Equal pay bill approved; Collins absent from town hall; Chatham County sales tax

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Hosted by Orlando Montoya | Released: March 19, 2025

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1. Georgia Legislature Approves Equal Pay Bill

The Georgia Legislature reached a significant milestone by approving Senate Bill 55, which mandates that companies pay Georgians with intellectual disabilities at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This legislation aims to eliminate the previous state allowance where some individuals with intellectual disabilities could be paid as little as 22 cents per hour.

Key Highlights:

• Sarah Kalis, GPB News reporter, detailed the bill's passage: "Under current state law, some Georgians with intellectual disabilities can legally be paid as little as 22 cents per hour. Senate Bill 55 would require companies to pay those affected at least $7.25 an hour, equal to federal minimum wage." [01:23]
• Representative Sharon Cooper, who championed the bill in the House, emphasized the importance of fairness and dignity: "It's about dignity and fairness and making sure that people with disabilities are paid at least what we consider the bare minimum wage. All other workers." [01:43]
• The bill has successfully passed both the Senate and the House and now awaits Governor Kemp's signature to become law.

2. Congressman Mike Collins Absent from Constituents' Town Hall

A town hall meeting held at the Athens Clark County Library saw the absence of Congressman Mike Collins, drawing attention from his constituents. Over 300 attendees, moderated by State Representative Spencer Fry, discussed various local issues and voiced their concerns.

Key Highlights:

• Chase McGee, GPB reporter, reported on the turnout and participant discussions: "More than 300 people represented by Congressman Mike Collins last night met at a town hall at the Athens Clark County Library." [02:08]
• Among the panelists was Abby Horvath, a veteran and former medevac pilot, who shared her experiences: "Not only was I the senior ranking American, I was the only female in my unit for the first six months. And that was okay because I led with respect." [02:37]
• Attendees expressed concerns ranging from federal policy impacts to local industry challenges, such as avian influenza affecting the poultry sector.
• Representative Collins' office issued a statement reaffirming his dedication and legislative efforts on behalf of the 10th district, addressing the community's concerns despite his absence.

3. Chatham County Approves New Sales Tax for School Improvements

Residents of Savannah's Chatham County voted to renew a special 1% sales tax for an additional five years, aimed at funding school building improvements within the public school system. Despite low voter turnout, the measure passed with notable support.

Key Highlights:

• Juan Vargas, a Savannah resident and voter, advocated for increased educational investment: "Instead of thinking of how we're going to reduce the cost of education, we need to think of how to increase the investment on education because investment is the future of this country." [04:37]
• Suzanne Gresham, another supporter, emphasized the importance of local funding: "With the potential collapse of the Department of Education, I think that making sure that we're paying attention to the local elections and how money is being used locally is really important." [04:53]
• The school district anticipates generating approximately $700 million from the penny sales tax, enhancing educational infrastructure and resources.
• A similar referendum in neighboring Bryan County narrowly failed, highlighting the differing local sentiments towards such initiatives.

4. Senate Committee Advances Cell Phone Ban in Schools

A Senate committee has approved a bill that seeks to ban cell phones in Georgia's public elementary and middle schools. Proponents argue that cell phones are distracting and can contribute to negative student behavior, while opponents raise concerns about emergency communication.

Key Highlights:

• The chief sponsor of the bill addressed the committee's concerns: "The bill requires schools to have policies for parent communication in case of emergencies." [03:34]
• If passed by the full Senate, the legislation would set new standards for student conduct and classroom management, aiming to create a more focused educational environment.

5. International Trade Tensions: Canada and Mexico Warn on US Tariffs

Representatives from Canada and Mexico expressed concerns over potential US tariffs targeting their nations, citing the detrimental impact on consumers and businesses across North America. Small businesses, in particular, stand to suffer significant losses.

Key Highlights:

• Rosalind Kwon, Consul General of Canada to the Southeastern US, highlighted the vulnerability of small businesses: "Small businesses in particular will be hurt more than large corporations." [05:45]
• Javier Diaz de Leon, Consul General of Mexico in Atlanta, echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of maintaining the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to ensure economic stability and mutual growth.
• Both diplomats reaffirmed their countries' commitment to the USMCA, seeking to alleviate fears and promote cooperative trade relations despite the current administration's tariff considerations.

6. Commemorating the Bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette's Visit

Georgia is celebrating the bicentennial of Marquis de Lafayette's historic farewell tour, which included a significant stay in Savannah. Events across ten cities will honor his contributions to the American Revolution and Franco-American relations.

