State legislature unanimously approves tax rebates

By Mark Niesse, Staff Writer Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA — Georgia taxpayers are getting some of their money back. With a unanimous vote Monday, the state Senate gave final approval to a bill that will distribute tax rebates worth $250 to individuals and $500 to married couples. Gov.

House fails first attempt at property tax cuts

 ATLANTA — The Georgia House of Representatives rejected a proposal to nearly eliminate homeowner property taxes. The Republican-driven measure would have put a constitutional amendment to voters.

Minimum speed limit on Georgia highways could rise by 10 mph

By Mark Niesse Staff Writer, Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA — Get out of the way, slow drivers. The minimum speed limit on Georgia highways might increase to 50 mph.

Midyear budget gets approval

ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers reached a compromise on the mid-year budget Wednesday, fulfilling priorities of the three main players with a little help from extra money. To overcome an impasse after the state House and state Senate took money from each other's priorities — and from Gov.

Lawmakers seek to reduce insurance costs

ATLANTA — After approving one-time income and property tax rebates for Georgians earlier this week, the state House returned with four more affordability measures, this time aimed at insurance costs.

Students who skip school could face new punishments, including loss of driver's license

ATLANTA — Students with too many unexcused absences would be barred from playing sports and could lose their driver's license under legislation approved by the state Senate Thursday. "These are privileges," said Sen. Jason Dickerson, R-Canton.

Republican state senators push changes to Georgia voting machines

ATLANTA — Georgia Senate Republicans pushed last-minute amendments to the state's election procedures through a committee hearing Monday in an effort to meet their self-imposed deadline to use hand-marked ballots this year.

New non-profit to 'serve those who serve'

By Charlie Eavenson Franklin County Citizen Leader FRANKLIN SPRINGS – A new non-profit organization aims to “serve those who serve.” “That’s our mission and our motto,” Franklin Springs Police Chief Kevin Thompson said of the Northern Judicial Support Task Force.

House passes literacy measure, high school cell phone ban, slew of other education bills

ATLANTA — Lawmakers in the Georgia House embraced a plan to send literacy coaches to elementary schools while also sending a high school cell phone ban to the Senate, as part of a package of eight educational bills approved Tuesday.

Big income tax cuts would come with costs to residents

By Mark Niesse Staff Writer, Capitol Beat News Service ATLANTA — Republican senators are pitching giant income tax cuts to make Georgia more affordable, a plan that Democrats warn could lead to fewer government services or sales tax hikes.