It's Thursday...Only one more day until Friday...
Governor Sonny Perdue wants to give Georgia education a "booster shot". Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that the state stands to get more than $2 billion for education. Those funds would come from the federal economic stimulus package. But Perdue also says Georgia could get even more money to fund education. That could come from a new grant proposal titled "Race To The Top", which is also part of the stimulus package. The program rewards states with innovative ideas to education reform.
DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis recently fired the county's police chief. And the former top cop says a blog is to blame for his firing. Drifting Through The Grift says that former DeKalb police chief Terrell Bolton blames the blog titled "DeKalb Officer Speaks", for his dismissal earlier this week. He gave an interview to a Dallas, Texas television station to talk about his termination.
And on the legislative front, SB 31 passed the Georgia House of Representatives with a vote of 107 to 66. The bill now awaits Governor Perdue's signature.
That's the news for Thursday. But log on to georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com for more fresh Georgia-related news all night long, as it happens. And check the GNB Twitter and other spots on GNB for any breaking news. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your evening.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
GNB Update
Here's another abbreviated edition of the GNB Update for Wednesday...
Georgia Women Vote reports that representatives from Macon will travel to the Capitol for "Macon Day" Thursday. But there's key elected official missing: the Labor Commissioner. Still, Governor Sonny Perdue, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, as well as Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson, and other lawmakers, will be on hand for this event.
Insider Advantage Georgia says a controversial commissioner with the Georgia Department of Transportation could soon be on her way out. The Atlanta-based online political publication reports that GDOT Commissioner Gena Evans could be removed from her post on Thursday. If the meeting goes into a closed session, it's likely that the removal of Evans would be considered at that time.
And SWGA Politics has a report on the detailed voting record for the Georgia Senate on Day 23 of the 2009 legislative session. Click here to read more on the bills lawmakers considered Wednesday, courtesy of Georgia Legislative Watch.
That's the news. GNB is available 24/7 at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Enjoy the rest of the night.
Georgia Women Vote reports that representatives from Macon will travel to the Capitol for "Macon Day" Thursday. But there's key elected official missing: the Labor Commissioner. Still, Governor Sonny Perdue, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, as well as Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson, and other lawmakers, will be on hand for this event.
Insider Advantage Georgia says a controversial commissioner with the Georgia Department of Transportation could soon be on her way out. The Atlanta-based online political publication reports that GDOT Commissioner Gena Evans could be removed from her post on Thursday. If the meeting goes into a closed session, it's likely that the removal of Evans would be considered at that time.
And SWGA Politics has a report on the detailed voting record for the Georgia Senate on Day 23 of the 2009 legislative session. Click here to read more on the bills lawmakers considered Wednesday, courtesy of Georgia Legislative Watch.
That's the news. GNB is available 24/7 at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Enjoy the rest of the night.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
GNB Update
Welcome to Tuesday...Here's what making news in Georgia at the moment...
The CEO of one of the nation's premier insurance companies says no to having more money added to his salary.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that Aflac, Inc. chairman Daniel Amos rejected a bonus of $2.8 million for 2008. He had already turned down an estimated $26 million in "golden parachute" parts of his contract. In a related development, President and CFO Kriss Cloninger also cut his bonus by more than a third. That translates to a salary of more than $475,000. Amos earned more than $1 million, while Cloninger got more than $850,000 last year.
Some controversy over newly passed legislation Tuesday. The Georgia Senate voted overwhelmingly to ban sanctuary cities statewide. It calls for state funding or state administered federal funding to be withheld for any local governments that hire illegal immigrants or provide welfare benefits to them. Bill sponsor Chip Pearson of Dawsonville says there about 60 cities in Georgia that have declared themselves sanctuary cities, while Democratic senator Emanuel Jones of Decatur claims there are no such communities within the state. The vote was 37 to nine in favor of passage.
And from the blog files, Peach Pundit has a report on some legislation you may know about, at least not yet.
That's the news. Remember to visit georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com for the freshest Georgia-related news all day, all night. In the meantime, enjoy your Tuesday evening.
