Latest News from Peach Tree Times

House committee to discuss safety and consumer protection of nicotine vapor products

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 9, 2024

The House Study Committee on Safety and Consumer Protection of Nicotine Vapor Products, chaired by State Representative Houston Gaines (R-Athens), will convene its second meeting on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The session is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. in room 341 of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.

Georgia ranked 28th in average VA home loan amount in Q2

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 7, 2024

With $334,917 in home loans issued, Georgia ranked 28th in average loan amount for VA home loans in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans' Affairs Home Loans Index.

Analysis: Georgia one of 25 states allowing boys to play girls’ high school sports

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 7, 2024

As President Biden revealed new rules regarding Title IX protections in April of 2024, which redefined “sex” to include “gender-identity,” an analysis by Peach Tree Times shows that Georgia is one of 25 states that allow boys to play in girls’ high school sports.

Report: Georgia families spent $1,074 more for goods and services under Biden-Harris Administration

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 6, 2024

Georgia families spent an average of $1,074 more for goods and services – including transportation, shelter costs, energy, and food – in July 2024 than they were spending prior to the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration.

Georgia House Democrats urge special session on gun violence

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 6, 2024

Members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus held a press conference today at the State Capitol to address gun violence in Georgia. The caucus released a statement urging Governor Brian Kemp to convene a special legislative session on gun violence in schools.

Senator Harbison commends WHINSEC's contributions to international security

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 6, 2024

Sen. Ed Harbison recognizes the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation

Technology subcommittee to hold AI meeting in Augusta

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 6, 2024

The Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on Artificial Intelligence (AI), chaired by State Representative Brad Thomas (R-Holly Springs), will convene its next meeting on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta, Georgia.

House committee to meet in Helen on navigable streams

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 6, 2024

The House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters, chaired by State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), is scheduled to hold its next meeting on Friday, September 20, 2024. The session will commence at 9 a.m. at the Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Georgia.

House study committee to meet in Pine Mountain to assess academic calendars

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 6, 2024

The House Study Committee on Assessing the Semester and Quarter Systems at USG and TCSG Institutions, chaired by State Representative Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire), will hold its second meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will take place at Callaway Resort & Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

Calls for urgent legislative action on gun violence in Georgia

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 5, 2024

Guns, guns, everywhere! Gun violence has breached our front doors and invaded our schools, homes, and communities. It is a relentless epidemic that devastates lives and shatters our sense of safety. The question now is, “What are we going to do about it?”

Senator Albers proposes stricter measures against deadbeat parents

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 5, 2024

ATLANTA (September 5, 2024) — Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) announced his plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming legislative session to hold deadbeat parents accountable for failing to meet their obligations to provide for their children.

Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence announces fourth meeting

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 5, 2024

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence will hold its fourth hearing. The session will be chaired by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) and conducted in conjunction with the House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on AI.

House study committee to hold first meeting on private water systems

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 5, 2024

The House Study Committee on Private Water Systems, chaired by State Representative Trey Rhodes (R-Greensboro), will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at Lakeside Church in Greensboro, Georgia.

Georgia House Democrats announce "Day of Action" following school shooting

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 5, 2024

State Representative Park Cannon (D-Atlanta), Secretary of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus (GHDC), and members of the GHDC will hold a “Day of Action” press conference to show support for the Barrow County community following yesterday’s school shooting at Apalachee High School tomorrow, Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the South Wing Steps of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.

Number of VA loans issued in Georgia increased by 3.4% from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 4, 2024

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued 5,334 home loans in Georgia, totaling $1.8 billion, during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Senator Jones issues statement on Apalachee High School shooting

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 4, 2024

ATLANTA (September 4, 2024) — Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Safe Firearm Storage, Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur), issued a statement today regarding the shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County.

Senate committee discusses farmland preservation at Habersham EMC

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 4, 2024

Last Friday, August 30, the Senate Study Committee on Farmland Preservation convened at Habersham EMC to discuss the future of farmland preservation in Georgia. The meeting focused on the challenges and opportunities facing Georgia’s farmlands, with an emphasis on the state’s agricultural industries, Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) programs, and the role of local governments in managing development and growth.