Peach Tree Times

The average VA IRRRL Loan amount for Georgia in 2023 was $334,886, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Georgia State AG Chris Carr: 'Far-left energy policies have been a disaster for consumers'

Georgia's Attorney General Chris Carr stated that "far-left energy policies have been a disaster," emphasizing the need to prevent California from "dictating" Georgia's energy approach. Carr made his statement in a May 23 post on X.

Reps. Ridley and Byrd to host “Keep Cherokee Beautiful” road clean-up

State Representatives Jordan Ridley (R-Woodstock) and Charlice Byrd (R-Woodstock) will host the “Keep Cherokee Beautiful” road clean-up on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Hobgood Park in Woodstock.

Rep. Farooq Mughal thanks voters for passing property tax relief referenda

ATLANTA – State Representative Farooq Mughal (D-Dacula) expressed gratitude to Gwinnett County voters for approving two homeowner property relief referenda on the May 21, 2024 ballot: House Bill 711 and House Bill 748. These measures will provide tax relief by doubling the homestead exemption for all homeowners and offering additional tax relief for school, law enforcement, hospital, and military personnel.

Senator secures $250K grant for mental health support program

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) – Sen. Sally Harrell (D–Atlanta) announced today that she secured a $250,000 grant for Clubhouse Atlanta at their open house event for supporters and members. Clubhouse Atlanta provides an evidence-based supportive program that helps individuals living with mental illness recover, come to terms with their illness, find social connections, and build self-confidence to lead productive lives.

Senator Frank Ginn joins new study committee on advancing forest innovation

Georgia State Senator Frank Ginn (R–Danielsville) has been appointed to serve on the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, as per Senate Resolution 786. The committee, aimed at strengthening Georgia’s leadership in the forestry, timber, and forest products industries, will also include Senate President Pro Tempore and Committee Chairman John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry), and Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta).

Georgia forms study committee on forest innovation led by John F. Kennedy

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) — President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) has been appointed to chair the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, as per Senate Resolution 786. The committee will include Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry), Sen. Sonya Halpern (D–Atlanta), Sen. Frank Ginn (R–Danielsville), and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega).

Senator Bo Hatchett joins committee on affordable child care

ATLANTA (May 30, 2024) — Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia) has been appointed to serve on the Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Child Care. The committee, established by Senate Resolution 471, will address the pressing issue of child care affordability and accessibility in Georgia.

Speaker Burns joins celebration marking completion of Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4

ATLANTA – On Wednesday, May 29, Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) joined Gov. Brian Kemp, members of the General Assembly, and executives from Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG, and the City of Dalton to celebrate the completion of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. This development makes the nuclear plant the largest generator of clean energy in the nation.

Senator Emanuel Jones appointed chair of new firearm safety study committee

ATLANTA (May 29, 2024) — Last week, Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur) was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Safe Firearm Storage by Lt. Governor Burt Jones. Additional Senate members appointed to serve on the study committee include Sen. Frank Ginn (R–Danielsville), Sen. Marty Harbin (R–Tyrone), Sen. David Lucas (D–Macon), and Sen. Ben Watson (R–Savannah).

Rep. Gilliard to host economic empowerment summit in Savannah

State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) will host the seventh annual Georgia Economic Empowerment Summit on Friday, May 31, 2024. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Savannah Technical College in Savannah.

Senator Chuck Payne to lead new study on veterans' mental health and housing

ATLANTA (May 29, 2024) — Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton) has been appointed to Chair the Senate Study Committee on Veterans’ Mental Health and Housing by Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. The committee will also include Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus), Sen. Josh McLaurin (D–Sandy Springs), Sen. Shawn Still (R–Johns Creek), and Sen. Rick Williams (R–Milledgeville).

Lt. Governor appoints new chair for Georgia farmland preservation committee

ATLANTA (May 29, 2024) – Last week, Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro) was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands by Lt. Governor Burt Jones. Additional Senate members appointed to serve on the study committee include Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Sen. Brandon Beach (R–Alpharetta), Sen. Jason Esteves (D–Atlanta), Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), Sen. Freddie Powell Sims (D–Dawson), and Sen. Sam Watson (R–Moultrie).

Georgia ranks no. 16 in 2024 Parent Power index, empowering families in education choices

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Georgia secured the sixteenth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 74.4%.

Georgia one of 20 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, that bans copay accumulators

By Peach Tree Times News Service | May 28, 2024

Georgia is one of twenty states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, that bans copay accumulators.

Rep. Lehman Franklin announces opening of new Statesboro constituent services office

State Representative Lehman Franklin (R-Statesboro) announced today the opening of a new constituent services office in Statesboro to serve the citizens of House District 160. The office will officially open on Monday, June 3, 2024, and will be located at 127 N Main Street, Statesboro, GA.

Senator John Albers appointed chair of AI study committee

ATLANTA (May 28, 2024) — Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) has been appointed to the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, where he will serve as Chair, and to the Senate Supporting Safety and Welfare of All Individuals in Department of Corrections Study Committee. These appointments were made by Lt. Governor Burt Jones, emphasizing the importance of these critical areas during the interim between legislative sessions.

Carmen Rice sworn in as new representative for Georgia's District 139