The CEO of one of the nation's premier insurance companies says no to having more money added to his salary.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle reports that Aflac, Inc. chairman Daniel Amos rejected a bonus of $2.8 million for 2008. He had already turned down an estimated $26 million in "golden parachute" parts of his contract. In a related development, President and CFO Kriss Cloninger also cut his bonus by more than a third. That translates to a salary of more than $475,000. Amos earned more than $1 million, while Cloninger got more than $850,000 last year.
Some controversy over newly passed legislation Tuesday. The Georgia Senate voted overwhelmingly to ban sanctuary cities statewide. It calls for state funding or state administered federal funding to be withheld for any local governments that hire illegal immigrants or provide welfare benefits to them. Bill sponsor Chip Pearson of Dawsonville says there about 60 cities in Georgia that have declared themselves sanctuary cities, while Democratic senator Emanuel Jones of Decatur claims there are no such communities within the state. The vote was 37 to nine in favor of passage.
And from the blog files, Peach Pundit has a report on some legislation you may know about, at least not yet.
That's the news. Remember to visit georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com for the freshest Georgia-related news all day, all night. In the meantime, enjoy your Tuesday evening.
Monday, February 23, 2009
GNB Update
A brand new work week has one day in the books...And now here's the news...
Some of that stimulus money may not be coming to Georgia after all.
That's the word Governor Sonny Perdue gave to citizens Sunday. He says the state may reject portions of the recently passed economic stimulus package because it might not be in Georgia's best interest to accept it. He tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that officials must decide what's in the best interests of the state in the long run. His office is reviewing the funding requirements that would determine how much federal aid Georgia may get. Republican Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina say they're rejecting part of the stimulus package too.
Don't let the river flow. That's what an Augusta-based organization wants to see with the local canal. The Friends of the Savannah River Basin Coalition says reducing the flow to the Augusta Canal would keep more water in local reservoirs. That's according to the Augusta Chronicle. But critics say such a plan would reduce the limit the discharges of water that are currently allowed. That could mean some big changes for local industry in Central Savannah River Area. Also, tourists would be the main beneficiaries of having more water in the reservoirs, as lower lake levels could potentially turn away more of them.
Georgia's 160th county is step closer to being formed. And no, it's not a misprint. Beaconcast.com reports that the Georgia House of Representatives late last week passed House Resolution 21. It allows for the creation of Milton County, which is currently north Fulton County near Atlanta. The legislation passed out of the State Planning Committee with a 7-1 vote. Representative Winfred Dukes was the only lawmaker to vote no. This isn't the first time that Milton County has existed, as it lasted from 1857 to 1931. The resolution now goes to the House Rules Committee for another vote sometime this week.
That's the news for Monday. Remember GNB is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Have a great evening.
Some of that stimulus money may not be coming to Georgia after all.
That's the word Governor Sonny Perdue gave to citizens Sunday. He says the state may reject portions of the recently passed economic stimulus package because it might not be in Georgia's best interest to accept it. He tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that officials must decide what's in the best interests of the state in the long run. His office is reviewing the funding requirements that would determine how much federal aid Georgia may get. Republican Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina say they're rejecting part of the stimulus package too.
Don't let the river flow. That's what an Augusta-based organization wants to see with the local canal. The Friends of the Savannah River Basin Coalition says reducing the flow to the Augusta Canal would keep more water in local reservoirs. That's according to the Augusta Chronicle. But critics say such a plan would reduce the limit the discharges of water that are currently allowed. That could mean some big changes for local industry in Central Savannah River Area. Also, tourists would be the main beneficiaries of having more water in the reservoirs, as lower lake levels could potentially turn away more of them.
Georgia's 160th county is step closer to being formed. And no, it's not a misprint. Beaconcast.com reports that the Georgia House of Representatives late last week passed House Resolution 21. It allows for the creation of Milton County, which is currently north Fulton County near Atlanta. The legislation passed out of the State Planning Committee with a 7-1 vote. Representative Winfred Dukes was the only lawmaker to vote no. This isn't the first time that Milton County has existed, as it lasted from 1857 to 1931. The resolution now goes to the House Rules Committee for another vote sometime this week.
That's the news for Monday. Remember GNB is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Have a great evening.
