Jan. 17, 2025 Georgia.gov
Link to the text of Gov. Kemp’s annual report on the Georgia that he delivered to members of the Georgia Legislature Jan. 16.
Jan. 17, 2025 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Brian A. Lee reports that Georgia utility companies are increasingly getting into the business of infrastructure with the expansion of broadband and electric vehicle (EV) charging leading to new, game-changing economic development opportunity and efficiency. Thanks to new policies and funding avenues, public service companies and their partners can deliver more powerful connections and capacity for individuals, businesses and communities in the state.
Jan. 17, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Zachary Hansen reports, months after leveraging federal funds to help build a semiconductor parts factory east of Atlanta, the Biden-Harris administration is chipping in more money to assist with the plant’s research and development efforts. The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Thursday it awarded Absolics a $100 million grant to further the company’s development of cutting-edge materials used to package computer chips.
Jan. 17, 2025 Georgia Ports Authority
Staff reports that the Port of Savannah is up to eight days faster for India cargo moving to inland markets such as Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas, compared to West Coast ports. Six weekly vessel services provide direct connections between Savannah and India, while a total of ten services connect Savannah to the Indian Subcontinent.
Jan. 17, 2025 Gainesville/Hall County Chamber
Staff reports that the Gainesville-Hall County Metro, Georgia is the best performing small metropolitan area, according to the 2025 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities (BPC) report and tops the index after being featured among the BPC’s top 10 small metropolitan areas every year since 2016. Raleigh, NC tops the index in large metropolitans. Gainesville-Hall County and Raleigh’s rankings were fostered by strong job and wage growth and a robust high-tech presence.
Jan. 17, 2025 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Alba Rosa reports that Shanelle Booker has been named the acting U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, becoming the first Black prosecutor and first woman to hold the top federal attorney’s position in Middle Georgia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the new appointment Wednesday following the resignation of Peter Leary, who was nominated for the role in 2022 and held the position until Saturday.
Jan. 17, 2025 Marietta Daily Journal
Alice Queen reports that Jan. 20 will mark a once-in-a-lifetime experience for 20 area residents who will take part in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. The Diamond D Cowgirls precision drill team, under the tutelage of horsemanship trainer Elizabeth Dabney, will travel to Washington to march in the parade with their signature patriotic costumes and American flags.
Jan. 17, 2025 The Brunswick News
Gordon Jackson reports that the first increase in the county’s bed tax in nearly three decades was approved at Thursday’s Glynn County Commission meeting. The increase from 5% to the new rate of 7% still has to be approved by the General Assembly through local legislation.
Jan. 17, 2025 WABE, Savannah Morning News
Emily Jones reports that federal regulators are abandoning a proposal to expand ocean speed limits that were designed to protect North Atlantic right whales. The whales, which give birth off Georgia’s coast in the winter, are nearing extinction: just 370 remain, and vessel strikes are one of their leading causes of death.
Jan. 17, 2025 Clayton News-Daily
Staff reports that U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia, announced Thursday that the Senate passed legislation to upgrade water infrastructure in Henry and Clayton counties.
Jan. 17, 2025 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Mark Rice reports that retired state Rep. Calvin Smyre of Columbus, who was the longest-serving Georgia legislator when he completed his 48-year political career in 2022, will be given a rare honor. His portrait will be hung in the Georgia Capitol.
Jan. 17, 2025 GPB
Sarah Kallis and Tristan Smith report that Gov. Brian Kemp announced his health care legislative priorities for the session. “This session, I am confident we will continue that important progress, and I’m proud to say that commitment will start with my budget proposal for the fiscal year 2026,” Kemp said.
Jan. 17, 2025 Athens Banner-Herald, Savannah Morning News
Maya Homan reports that during his Thursday State of the State address, Gov. Brian Kemp outlined his priorities to the Georgia General Assembly, with a series of proposals aimed at continuing to provide relief in the wake of Hurricane Helene, investing in public safety initiatives and reforming the state’s legal landscape.
Jan. 17, 2025 Georgia Recorder
Jill Nolin and Ross Williams report, in a speech focused on resiliency, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp warned of dark clouds ahead for the state’s economy if the Legislature does not pass new limits on lawsuits – and signaled he might call a special session later this year if “meaningful, impactful” measures are not passed this winter. Kemp did not outline specifics Wednesday but devoted a significant portion of his State of the State address emphasizing what he argues is the need for sweeping changes and how hard he plans to push for them.
Jan. 17, 2025 Capitol Beat News
Dave Williams reports, with tax relief, disaster assistance, infrastructure investments and prison upgrades on his agenda, Gov. Brian Kemp Thursday proposed major budget increases, particularly in the spending plan covering the rest of this fiscal year. Kemp’s $40.5 billion fiscal 2025 mid-year budget, $4.4 billion above the spending plan the General Assembly adopted last spring, dips into the state’s healthy surplus to bankroll a $1 billion one-time tax rebate, $615 million storm recovery package for victims of Hurricane Helene, and $1.7 billion for transportation and water projects.
Jan. 17, 2025 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Greg Bluestein, Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy and Adam Beam report, House Speaker Jon Burns held his ground on Thursday by refusing to allow Republican state Sen. Colton Moore to enter the chamber during the governor’s State of the State address. But Burns’ stand is causing him some growing political headaches. Burns had ample reason to punish Moore, who was exiled from the Senate GOP caucus in 2023 for berating his colleagues and banished from the House a year later for what Burns called “vile” comments about the late House Speaker David Ralston.