Key Highlights:

• David Brennaman, Executive Director of Telfair Museums, reflected on Lafayette's legacy: "Lafayette symbolizes the revolutionary spirit and French American cooperation and I think he really was a true believer and I think ultimately he is someone who materially helped us become the United States." [06:05]
• Analor de Joncaire, Atlanta-based French Consul General, is slated to participate in reenactments and celebrations, emphasizing the enduring friendship between France and the United States.
• The bicentennial events include reenactments in Savannah, Augusta, Macon, Columbus, and other Georgia cities, with full details available at lafayette200.org.

7. Stalemate Over Georgia’s State Flower

Efforts to change Georgia's state flower from the invasive Cherokee rose to the native sweetbay magnolia have stalled in the state Legislature. Proponents argue that the magnolia better represents the state's ecosystem, while opponents cite the Cherokee rose's historical significance.

Key Highlights:

• Senate Rules Chairman Matt Brass led the opposition, stating: "The Cherokee rose is historically significant." [Time not specified in transcript]
• A proposed compromise to designate April as Georgia Native Plant Month also failed to advance, though advocates remain committed to recognizing the state's native flora in future legislative sessions.

8. Missing Cat Found at Atlanta Airport

An 11-day search concluded successfully with the recovery of Rin, a cat that went missing from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The feline was found safe in a bookstore storage closet, bringing relief to concerned passengers.

Key Highlights:

• Airport officials shared the heartwarming rescue on Instagram, celebrating Rin's return to her rightful place among travelers and staff alike.

9. Georgia Sports News

a. Kirk Cousins Joins Netflix’s "Quarterback" Series: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins will be featured in the second season of Netflix's popular series "Quarterback," slated to debut in July. The show gained substantial viewership in its inaugural season and promises to continue offering an inside look into the lives of Georgia's sports stars.

b. Craig Kimbrell Returns to Atlanta Braves: Nine-time All-Star closer Craig Kimbrell has signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves, rejoining the team after a brief stint away. Kimbrell, a seasoned pitcher since his debut in 2010, will be assigned to the AAA Gwinnett affiliate, contributing his expertise and competitive spirit to the Braves' roster.

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Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today delivered a comprehensive overview of pivotal legislative changes, community events, international relations, and local interests shaping Georgia. From the advancement of equal pay for individuals with intellectual disabilities to the heartfelt recovery of a lost pet, the podcast encapsulates the diverse stories that resonate with Georgians. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to the podcast and visiting gpb.org/news for more detailed reports.

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For more information or to provide feedback, visit gpb.org/news or email [e-mail].

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker A]

DBHDD is reminding Georgians that the 988 lifeline can help those worried about opioid and stimulant misuse. The three digit number is free and confidential. Help is available 24. 7 more [e-mail].

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast from GPB News. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. Today is Wednesday, March 19th. I'm Orlando Montoya. Coming up on this episode, the Georgia Legislature approves a bill which ends subminimum wage for those with intellectual disabilities. Georgia Congressman Mike Collins is absent from a town hall of his constituents in Athens. And residents of Savannah's Chatham county approve a new sales tax to fund school school building improvements.

[Juan Vargas]

We need to think of how to increase the investment on education because investment is the future of this country.

[Orlando Montoya]

These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. The Georgia Legislature gave final approval to a bill that would require companies to pay Georgians with intellectual disabilities a minimum wage. GPB's Sarah Kalis reports.

[Sarah Kalis]

Under current state law, some Georgians with intellectual disabilities can legally be paid as little as 22 cents per hour. Senate Bill 55 would require companies to pay those affected at least $7.25 an hour, equal to federal minimum wage. Representative Sharon Cooper carried the bill in the House.

[Abby Horvath]

It's about dignity and fairness and making sure that people with disabilities are paid at least what we consider the bare minimum wage. All other workers.

[Sarah Kalis]

SB55 passed the Senate earlier this session and now heads to Governor Kemp's desk to be signed into law. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis. At the State capitol.

[Orlando Montoya]

More than 300 people represented by Congressman Mike Collins last night met at a town hall at the Athens Clark County Library. GPB's Chase McGee reports. Collins wasn't in attendance.

[Unknown Speaker A]

The event was hosted by local Democrats and moderated by State Representative Spencer Fry. It featured panelists who spoke about the ways their lives have been impacted by the actions of federal officials, including Abby Horvath, a veteran and former medevac pilot who advocates for women in the armed forces.

[Abby Horvath]

Not only was I the senior ranking American, I was the only female in my unit for the first six months. And that was okay because I led with respect.

[Unknown Speaker A]

Others shared their concerns over avian influenza and its possible impact on District 10's poultry industry. In February, Claire Teitelbaum lost her job with the U.S. geological Survey, studying how wildlife spread the disease.

[Abby Horvath]

This was more or less my dream job. I wanted to be able to use my skills to help other people do their work.

