Georgia Senates passes mid-year budget; Ga. Power data center bill; Capoeira school

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Release Date: February 27, 2025
Host: Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting

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1. Georgia Senate Passes Mid-Year Budget Prioritizing Hurricane Helene Relief

On February 26, 2025, the Georgia Senate approved a mid-year budget aimed at addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The budget allocates $750 million specifically for storm cleanup, shifting funds from various programs to ensure timely relief for affected communities.

Key Highlights:

• Leadership and Funding Allocation:
  State Senator Republican Blake Tillery spearheaded the budget passage with strong support, maneuvering a total of $10 million added by the House and an additional $15 million directed to the Department of Community Affairs. This funding assists individuals who are still awaiting the adjudication of their claims or have had their claims denied due to the hurricane's impact.
  (Timestamp: 04:30)

• Comprehensive Coverage:
  Beyond disaster relief, the budget also addresses other critical areas such as education, public libraries, and infrastructure, ensuring a balanced approach to state spending until June 30.
  (Timestamp: 05:20)

• Next Steps:
  Following the Senate's approval, the budget will return to the House for further consideration and finalization.

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2. Georgia House Unanimously Passes Bill Protecting Access to IVF Treatments

In a show of bipartisan unity, the Georgia House passed HB426, a bill ensuring continued access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments for residents. The legislation received unanimous support from both Republican and Democratic members, highlighting the state's commitment to reproductive health services.

Key Highlights:

• Personal Motivations:
  Representative Lehman Franklin, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the personal significance of the legislation by sharing his own journey with IVF. "I and my wife are expecting a baby girl later this year, conceived through IVF after years of infertility challenges," he stated.
  (Timestamp: 08:15)

• Widespread Support:
  Multiple representatives shared their personal connections to IVF, reinforcing the bill's importance and fostering an environment of empathy and understanding within the chamber.
  (Timestamp: 09:00)

• Legislative Progress:
  With unanimous passage in the House, HB426 now proceeds to the Senate for further deliberation and potential enactment into law.
  (Timestamp: 09:45)

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3. Georgia State Election Board Dismisses Lawsuit Against True the Vote

The Georgia State Election Board recently dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Texas-based group True the Vote, which aimed to compel the organization to produce evidence supporting its claims of ballot stuffing in the 2020 and 2021 elections.

Key Highlights:

• Legal Proceedings:
  True the Vote had previously filed complaints alleging electoral fraud, but lacked sufficient evidence to substantiate its claims. When ordered by a judge to comply with the state Election Board's subpoena, the group admitted it had no relevant information to provide.
  (Timestamp: 12:30)

• Outcome and Implications:
  As a result, the Election Board voted to dismiss the lawsuit, effectively ending the group's attempts to challenge Georgia's election integrity without credible evidence.
  (Timestamp: 13:10)

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4. Vibrant Capoeira School in Atlanta Preserves Afro-Brazilian Culture

Atlanta's Felus Chibimba leads one of the few schools dedicated to teaching Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends elements of dance, music, and acrobatics. The program not only imparts physical skills but also fosters cultural heritage and community spirit.

Key Highlights:

• Cultural Embodiment:
  Ruth Evans, a recent student, articulates the deep connection between Capoeira and cultural resistance. "There's an embodiment to living out some of those cultural principles in the group itself," she explains, highlighting how the practice serves as a form of resilience and expression.
  (Timestamp: 16:45)

• Instructor Insights:
  Felus Chibimba is praised for his profound knowledge and passion for Capoeira, often referred to as a "Capoeira encyclopedia." He traces the art's lineage back to Mastery Bimba, who transformed Capoeira from a persecuted practice into a celebrated aspect of Brazilian identity.
  (Timestamp: 18:30)

• Community Impact:
  Students like Megan Kazanski and Nicole Cooper describe the inclusive and supportive environment of the Capoeira community. The practice encourages personal growth, physical strength, and cultural appreciation, making it accessible and enriching for all participants.
  (Timestamp: 20:15)

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5. Georgia Power Data Center Bill Advances in State Senate

Senate Bill 34, which seeks to prevent Georgia Power from transferring the costs of providing electricity to data centers onto residential and small business customers, has successfully cleared a state Senate committee. This legislative move comes in response to a series of rate hikes that have significantly impacted consumers.

