Georgia Grown hosts first-ever career event
With 64 percent of farmers over the age of 55 compared to just 7 percent under 35—the state’s agriculture industry faces a critical workforce gap in the coming decades, according to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
What will Kemp veto? And too few tax breaks cut?
Gov. Brian Kemp launched the first wave of bill signings last week ahead of today’s deadline to ratify or veto hundreds of measures passed in the 2026 General Assembly session.
Ga. school chief lists priorities for 2026 legislative session
The Georgia Department of Education has announced its legislative priorities for the 2026 session of the General Assembly. The top priority among them: a $10,000 raise for teachers and competitive pay for support staff. State School Superintendent Richard Woods says these priorities will guide his conversations with lawmakers and will play a key role in the department’s work during and beyond the legislative session.
Joint education committees examine teacher workforce, literacy initiatives
Members of the Senate and House education committees met in a joint session recently to look at the K-12 education workforce, including the teacher and school leader pipeline. Sen. Billy Hickman, R–Statesboro, chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, led the joint meeting alongside the House Committee on Education to hear the progress on Senate Resolution 237.
McCormick secures funding for Lake Lanier water quality initiative
U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, R-GA, announced Wednesday that he has secured $2.5 million in community project funding for the Lake Lanier Water Quality Initiative. This is a regional effort to reduce nutrient pollution and protect the drinking water source for millions of Georgians.
SoS: Audit confirms PSC vote count
An audit of the results of one of the two Public Service Commission contests confirms the outcome of the November 4 election, according to information from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The Secretary of State’s office began the audit last Thursday in all of Georgia’s 159 counties.
Ga. Dept. of Labor unveils plan to transform agency
The Georgia Department of Labor has unveiled a new strategic plan – one that Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes says is designed to “make government work better for workers, for businesses, and for communities across Georgia.” She describes the comprehensive plan as a blueprint for transformation grounded in innovation, operational excellence, and elevated public service.
The Most Influential Readership in Georgia
View our JAMES 2026 media kit and editorial calendar
Kemp declares state of emergency for Georgia, readying state crews, National Guard for snow and ice
Gov. Brian Kemp announced a state of emergency for all Georgia counties Thursday ahead of a winter storm expected to dump snow and sleet onto the northern third of the state starting Saturday, potentially encasing the land in a layer of ice.
Explosion of data centers brings barrage of new bills
Every legislative session has buzz words and hot topics that bring about a lot of new bills. Data centers appear to be among the list of top issues this session of the Georgia General Assembly which got under last Monday. The topic has already drawn several bills – including one by Sen. Matt Brass, R-Newnan, and another by Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta.
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Technology Use & Balanced Tobacco Policy Can Save Lives
This past session members of the Legislature engaged in emotional, yet productive, conversations around vapor products and a law that would establish a state vapor product registry.
FCC must not eliminate bulk billing agreements
In the current digital era, broadband is as essential as utilities like water and electricity. Initiatives like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that President Joe Biden fought to have included under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act have started to bridge the digital divide by improving accessibility and affordability.
U.S. DOT decision on Delta-Aeromexico partnership could threaten Georgia’s economy
Along with improving access to affordable healthcare and strengthening our public education system, one of my primary goals as a member of the Georgia State Senate has been to help build a thriving economy that creates jobs, strengthens local businesses, and supports a higher quality of life for Georgians.
