval, the Georgia Department of Transportation can start planning how the state will spend roughly $130 million to pay for electric vehicle charging infrastructure over the next five years.

Georgia Allocates Federal COVID Relief Money to Grady Memorial Hospital

September 19, 2022September 18, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia will allocate $130 million in federal COVID-19 relief money to fund 200 additional beds at Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital following the announced closure of Atlanta Medical Center.

Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, said the additional beds would be enough to cover Atlanta Medical Center’s average patient census. The state will also reallocate a temporary medical unit used during the COVID-19 pandemic to Grady, adding 24 patient rooms and 12,000 square feet to the hospital’s footprint.

GAF Plans $146 Million Roofing Material Plant in Georgia, but Taxpayer Incentives Remain Unknown

September 12, 2022 The Center Square

A roofing and waterproofing manufacturer plans to invest $146 million over the next six years in a new manufacturing facility in Lowndes County.

GAF Materials intends to create 135 new jobs with the new facility, increasing the company’s thermoplastic polyolefin roofing manufacturing capacity. GAF employs more than 225 Georgians at its Savannah, Statesboro and Cumming manufacturing plants.

Georgia Municipalities Burden Home-Based Businesses with Regulations

September 11, 2022September 10, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia touts its business-friendly climate, but some home-based businesses face another layer of bureaucracy: local government licensing requirements, a Center Square analysis found.

Nearly 30 years ago, Georgia lawmakers passed legislation giving cities the power to impose business and occupation requirements, including taxes and regulatory fees. While lawmakers have revised the law, local governments may levy and collect occupation taxes on any business or practitioner with an office in the jurisdiction.

Georgia’s General Fund Revenues Grew by 5.5 Percent in Last Quarter Despite Gas Tax Holiday

September 10, 2022September 9, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia continues to see increasing revenues, new numbers show.

The state’s total general fund receipts in August exceeded $2.3 billion. That represents an increase of 8.5%, or $180.4 million, over last August when net tax collections topped $2.1 billion.

Cost of Incentives Unknown for New Manufacturing Facility in Georgia

September 9, 2022September 9, 2022 The Center Square

A Georgia sound solutions and engineering company plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Thomas County

Brunswick-based Troy Acoustics Corporation will invest almost $40 million in the new facility. The company plans to create 88 new jobs to add to the 17 positions it currently supports.

Georgia Teacher Supply Supplement Will Cost $20 Million

September 4, 2022September 3, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia plans to spend about $20 million on a program to give teachers and school employees a $125 bonus, a state official confirmed on Friday.

Georgia announced the “Back-to-School Supply Supplement” program in July. Under the plan, the state will give a $125 supplement to teachers and school staff members “who work to provide instructional and supportive services directly to students on a daily basis.”

Georgia Launches $250 Million Neighborhood Improvement Program Using COVID-19 Relief Funds

September 3, 2022September 2, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia officials plan to use federal COVID relief money to fund improvements to sidewalks, parks and “healthy food access.”

The state intends to use American Rescue Plan dollars to fund the $250 million “Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionately Impacted Communities” grant program.

The state will award up to $2 million per qualified project. State officials say the program will lower levels of mortality and illness.

Gov. Kemp Signs Another Gas Tax Holiday Extension Through October 12

September 2, 2022September 1, 2022 The Center Square

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has again extended the suspension of state taxes on motor and locomotive fuel.

On Thursday, Kemp signed an executive order to suspend the taxes and extend a supply chain state of emergency. The orders are valid through Oct. 12.

Warnock More than Doubles Income Since Becoming Georgia Senator

August 30, 2022August 29, 2022 Admin

Georgia Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock more than doubled his income after joining Congress, according to his financial disclosure records.

Most of Warnock’s income outside of his estimated $174,000 annual Senate salary comes from his book deal and the church in which has served as senior pastor for nearly two decades.

New Economic Data Shows That Georgia Is Outperforming Many States

August 28, 2022August 27, 2022 The Center Square

New economic data shows Georgia is outperforming many other states across the country.

Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate now stands at a record low of 2.8% in July. A new WalletHub analysis found that Georgia has the 15th best change in its unemployment rate

Brian Kemp Accuses Stacey Abrams of Flip-Flopping on Key Issues

August 24, 2022August 23, 2022 Addison Basurto

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) took his opponent, Stacey Abrams(D), to task, when he called her out for her inability to stick to a stance on political issues in a statement released on Tuesday.

“Stacey Abrams opposed suspending the gas tax and returning $1 billion to taxpayers, but now she’s on my record. She can’t have it both ways. Abrams has embraced the policies of Joe Biden that have led to disaster at the border, high gas prices, and empty grocery shelves,” Governor Kemp said.

Incentives Unknown as Georgia Announces Expansion at YKK AP Facility

August 18, 2022August 17, 2022 The Center Square

A manufacturer of windows and doors plans to invest up to $125 million to expand its middle Georgia facility.

Atlanta-based YKK AP America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based YKK AP, will create 100 additional jobs at its expanded Bibb County manufacturing facility. As is typical for jobs classified as in progress, state officials declined to divulge whether the state offered any incentives to entice the expansion or what it might cost Georgia taxpayers.

Governor Kemp Appoints New Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director

August 18, 2022August 17, 2022 Addison Basurto

Governor Brian P. Kemp (R) announced on Monday he has tapped Mike Register to replace Vic Reynolds as the newest Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

“Mike [Register] has a strong track record of strengthening public safety and protecting Georgia’s communities,” Governor Kemp said.

Port of Savannah Sees Record Start to Fiscal Year

August 10, 2022August 9, 2022 Addison Basurto

Governor Brian P. Kemp (R) touted a record start to the fiscal year that the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has seen, as it handled 530,800 container units in July for an increase of 18 percent.

“Again and again Georgia Ports break records while demonstrating why we’re the best place to do business. Congratulations on a great start to the fiscal year!” Governor Kemp said.

Georgia Governor Kemp to Headline Cherokee County Breakfast on Saturday

August 10, 2022August 9, 2022 Addison Basurto

Governor Brian Kemp (R) will be the featured speaker at Cherokee County GOP’s August breakfast on Saturday, an event which will also include State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) and Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods.

“I am excited to join hardworking Georgians in Cherokee County this weekend! Every day, Georgians and Americans are witnessing the failure of the Biden Administration and Democrats in Washington, but make no mistake: their failed policies are Stacey Abrams’ agenda for Georgia,” Kemp told The Georgia Star News on Tuesday.

Congressional Hopefuls Tyler Harper and Chris West Host Agriculture Roundtable in Dawson

August 9, 2022August 10, 2022 Addison Basurto

Republican Agricultural Commissioner Nominee Tyler Harper and GOP nominee Chris West (R-GA-02) hosted an agricultural roundtable in Dawson on Wednesday.

“Great time in Dawson today meeting with [agricultural] leaders supporting my friend Tyler Harper for Agriculture Commissioner. Southwest Georgia is ready to elect strong leaders who will fight for our state’s #1 industry!” West said on Wednesday.