Latest News from Peach Tree Times

VA provides 3,250 home purchase loans in Georgia in Q2

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 25, 2024

There were 3,250 VA home purchase loans issued in Georgia in the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024 totaling $1.1 billion, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Georgia braces as Gov. Kemp declares state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 25, 2024

Governor Brian P. Kemp has directed the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) in anticipation of Hurricane Helene, which is forecasted to strengthen before making landfall in Florida on Thursday. The governor declared a State of Emergency for all 159 counties yesterday, allowing emergency management teams to make necessary preparations and allocate resources ahead of the storm.

House study committee to meet in Nahunta on navigable streams

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 25, 2024

The House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters, chaired by State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), will hold its third meeting of the year on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Strickland’s Lodge in Nahunta, Georgia.

Automotive supplier invests $11.2 million into manufacturing facility in Toombs County

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 25, 2024

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Shinsung Petrochemical, an automotive supplier, will invest $11.2 million in a new manufacturing facility in Toombs County, creating over 30 new jobs.

Businesses urged to prepare as Hurricane Helene approaches

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 25, 2024

Hurricane Helene is on track to intensify into a major hurricane before reaching Florida's Big Bend on Thursday.

Defense Credit Union Council: Proposed credit card bill could increase fraud risk for Georgia veterans

By Peach Tree Times reports | Sep 24, 2024

The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) told Georgia's U.S. senators in May that proposed credit card regulations would “risk military financial readiness,” and the council is now saying the bill could “jeopardize veterans’ financial security.”

Democratic members to discuss workers' rights issues at Amazon ATL6 Warehouse

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 24, 2024

Members of the Senate and House Democratic Caucuses will gather at the Amazon ATL6 Warehouse in East Point, GA, for a Workers' Rights Press Conference on Wednesday, September 25, at 1:00 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Lawmakers address alleged worker rights violations at Amazon ATL6 warehouse

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 24, 2024

State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Senator Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta), members of the State House and Senate Democratic caucuses, and labor representatives will hold a press conference to address allegations of workers’ rights violations at the Amazon ATL6 warehouse on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 1 p.m. outside the Amazon ATL6 warehouse in East Point, Georgia.

Senate committee to hold second hearing on affordable childcare

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 23, 2024

The Senate Study Committee on Access to Affordable Childcare will hold its second hearing on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The meeting will take place at the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County in McDonough, Georgia.

Roswell unveils veteran motorcycle parking spots with Senator Albers

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 23, 2024

Last week in Roswell, Mayor Kurt Wilson and Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) presented new designated Veteran Motorcycle parking spots. The event saw attendance from several veterans, including Roger Wise, a Roswell native and Georgia Military Hall of Fame honoree, and Councilwoman Lee Hills.

Rep. Farooq Mughal promoted within Civil Air Patrol Legislative Squadron

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 23, 2024

State Representative Farooq Mughal (D-Dacula) has been promoted to Honorary Major within the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Legislative Squadron. The CAP is a congressionally chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and supports states and local communities.

Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee to hold virtual AI meeting

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 23, 2024

The Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Subcommittee on Artificial Intelligence, led by State Representative Brad Thomas (R-Holly Springs), is set to hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be live-streamed for public viewing.

Georgia SEB's new hand count rule faces opposition

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 23, 2024

On September 20, Georgia’s State Elections Board (SEB) passed a rule requiring poll workers to hand count the number of ballots from the ballot box at the end of election day. This counting will occur after ballots have been tabulated but before results are submitted to county election offices.

Senator Jason Anavitarte named among Georgia's 50 most influential Latinos

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 23, 2024

Last week, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) was honored by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as one of Georgia’s 50 Most Influential Latinos. The ceremony, held at Truist Park, celebrated Latino leaders who have made significant contributions to Georgia’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.

House Rural Development Council focuses on healthcare at second annual meeting

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 23, 2024

State Representative Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville) recently hosted the second 2024 meeting of the House Rural Development Council at the historic Thomson Depot in Thomson, Georgia. The event took place in House District 128, which Rep. Jackson represents. Alongside State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), Jackson was appointed as co-chair of the council by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) in 2023. This meeting focused on rural healthcare, addressing issues such as maternal and infant health, physician shortages, and access to care in underserved areas.

Senate committee to hold second hearing on forest innovation in Georgia

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 23, 2024

The Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee will hold its second hearing on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The committee is chaired by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon).

Average VA Purchase Loan amount in Georgia increases from Q1 to Q2

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 22, 2024

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for Georgia in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $341,389, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Senate subcommittee to hold first hearing on homeowners associations

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 20, 2024

ATLANTA (September 20, 2024) — On Tuesday, September 24, at 9:00 a.m., the Senate Rules Subcommittee on Homeowners Associations, chaired by Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan), will hold its first hearing.

House Rural Development Council discusses healthcare needs at Thomson meeting

By Peach Tree Times | Sep 20, 2024

State Representative Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert), co-chair of the House Rural Development Council alongside State Representative Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville), recently hosted the council’s second meeting of the year at the historic Thomson Depot in Thomson, Georgia. Both Reps. Greene and Jackson were appointed as co-chairs by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) in 2023. The meeting’s agenda concentrated on addressing rural healthcare needs, including maternal and infant health, shortages of physicians, and improving access to care in underserved regions.