Friday, February 20, 2009
GNB Weekend Update
Once again, the weekend is here...And now here's the news...
A major restructuring of Georgia's transportation system is underway.
Lawmakers introduced legislation Thursday that calls for the state's two transportation agencies to be merged into one: the State Transportation Agency. Governor Sonny Perdue says the merger because the transportation system is "broken". He blames mismanagement and gridlock for Georgia's money woes. The current Department of Transportation is currently in millions of dollars in debt. That means multiple projects still aren't finished.
In the wake of the recent investigation of the salmonella outbreak, the Georgia Senate recently passed that requires food manufacturers to notify state inspectors within 24 hours if there's contamination. Occupational Health and Safety magazine reports that the passage of the legislation is in response to the salmonella outbreak that happened at the now-defunct Peanut Corporation of America plant in Blakely. That bill passed with a unaminous 50-0 vote.
Finally, some food for thought this weekend from middle Georgia. Charles Richardson of the Macon Telegraph and Macon.com says that Governor Perdue is not an "education governor". He says that 2.5 billion has been taken out of the state's funding for grades K-12. Richardson also says in his column that school systems must choose between raising taxes locally, or cutting programs.
That's the news. Remember, you can visit GNB online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. In the meantime, have a good weekend.
A major restructuring of Georgia's transportation system is underway.
Lawmakers introduced legislation Thursday that calls for the state's two transportation agencies to be merged into one: the State Transportation Agency. Governor Sonny Perdue says the merger because the transportation system is "broken". He blames mismanagement and gridlock for Georgia's money woes. The current Department of Transportation is currently in millions of dollars in debt. That means multiple projects still aren't finished.
In the wake of the recent investigation of the salmonella outbreak, the Georgia Senate recently passed that requires food manufacturers to notify state inspectors within 24 hours if there's contamination. Occupational Health and Safety magazine reports that the passage of the legislation is in response to the salmonella outbreak that happened at the now-defunct Peanut Corporation of America plant in Blakely. That bill passed with a unaminous 50-0 vote.
Finally, some food for thought this weekend from middle Georgia. Charles Richardson of the Macon Telegraph and Macon.com says that Governor Perdue is not an "education governor". He says that 2.5 billion has been taken out of the state's funding for grades K-12. Richardson also says in his column that school systems must choose between raising taxes locally, or cutting programs.
That's the news. Remember, you can visit GNB online at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. In the meantime, have a good weekend.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
GNB Update
One more day until Friday...Here's the news...
Georgia's junior U.S. Senator makes a stop in southwest Georgia to launch his re-election campaign for 2010. Johnny Isakson paid a visit to Albany Wednesday to make that announcement during a campaign visit. He's calling for his colleagues in Washington to have more energy independence, and to address the causes of the nation's economic downturn. A spokesperson with Georgia's Democratic Party says there are several people that have expressed interest in running against Isakson, but those announcements would come in time.
To sell...or not to sell...
That was the issue Georgia senators tackled in the latest debate on Sunday alcohol sales. They held their first hearing on the matter Wednesday. Critics of senate bill S.B. 16 say passing the legislation would be an attack on the Christian sabbath, and encourage more underage and drunken driving. It's the third straight year lawmakers have considered legislation regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Some more news from the blog files. Atlanta Public Affairs has an inside look on congressional Democrats from Georgia letting the Republicans have their way with the recently passed economic stimulus package. Georgia Women Vote examines the "power gift cart" at the Capitol, and the need for state citizens to have their own lobbyist. And Drifting Through The Grift explains the so-called "laffer curve".
Finally, Mostly Media introduces you to the new "Wi-Fi Cat". Atlanta entrepreneur Scott Burkett explains what this new technology means to the future of wireless Internet.
That's the news for Thursday. But remember that GNB is available all day, all night at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Have a good evening.
Georgia's junior U.S. Senator makes a stop in southwest Georgia to launch his re-election campaign for 2010. Johnny Isakson paid a visit to Albany Wednesday to make that announcement during a campaign visit. He's calling for his colleagues in Washington to have more energy independence, and to address the causes of the nation's economic downturn. A spokesperson with Georgia's Democratic Party says there are several people that have expressed interest in running against Isakson, but those announcements would come in time.
