Local Government

As Crossover Day approached, Senator Billy Hickman continued working with his colleagues to advance key legislation on education, small businesses, and the state budget.

The Georgia Senate passed SB 124, allowing children of active-duty military parents to access the state's $6,500 private school tuition subsidy without first attending an underperforming public school.

Sports betting and several other high-profile bills failed to advance in the Georgia General Assembly before the Crossover Day deadline, leaving key issues unresolved for another year.

Following the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns outlined key legislative priorities to enhance school safety, including expanding mental health services, strengthening firearm detection, increasing penalties for threats, and promoting safe gun storage efforts that have now been addressed through House-passed bills.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a record $40.5 billion mid-year budget that invests heavily in hurricane relief, school safety, prisons, infrastructure, and taxpayer rebates.

The justices of the Georgia Supreme Court have unanimously elected Presiding Justice Nels S.D. Peterson as the state’s next chief justice, succeeding Chief Justice Michael Boggs following his resignation effective March 31.

The Bulloch County Board of Commissioners announced GADOT has approved a traffic signal at Akins Pond road and Hwy. 80 West, approved an additional $3 million for Hurricane Helene debris removal while addressing concerns about emergency spending and public works operations. They approved 37 new firefighter positions, infrastructure repairs, and zoning requests, with updates from various department heads on ongoing projects and community concerns.

U.S. Congressman Rick W. Allen has announced the 2025 Congressional Art Competition, inviting high school students in Georgia’s 12th District to showcase their artistic talents for a chance to have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

During the seventh week of Georgia’s legislative session, the House of Representatives passed a range of significant bills, addressing issues from healthcare and education to veterans' benefits and public safety, as lawmakers prepare for the crucial Crossover Day deadline.

The Statesboro City Council meeting focused on approving a partnership with St. Joseph’s/Candler to expand oncology services, funding roadway improvements, and addressing Bulloch County’s sudden termination of the Fire District Agreement, and addressed misinformation that is being spread. The Council also debated whether to continue Automatic Aid with the County, approved financial relief for an elderly resident, and recognized longtime city employees for their service.