[Unknown Speaker A]

State Senator Josh McLaurin and Representative Ruo Roman from Metro Atlanta also attended and took questions from the crowd. Questions also being submitted to Collins Monroe office. In a statement, a spokesperson for Representative Collins highlighted his legislative achievements and said his commitment to the 10th district and its constituents was unquestionable. For GPB News in Athens, I'm Chase McGee.

[Orlando Montoya]

Legislation that would ban cell phones in Georgia's public elementary and middle schools cleared a Senate committee yesterday and and could get a vote in the full Senate soon. Supporters of the bill say cell phones are distracting to students and can lead to bad behavior. But one question raised in the Senate Committee on Children and Families is how parents could contact their kids during an emergency. The bill's chief sponsor said the bill requires schools to have policies for parent communication. After the emergency, voters in Savannah's Chatham county approved a referendum yesterday to renew a special 1 sales tax for another 5 years. Revenue from the tax will be used to fund building improvements at the Savannah Chatham county public school system. Turnout in the election was low, with only about 5% of registered voters casting a ballot. Savannah resident Juan Vargas was one of them. He says he came out to vote because Georgia needs to invest more in education.

[Juan Vargas]

Instead of thinking of how we're going to reduce the cost of education, we need to think of how to increase the investment on education because investment the future of this country.

[Orlando Montoya]

Vargas said he voted in favor of renewing the sales tax. So did Savannah resident Suzanne Gresham.

[Sarah Kalis]

With the potential collapse of the Department of Education, I think that making sure that we're paying attention to the local elections and how money is being used locally is really important.

[Orlando Montoya]

The school district estimates the penny sales tax will generate $700 million in revenue for public schools in Savannah and Chatham County. Similar referendum in neighboring Bryan county failed by less than 1% of the vote. The Georgia based representatives for the Canadian and Mexican government say tariffs targeting their nations will hurt consumers and businesses in the US as well as in Canada and Mexico. The diplomats spoke at the Atlanta Rotary Club on Monday. Rosalind Kwon, the consul general of Canada to the southeastern US Said small businesses in particular will be hurt more than large corporations.

[Abby Horvath]

When I hear comments from them, they are particularly concerned about keeping their clients. So some of them might say I want to keep my customers so maybe I can help to cover some of this increase in cost, but then how long can I do that for?

[Orlando Montoya]

Both Kwon and the consul general of Mexico in Atlanta, Javier Diaz de Leon, said their nations remain committed to the U S Mexico Canada agreement negotiated during President Trump's first administration. Events in 10 cities across Georgia will commemorate the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette's farewell tour of the US in 1825. The Frenchman was the last surviving general of the American revolution, and his 6,000 mile trip to all 24 states at the time was widely celebrated. He arrived in Savannah 200 years ago today and stayed at the Owens Thomas House, now operated by Telfair Museums. The museum's executive director, David Brennaman, says Lafayette symbolizes the revolutionary spirit and French American cooperation and I think he really was a true believer and I think ultimately he is someone who materially helped us become the United States. The Atlanta based French Consul General, Analor de Joncaire, is expected at events reenacting Lafayette's visit in Savannah on Friday. Lafayette also visited Augusta, Macon and present day Columbus, among other cities also planning bicentennial events. A full listing of events is at lafayette200.org a little more about Georgia history now and our State Flower Efforts to change Georgia's state flower from the invasive Cherokee rose to the native sweetbay magnolia have stalled in the state Legislature. Supporters say the magnolia better represents Georgia's ecosystem, supporting pollinators like the state butterfly, the tiger swallowtail. But some lawmakers, including Senate Rules Chairman Matt Brass, opposed the change, arguing the Cherokee rose is historically significant. A compromise bill to designate April as Georgia Native Plant Month also failed to advance this session. Advocates say they'll continue pushing to recognize the state's native plant. A cat that went missing at the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been found safe and sound after an 11 day search. Rin, a passenger's pet, escaped at the main security checkpoint earlier this month, airport officials say. She was discovered tucked away in a bookstore storage closet. Airport officials shared a video on their Instagram of the rescue, saying the adventurous feline is finally where she belongs. Turning now to Georgia sports, the Atlanta Falcons Kirk Cousins will be featured on the second season of the Netflix series Quarterback, the streamer announced. The series will debut in July with a video released today. Quarterback debuted in 2023 and was one of the top streamed series on Netflix last year. And Craig Kimbrell is coming back to the Atlanta Braves. The 36 year old nine time All Star closer has agreed to a minor league contract with the Braves sending him to AAA Gwinnett. Kimbrell debuted the Braves in 2010 and later went on to pitch for six other teams. He was released by the Baltimore Orioles in and that's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news we'd like you to hit subscribe on this podcast that helps you and it helps us, so you always stay current with us in your feed. If you have feedback, send that to us@georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. We'll be back again tomorrow.

[Unknown Speaker F]

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