Peach Tree Times

The VA issued 603 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Georgia during the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Georgia voters face constitutional amendments and referendum questions in upcoming election

State Representative Penny Houston, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, has updated her constituents about the constitutional amendments and statewide referendum set to appear on the November 5 ballot. Rep. Houston aims to inform voters in Berrien, Cook, and Tift counties about these tax relief initiatives that could alleviate property tax pressures.

Fulton County judge halts election hand-count rule after committee discussions

Today, Sen. Donzella James (D–Atlanta), Chairwoman of the Senate Standing Committee on Urban Affairs, expressed approval of a recent decision by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney. The judge's ruling halted the State Election Board's requirement for hand-counting ballots, describing it as "too much, too late," while the court continues to deliberate on the issue.

Georgia State AG Chris Carr: 'This attack from Iran against Israel cannot be tolerated'

Georgia's Attorney General Chris Carr has expressed strong condemnation of Iran's recent missile attack on Israel, stating that such actions "cannot be tolerated" and emphasizing the necessity for "unwavering" support for Israel against those who seek to "destroy" it. Carr made these remarks in an October 1 post on X.

Average cost of college education in Georgia falls for students in 2022-23 school year

College tuition fees fell 1.4% in Georgia in the 2022-23 school year, according to the latest disclosure from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Committee on licensing issues to meet at Georgia Southern University

The Joint Blue-Ribbon Committee to Investigate Licensing Issues will convene its next meeting at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro. The session is scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10 a.m., and will take place at the Nessmith-Lane Continuing Education Center.

House Rural Development Council schedules meetings in Americus

The House Rural Development Council is set to convene for its next series of meetings at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus. The council, led by State Representatives Gerald Greene and Mack Jackson, will meet on October 22 and 23, 2024.

Officials address concerns over biolab chemical fire in Georgia

State legislators and Congressman Hank Johnson recently held a follow-up meeting to address concerns stemming from the BioLab chemical fire. The virtual meeting on October 10, 2024, included key figures such as State Representatives Rhonda Taylor, Billy Mitchell, Karla Drenner, State Senator Tonya Anderson, and Congressman Hank Johnson. This meeting followed a public hearing at the State Capitol on October 8.

Representative Rhonda Taylor mourns passing of conservation leader Kenny Johnson

State Representative Rhonda Taylor has issued a statement following the death of Kenny Johnson, Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor. The announcement came after Johnson's recent passing, which occurred shortly after his testimony at a hearing concerning the BioLab chemical fire.

Georgia AI committee plans sixth meeting for October

The Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence is set to convene for its sixth meeting on October 23, 2024. The session will be chaired by Senator John Albers, a Republican from Roswell, and will take place at the UGA Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm in Watkinsville, Georgia. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. and is open to the public. Additionally, it will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website.

Higher property tax revenue in Georgia during Q2

By Peach Tree Times | Oct 14, 2024

The second quarter brought in $225 million in property tax revenue for Georgia, a 6.1% increase from the first quarter, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

Georgia: Biologics companies were the second most FDA inspected companies in Georgia in Q3

By Peach Tree Times | Oct 12, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted 10 inspections at 10 Biologics companies from Georgia in the third quarter of 2024.

Elon Musk offers cash incentive to over 350,000 Georgia gun owners not registered to vote

By Peach Tree Times reports | Oct 11, 2024

Elon Musk’s America PAC is reportedly offering $47 dollars for every referral to and signature from a Georgia voter on his petition to to support free speech and the Second Amendment.

League of American Workers President: 'Georgian voters who clamor for real change' see through Harris' media appearances

Steve Cortes, president of the League of American Workers, said Georgia voters "who clamor for real change" do not believe media attempts to highlight Vice President Kamala Harris.

FDA conducted lowest number of inspections on Veterinary companies in Georgia during Q3

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted two inspections at two Veterinary companies from Georgia in the third quarter of 2024.

Viral video of FEMA 'Disaster Equity' discussion sparks concern about the agency's priorities during hurricane season

By Bryan Hyde | Oct 11, 2024

Video of a 2023 webinar held by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has gone viral over a discussion about "disaster equity," raising concerns about the agency's priorities and ability to fulfill its mission in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which left a wake of destruction in portions of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Georgia reports a decrease in September tax revenues

The State of Georgia reported a decline in net tax collections for September, totaling approximately $3.21 billion. This marks a decrease of $91.2 million, or 2.8%, compared to the same month in fiscal year 2024 when collections were nearly $3.3 billion. Despite this monthly drop, year-to-date net tax revenue collections reached about $8.11 billion, showing an increase of $29.5 million, or 0.4%, over September 2023's figure of roughly $8.08 billion.

Rep. Carl Gilliard hosts homeownership event in Savannah

State Representative Carl Gilliard, who serves as the chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, is set to host a "Come Get Your Keys" event aimed at promoting homeownership. The event will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Savannah Technical College.

Senator Mallow addresses voter challenges linked to recent legislation