Key Highlights:

• Rationale Behind the Bill:
  In the past two years, residents have faced six rate increases from Georgia Power, cumulatively raising bills by 37%. SB34 addresses these hikes by ensuring that the expenses associated with data center energy consumption do not burden smaller customers.
  (Timestamp: 23:00)

• Legislative Process:
  With the committee's approval, the bill moves to the Senate Rules Committee, where it will be scheduled for a floor vote.
  (Timestamp: 23:45)

• Broader Context:
  This legislation reflects a growing concern over utility rate stability and the equitable distribution of energy costs among different customer segments.
  (Timestamp: 24:10)

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6. Port of Savannah Dockworkers Secure New Contract

Unionized dock workers at the Port of Savannah have agreed to a new contract extending through 2030, averting potential strikes and ensuring continued operations at one of the nation's busiest ports.

Key Highlights:

• Contract Details:
  The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) ratified a contract that includes a substantial 60% pay raise over five years, setting a "gold standard" for dockworker unions globally.
  (Timestamp: 26:20)

• Economic Impact:
  Georgia Ports Authority CEO Griff Lynch highlighted the importance of the contract, noting that robust labor relations are crucial for maintaining Savannah's competitive edge, especially against rivals like the Port of Long Beach, which has seen significant growth.
  (Timestamp: 27:00)

• Future Prospects:
  The agreement is expected to solidify the Port of Savannah's standing as a key logistics hub on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, fostering economic stability and growth in the region.
  (Timestamp: 27:45)

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7. Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Identifies 'Places in Peril'

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation has announced its annual list of 10 historic properties currently threatened by demolition, neglect, development, or inadequate public policy.

Key Highlights:

• Notable Threats:
  Among the endangered sites are a circa 1900 peach packing barn in Peach County, a historic black church in Savannah, and the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth.
  Trust President and CEO Wright Mitchell emphasized the significance of these sites, particularly the Museum's collection of historic train cars, including the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Marco Polo sleeper train.
  (Timestamp: 29:00)

• Preservation Efforts:
  The Trust actively works to restore selected properties, although some may still face demolition or irreversible neglect if immediate action isn't taken.
  (Timestamp: 30:15)

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8. Mercer University's Medical School Expands to Macon

Mercer University has finalized plans to establish a new medical school campus in Macon, situated on a formerly industrial strip near the Okmulgee River. This expansion is part of Mercer's strategy to accommodate a rapidly growing student body and to contribute to Macon's downtown revitalization.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Location:
  The new campus represents a shift from the main campus, placing the medical school three miles away to better serve the community and leverage Macon's economic resurgence.
  (Timestamp: 32:00)

• Anticipated Growth:
  With enrollment numbers more than doubling over the past four decades, the new facility will provide the necessary infrastructure to support Mercer’s expanding academic programs.
  (Timestamp: 32:45)

• Community Impact:
  City leaders anticipate that the medical school's presence will bolster local economic development, attract further investments, and enhance healthcare education and services in the region.
  (Timestamp: 33:20)

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9. Frontier Airlines Expands Operations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Frontier Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its services at Atlanta's primary airport, increasing its departures by 40% and introducing nine new routes to enhance connectivity and provide more travel options for residents.

Key Highlights:

• New Destinations:
  Among the new routes are direct flights to popular destinations such as Aruba and Palm Beach, catering to both vacationers and business travelers seeking convenient access from Atlanta.
  (Timestamp: 35:10)

• Strategic Growth:
  The expansion reflects Frontier's confidence in Atlanta's status as a major transportation hub and its commitment to meeting the growing travel demands of the region's population.
  (Timestamp: 35:45)

• Consumer Benefits:
  Increased flight options and frequency are expected to provide competitive pricing, enhanced convenience, and a broader range of travel opportunities for Georgia residents.
  (Timestamp: 36:00)

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10. Atlanta Doula Collective Releases Empowering Documentary

The nonprofit Atlanta Doula Collective has premiered a documentary titled "Cradled: Reclaiming the Legacy of Black Doula Care," showcasing the vital support doulas provide to Black families before, during, and after childbirth.

Key Highlights:

• Documentary Focus:
  Produced by collective founder Sakisa Berry, the film highlights doulas as companions, educators, and allies, emphasizing the joy and empowerment they bring to maternal care despite the high statistics of maternal mortality in the Black community.
  (Timestamp: 38:15)

• Challenges Addressed:
  The documentary also delves into the challenges doulas face, including the lack of understanding from medical providers about their role and the absence of formal licensing, which the collective aims to address through education and expansion efforts.
  (Timestamp: 39:00)

• Community Impact:
  By sharing personal stories and advocating for recognition, the Atlanta Doula Collective seeks to enhance maternal health outcomes and provide culturally competent care to Black families across Georgia.
  (Timestamp: 39:45)

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Conclusion

This episode of Georgia Today delivered comprehensive coverage of significant legislative developments, community initiatives, economic expansions, and cultural preservation efforts within the state. From the Senate's prioritization of hurricane relief to the vibrant expression of Afro-Brazilian culture through Capoeira, the podcast encapsulated the diverse and dynamic narratives shaping Georgia today.

