Georgia Today Podcast Summary

Episode: Democrat flips state House district; Biz owners face health insurance sticker shock
Date: December 10, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

Episode Overview

This episode covers major news stories affecting Georgia, including:

• A Democrat flipping a Republican-held state House seat in a special election, shifting Georgia’s legislative dynamics
• Small business owners facing dramatic increases in health insurance premiums
• Updates on proposed rules for paper ballots, legislation on tech in schools, Georgia Power deals, life sciences development, and high school sports fallout

The program deepens its reporting with firsthand perspectives, policy context, and the real-life impact of Georgia’s changing laws and economics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Georgia Power’s Agreement and Data Center Expansion

[00:34 – 01:36]

• Tentative Agreement: Georgia Power and the Georgia Public Service Commission staff have reached a deal to address rising power bills and support expanding data centers.
• Key Points:
  • Georgia Power seeks about 70% greater capacity, much of which would be carbon-emitting.
  • PSC staff fears a potential “data center bubble” could saddle households with unnecessary costs.
  • Agreement would redirect $500 million from data center revenue to guarantee at least $100/year savings on average household bills.
  • Georgia Power takes on increased financial risk through 2031.
  • Notable Quote [01:20]:
    “Power is assuming financial risk through 2031.” — Robert Cke, PSC Electric Unit Director
  • Final PSC vote scheduled for December 19th.

2. Health Insurance “Sticker Shock” for Small Business Owners

[01:36 – 05:26]

• Rising Premiums: Small business owners face large health insurance premium increases for 2026 as federal subsidies are set to expire, with one couple seeing their monthly cost jump by 70%.
• Personal Stories:
  • Kendra Fuentes, owner of a fitness center in Sandy Springs, relies on Georgia Pathways “because the lower your income, the more your health insurance is going to be covered by federal subsidies.”
    • Sticks with the most basic plan:
      Quote [02:52]:
      “I'm just going to stay with the same plan that I have... but I'm always going to do the lowest plan because I don't ever—thank gosh—like, I'm pretty healthy. I don't have any prescriptions.”
  • Molly Dickinson & Damon Zgrignoli, self-employed consultants from Atlanta, describe the frustration of annual premium hikes:
    Quote [03:45]:
    “Honey, you’re not going to believe this. The cheapest plan I found was just south of $15,000 for the premium alone.”
    • They must now pay ~$1,200/month, up from $700, for two adults with no children and no prescriptions.
    • Dickinson voices wider economic concerns:
      Quote [04:02]:
      “The economy is becoming harder for all of us to work and to succeed within.”
  • Gina Palmer, hair salon owner, faces rising costs but resists passing them to clients.
    • To manage, she’s considering cutting non-essential expenses:
      Quote [05:02]:
      “Those are the first things that are going to go if it’s my healthcare.”
• Enrollment Deadline: December 15th for 2026 ACA coverage.

3. Statehouse Special Election Upset

[05:26 – 06:06]

• Eric Gisler (Democrat) Flips District:
  • Wins Republican seat northeast of Atlanta (Athens area) after incumbent resignation.
  • Reduces Republican House majority to 99–81.
  • Follows a pattern of recent Democratic blowout victories—reflecting possible voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump.
  • Highlights competitive political climate in Georgia.
• Quote [05:27]:
  “Gisler’s win is part of a series of Democratic successes this year reflecting voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump.” — Peter Biello

4. Election Board Rejects New Paper Ballot Rule

[06:06 – 06:40]

• Failed Rule Change: State election board declines to define when hand-marked paper ballots must be used instead of voting machines (vote failed 2–2).
  • Supporters’ Argument: Current machines violate the law by denying voters the chance to read their ballots and by limiting privacy.
  • Opponents’ Argument: Measure would overstep board authority and bypass laws mandating ballot-marking machines.
• Next Steps: The board plans to lobby lawmakers for legislative changes.

5. Legislative Response to Tech and AI Impacts on Children

[06:40 – 07:32]

• Upcoming Bipartisan Legislation:
  • Proposed expansion of cell phone bans in schools to high schoolers.
  • Limits on use of AI in schools, and stronger privacy rules for AI chatbots.
  • Quote [07:06]:
    “To do nothing about that, to turn a blind eye to that is to be derelict in our duties.” — State Sen. Ed Setzler
  • Legislation to be introduced at the start of the next session.

6. Other Georgia News Briefs

Rowan Convergence Center

[07:32 – 07:57]

• Life sciences park in Gwinnett County is progressing, with the first building anticipated by 2027.

High School Football Incident

[07:57 – 08:37]

• Brunswick High coach resigns after a viral field brawl led to major suspensions, fines, and playoff ban; school appeals; coach had a notably strong record.

Memorable Quotes

• On Business Healthcare Costs:
  “Those are the first things that are going to go if it’s my healthcare.”
  — Gina Palmer [05:02]

• On Political Change:
  “Gisler’s win is part of a series of Democratic successes this year reflecting voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump.”
  — Peter Biello [05:27]

• On Rising Small Business Burdens:
  “The economy is becoming harder for all of us to work and to succeed within.”
  — Molly Dickinson [04:02]

• On Legislative Responsibility Regarding Tech:
  “To do nothing about that, to turn a blind eye to that is to be derelict in our duties.”
  — State Sen. Ed Setzler [07:06]

Key Timestamps

• 00:34: Georgia Power/PSC staff agreement
• 01:36: Small business health insurance cost stories
• 03:48: Stark premium increase for self-employed couple
• 05:26: Democrat Eric Gisler flips Republican House seat
• 06:06: State election board rejects paper ballot rule
• 06:40: Bipartisan tech/AI legislative announcements
• 07:32: Gwinnett County life sciences park progress
• 07:57: Brunswick High football brawl fallout