To sell...or not to sell...
That was the issue Georgia senators tackled in the latest debate on Sunday alcohol sales. They held their first hearing on the matter Wednesday. Critics of senate bill S.B. 16 say passing the legislation would be an attack on the Christian sabbath, and encourage more underage and drunken driving. It's the third straight year lawmakers have considered legislation regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Some more news from the blog files. Atlanta Public Affairs has an inside look on congressional Democrats from Georgia letting the Republicans have their way with the recently passed economic stimulus package. Georgia Women Vote examines the "power gift cart" at the Capitol, and the need for state citizens to have their own lobbyist. And Drifting Through The Grift explains the so-called "laffer curve".
Finally, Mostly Media introduces you to the new "Wi-Fi Cat". Atlanta entrepreneur Scott Burkett explains what this new technology means to the future of wireless Internet.
That's the news for Thursday. But remember that GNB is available all day, all night at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Have a good evening.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
GNB Update
Here's what going on mid-week in Georgia...
A Macon private school is set to take on a project worth $5 million.
Mount de Sales Academy has started a campaign to build a brand-new middle school. It's expected to open by the end of 2010. The Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission recently the Catholic college prepatory school the OK to get the eventual new addition to the school built. Mount de Sales currently has more than 700 middle and high school students enrolled.
The $787 billion stimulus package passed by Congress last week finally has President Barack Obama's signature on it. Now multiple cities and counties throughout central Georgia hope to use that money wisely. Among the projects that could get funding include the demolition of blighted housing in Macon for $6 million, street resurfacing in Bibb County for $10 million, a hotel and conference center in Warner Robins for $32 million, and water and sewer upgrades in that same city for $69.7 million. Federal agencies will soon decide who will get those grants. That's according to recovery.gov.
Homeowners were another beneficiary of the recently signed stimulus package. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced a deal that fund a homestead extension for this year. That prevents a statewide round of re-billings. The new bill hinges on hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding from the federal government. That money would include funding the state's Medicaid program. But it would also lead to cuts from state agencies. The deal all but assures that the Georgia won't fund the property tax breaks in the years to come.
Finally, check out the newest addition to GNB, our "Photo Extra". This week, we have an inside look at a University of Georgia professor's recent visit to Puerto Rico. There, he examined the link between unexploded munitions, and cancer-causing toxins. Just simply find the entry titled "GNB PHOTO EXTRA--Link between oceans and toxins".
That's the news for Wednesday. But visit GNB all day, all night for the freshest Georgia news. Enjoy your evening.
A Macon private school is set to take on a project worth $5 million.
Mount de Sales Academy has started a campaign to build a brand-new middle school. It's expected to open by the end of 2010. The Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission recently the Catholic college prepatory school the OK to get the eventual new addition to the school built. Mount de Sales currently has more than 700 middle and high school students enrolled.
The $787 billion stimulus package passed by Congress last week finally has President Barack Obama's signature on it. Now multiple cities and counties throughout central Georgia hope to use that money wisely. Among the projects that could get funding include the demolition of blighted housing in Macon for $6 million, street resurfacing in Bibb County for $10 million, a hotel and conference center in Warner Robins for $32 million, and water and sewer upgrades in that same city for $69.7 million. Federal agencies will soon decide who will get those grants. That's according to recovery.gov.
Homeowners were another beneficiary of the recently signed stimulus package. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced a deal that fund a homestead extension for this year. That prevents a statewide round of re-billings. The new bill hinges on hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding from the federal government. That money would include funding the state's Medicaid program. But it would also lead to cuts from state agencies. The deal all but assures that the Georgia won't fund the property tax breaks in the years to come.
Finally, check out the newest addition to GNB, our "Photo Extra". This week, we have an inside look at a University of Georgia professor's recent visit to Puerto Rico. There, he examined the link between unexploded munitions, and cancer-causing toxins. Just simply find the entry titled "GNB PHOTO EXTRA--Link between oceans and toxins".
That's the news for Wednesday. But visit GNB all day, all night for the freshest Georgia news. Enjoy your evening.
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