For more detailed information on these stories, visit GPB News or subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast to stay informed on the latest updates directly from Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting

Transcript

[Orlando Montoya]

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] hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast from GPB News. On this podcast, we feature the latest stories from the GPB newsroom. You can send us feedback or story tips to Georgia [e-mail] Today is Thursday, February 12th. I'm Orlando Montoya. Coming up on this episode, the Georgia Senate passes a mid year budget which prioritizes Hurricane Helene relief. A bill clears the Senate which prohibits Georgia Power from passing the cost of data centers on to customers and an Atlanta school helps preserve culture by teaching the art of capoeira. It isn't just learning the history and the culture in a cognitive way of like, hey, let me teach you something about the stories. There's an embodiment to living out some of those cultural principles in the group itself. These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia today. The Georgia Senate passed a mid year budget yesterday that prioritizes Hurricane Helene relief. Funds were shifted from a variety of programs to help pay for the $750 million needed for storm cleanup. Fidelia State Senator Republican Blake tillery led its 511 passage. So the Senate's budget takes $10 million that was added by the House, adds 15 million to it in the Department of Community affairs for individuals victims of the storm who, through no fault of their own, nonetheless are still awaiting claims to be adjudicated or claims that were denied. Other budget line items include education, public libraries and infrastructure. The mid year budget covers state spending through June 30. It now goes back to the House. The Georgia House passed legislation today aiming to protect access to Sumford fertility treatments. GPB Sarah Kalis reports. Applause erupted in the House chamber as a bill codifying access to in vitro fertilization treatment received unanimous passage from both Republicans and Democrats. Representative Lehman Franklin is the sponsor of HB426. He and his wife are expecting a baby girl later this year, conceived through IVF after years of infertility challenge. Anybody in this room that no one here in this room has not been either directly influenced or affected by IVF or or indirectly affected by ivf. Everyone that I've come in contact with has had their own personal experience. Several other representatives rose to share their own personal stories with ivf. The bill now moves to the Senate for GPB News. I'm Sarah Kallis at the State Capitol. The Georgia State Election Board yesterday voted to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to enforce a subpoena against a conservative group that was unable to produce evidence to support its claim of ballot stuffing in the state. Texas based True the vote in 2021, filed complaints alleging ballot stuffing in 2020 and 2021. After the group refused to provide information about its sources, a judge ordered it to comply with the state Election Board subpoena. The group then said it had no information to provide, noting that that means the investigation would likely be unsuccessful. The election board voted Wednesday to dismiss the matter. Capoeira is an Afro Brazilian martial art originally created by enslaved Africans as a method of self defense disguised as a dance. It's a combination of kicks, dodges, music and acrobatics. In Atlanta, Felus Chibimba is one of a few schools teaching the martial art and sharing the culture it comes from. GPiBI's Amanda Andrews spoke to students about what it means to be part of the Capoeira community and connecting to its history. For someone who is looking and seeing a capoeira hoda, or people playing capoeira, you'll see a circle. You'll see people clapping and singing, playing instruments, and two people in the middle of that circle are attacking and defending playfully because it's not sparring. My name is Ricky Lawson, and in the capoeira world I'm known as Officer Malandru. Malandru means street smart. Everyone eventually, over time, will receive a nickname that expresses the way they move, what they like to do, something that they'll be proud of. My name is Nicole Cooper, but in the capoeira community I am known as Alta, which means tall. Most likely gonna have to work a little bit harder than someone who's smaller than you, because I'm almost six feet tall, but actually because I'm also very flexible and then training with people that are a lot shorter than me, they seem to not be able to fully stretch me. So that's how I got the name Alta. I think what I really like about training with Milandro and Felios Jibimba as a whole is that he's very passionate about the art. He's very knowledgeable. He's pretty much like a Capoeira encyclopedia. Our capoeirae to school comes from a very specific language, which is the lineage of Mastery Bimba. Mastery Bimba, who is black, who is poor, who is illiterate, was able to take this form of expression, this art form that was being persecuted by law, and now it's a part of Brazil's nationality. Yeah. Nice job. Capoeira is for everyone because it's so multifaceted. There's the musical components, the movement components, the historical components. There's something that everyone can be nourished by and everyone can contribute their own strengths to. My name is Megan Kazanski. My capoeira apelido is soneca. It means nap. I've been a part of a few different capoeira groups in my 10 years. Since I started this group, Yulishi Bimba, I feel really aligned with their principles and methodologies. And so I'm excited to really be a part of a community where we're celebrating each other and growing together. Stop there. I'm doing things that and, like, getting strong in ways that I just would not have thought of. Like, oh, yeah, 46. I'm going to be doing cartwheels all over the floor or handstands. I'm going to do the kick, and then you're going to do the kick, and then you do the