2026 Ag Issues Summit features launch of Joint Family Farms Study Committee
Agriculture is Georgia’s No. 1 industry. And every year state lawmakers, industry leaders and members throughout Georgia’s farming community gather to discuss the issues shaping the future of the state’s number one industry at the Ag Issues Summit.
Kemp touts data centers, calls AI “scary” but essential
Gov. Brian Kemp weighed in on the rush to develop artificial intelligence, calling the technology “scary” while also welcoming data centers to Georgia and criticizing others who would pause their development.
Lieutenant gov. announces study committee appointments
There is not a ton of time left at the Gold Dome for Lieutenant Gov. Burt Jones. After his unsuccessful run in the Republican gubernatorial primary, Jones will bid adieu to the politics in Atlanta – at least for a while – but there are still some important responsibilities for him before he leaves. As the leader of the Senate, Jones is responsible for appointments to study committees and he has announced the first round this week.
Clyde introduces bill pushing back on EPA regulations
U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-GA, says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has overstepped its authority. In response, Clyde teamed with Sen. Mike Lee, R-UT, to introduce the End EPA Abuse Act, legislation to amend the Clean Air Act to end what they call a “power grab.”
Georgia’s Rural Center approves another round of development grants
Five new grants have been approved by the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, known as Georgia’s Rural Center, part of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The five grants total more than $300,000 for key projects in rural areas of the state.
Kemp: Georgia will participate in Great American State Fair
Georgia will be in the spotlight at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C as part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th Birthday. According to Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia’s participation will include exhibits highlighting key industries in the state, as well as special items from well-known Georgia-based companies like Waffle House and Chick-fil-A.
Special session ends with elections bill but no redistricting, property tax relief
The special session of the Georgia General Assembly called by Gov. Brian Kemp ended Tuesday afternoon after lawmakers passed an elections bill but failed to pass any bills addressing property tax relief or redistricting. An amended Senate Bill 3 EX made it through both chambers, extending the use of QR codes on ballots until 2028 and mandating hand recounts for the top two statewide races within 0.5 percent.
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Happy Independence Day from James Online!
Happy 4th of July to our readers on this, our nation’s 250th birthday! We hope you are celebrating with family and friends – be safe, have fun, and we’ll be back Monday!
Ga. CEO: Municipal Association helps cities manage public safety
Senior Governmental Relations Associate with Georgia Municipal Association DJ Waller discusses collaborating with local leaders throughout the state to address public safety and municipal government matters. Learn more in this video from Georgia CEO:
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Opinion: It’s time to strengthen America’s rail backbone
Georgia is entering a new era of transportation feats. The Georgia Department of Transportation is moving forward with multi-hundred-million-dollar projects to widen State Route 20 through Cherokee and Forsyth counties, Governor Kemp just proposed an investment of $1.8 billion to relieve one of Atlanta’s most critical freight bottlenecks, and construction on the Blue Ridge Connector is now 95 percent complete, not to mention other major interchange projects across the state.
Opinion: Data centers and the rise of AI in Georgia
For centuries, major technological advances have reshaped how people live, work and communicate. From the printing press to the steam engine to the internet, each innovation has brought new opportunity and responsibility. Today, artificial intelligence and the data centers that support it represent the next major shift, and it is our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure Georgia is prepared for the future.
Opinion: No more penalty on hard work in Georgia
Georgia is at an economic crossroads. Over the past several years, the state has grown rapidly, attracting new residents and businesses while climbing in national rankings for competitiveness. Yet many Georgia families don’t feel that prosperity in their daily lives.