Negro cheetah. I'm Ruth Evans, and I have been training with capoeira for three months. It isn't just learning the history and the culture in a cognitive way of, like, hey, let me teach you something about the stories. There's an embodiment to living out some of those cultural principles in the group itself. Go out, Wait, protect your face. And with Black History Month, Capoeira represents that regardless if the entire country that you are in, you know, has it in for you, doesn't see you as a human being, you are still going to fight. You're not gonna hang your head low. You're going to sing, you're gonna dance, you're gonna resist. I'm already ready to start over again. You just heard from students at Felush Jibimba, a school of capoeira in Atlanta. This piece was produced by GPB's Amanda Andrews. A bill prohibiting Georgia Power from passing on the costs of providing electricity to data centers to residential and small business customers has cleared a state Senate committee. Senate Bill 34 comes in the wake of six rate increases in less than two years that have driven up what homeowners and small businesses pay by 37%. The legislation now goes to the Senate Rules Committee to schedule a floor vote. Unionized dock workers at the Port of Savannah agreed this week to a new contract through 2030. As GP's Benjamin Payne reports, it puts an end to uncertainty over a potential strike. Rank and file members of the International Longshoremen's association overwhelmingly approved the contract, which includes a 60% pay raise over five years throughout major ports along the east coast and Gulf of Mexico. Speaking at a conference in Savannah this week, Georgia Ports Authority CEO Griff lynch said the months long negotiations came with their costs, as many customers diverted cargo last year to the west coast that included Savannah's rival Port of Long Beach. They grew by almost 20%. The major East coast and Gulf ports grew by 9.3 most years. That's pretty good, but La Long beach doubled us. I hope they enjoyed it because it's all going to come back to us. In a statement, the head of the ILA called the new contract the gold standard for dockworker unions globally. For GPB News, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah. The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Today listed 10 historic properties threatened by demolition, neglect, development or public policy. The nonprofit's annual places in peril this year include a circa 1900 peach packing barn in Middle George's Peach County, a historic black church in Savannah and the Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, northeast of Atlanta. Trust President and CEO Wright Mitchell says the museum is significant not for its building but for its historic train cars. Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Marco Polo sleeper train is there that he would take down to Warm Springs, and in fact, there are 90 pieces of rolling stock there at the museum. The small museum is struggling to care for the collection. Many of the trust's annual selections go on to be restored, while others languish and a few are demolished and lost forever. The new location for Mercer University's medical school in Macon has been finalized after a deal between the school and Macon's Urban Development Authority. Mercer will buy a strip of vacant, formerly industrial land in downtown Macon near the Okmulgee river, which until recently was dominated by homeless encampments, and near where the city demolished an abandoned hotel on New Year's Day. The new medical school will be three miles away from Mercer's main campus and, according to the school, will be large enough to accommodate growing enrollment, which has more than doubled since the medical school opened 40 years ago. Macon city leaders are counting on the new medical school to help further expand the footprint of Macon's recent downtown economic resurgence. Each morning, it's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh up. First from NPR makes each morning an opportunity to learn and to understand. Choose to join the world every morning with upfirst, a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe and down the street, all in 15 minutes or less. Start your day informed and anew with up first by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. Frontier Airlines is expanding its presence at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The low cost carrier today announced a 40% increase in departures from ATL, including nine new routes. And for those of you thinking to escape what we still have left of winter, I'll just mention two new routes, Aruba and Palm Beach. Doulas can offer vital and sometimes life saving support before, during and after a baby's birth. The nonprofit Atlanta Doula Collective was created to give Black families support, and it has to hundreds of them. As GPB's Sophie Gradas reports, the group recently screened a documentary that aims to share their doulas stories. The film, cradled in Reclaiming the Legacy of Black Doula Care, explores the many roles of doulas as companions, educators and allies. It also explores joy that producer and the collective's founder, Sakisa Berry, says can be overshadowed by statistics of maternal mortality. That was an intentional goal and we wanted people to feel empowered, uplifted. But the film is not without tension. Doulas are not licensed practitioners, but are there when moms give birth in hospitals. Many providers don't even understand what doulas are and what they which is a part of the prompt for this documentary. I was like they need to hear it from doulas themselves. Barry hopes the film can be a teaching tool for providers and aspiring doulas as the collective plans to expand. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Graudis. And that's it for this edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news please hit subscribe on this podcast that'll make sure that you always stay current with us in your feed. If you have feedback, send that to us@georgia todayppb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. I'll talk to you again tomorrow.