Possible Medicaid cuts; Child care tax credit; Postmaster General DeJoy to step down

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary – February 20, 2025

Hosted by Peter Biello and produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB News), the February 20, 2025, episode of Georgia Today delves into pressing issues affecting Georgians. From potential Medicaid cuts to significant developments in child care policy, and leadership changes in the U.S. Postal Service, the episode offers comprehensive coverage of the topics that matter most to the community.

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1. Potential Medicaid Cuts Raise Concerns Among Democrats

Georgia Democrats have expressed deep worry over proposed Republican-led cuts to Medicaid, a program that currently supports approximately 80 million Americans, including many Georgians. The potential reductions threaten healthcare coverage for vulnerable populations, including seniors and newborns.

Key Points:

• Impact on Vulnerable Populations: More than 60% of nursing home residents in Georgia rely on Medicaid for their care. Representative Hank Johnson emphasized, “[...] these are places and people who we depend on to take care of our elderly, many of whom are suffering from dementia” (01:23).

• Senators’ Stand: Both Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff have voiced that cuts would adversely affect not just elderly citizens but also newborns and those living in poverty. Jon Ossoff stated, “I'm urging the Postal Service Board of Governors to hire somebody competent who can restore excellent service to my constituents, and I'll continue to hold them accountable” (00:39), highlighting his broader commitment to public service and accountability.

2. Advancements in Child Care Tax Credit Legislation

In a bid to make child care more affordable and support working parents, Georgia's Senate has passed a bill enhancing the child care tax credit.

Key Points:

• Senate Bill 89: Spearheaded by Brian Strickland, the bill aims to create a state income tax credit for families with children under seven and allows employers to claim larger credits for investing in on-site child care centers. Senator Ossoff remarked, “Families shouldn't have to choose between having a career and being a parent” (03:44), underscoring the legislation’s intent to balance work and family life.

• Unanimous Support: The bill received unanimous approval in the Senate, reflecting bipartisan support for initiatives that support working families.

3. Mental Health Parity Enforcement Under Scrutiny

Georgia continues to address the enforcement of its Mental Health Parity Act, ensuring that mental health services are covered equally by insurance providers.

Key Points:

• Advocacy Efforts: On Mental Health Parity Day, advocates like Laura Colbert from Georgians for a Healthy Future have been urging lawmakers and insurance companies to adhere strictly to the 2022 Mental Health Parity Act. Ellen Eldredge reported, “It's not enough that the bill passed” (04:19), highlighting ongoing challenges in implementation.

• Senator Ossoff’s Perspective: Jon Ossoff emphasized the importance of not just policy but also practice, stating, “It's about how then, when somebody calls and needs their coverage, that the practice meets that same policy” (04:40).

• Consumer Actions: Colbert advises that individuals can file complaints if their behavioral health needs are not adequately met by their insurers, ensuring accountability (04:53).

4. Kelly Loeffler Appointed to Lead the Small Business Administration (SBA)

The U.S. Senate confirmed Kelly Loeffler, a notable Georgia businesswoman and former senator, as the new head of the Small Business Administration.

Key Points:

• Role and Responsibilities: Loeffler will oversee the SBA, an agency critical in helping businesses manage debts, payroll, and other expenses, especially during disasters.

• Background: Loeffler has a history of involvement in national politics, having co-chaired President Trump’s second inaugural committee and served in the Senate during the latter part of Trump's first term.

5. Georgia Supreme Court to Hear Sapelo Island Zoning Case

A significant legal battle is set to proceed in the Georgia Supreme Court concerning property rights in the historic Gullah Geechee community on Sapelo Island.

Key Points:

• Background: In 2023, McIntosh County rezoned Sapelo Island to permit larger home constructions, which residents like Georgetta Grosvenor opposed, fearing it would lead to commercial development and displacement.

• Current Status: After a lower court dismissed a referendum aimed at reverting the zoning changes, the Georgia Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal. Benjamin Payne reported, “Justices will hear oral arguments in Atlanta on April 16th” (05:41).

• Community Impact: Grosvenor emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the land, stating, “It's a lot at stake. It's our culture, our heritage, our home” (06:30).

6. Leadership Change in the U.S. Postal Service

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has announced his resignation, initiating a transition in leadership for the U.S. Postal Service.

Key Points:

• Resignation Details: DeJoy submitted a letter requesting the Postal Service Board of Governors to find his successor and has pledged to assist in the transition process (06:56).

• Senator Ossoff's Reaction: Senator Jon Ossoff welcomed the resignation, urging the Board to appoint a competent leader to restore excellent service. He reiterated his commitment to holding the new administration accountable (07:09).

7. Albany Museum of Art Plans Downtown Relocation

The Albany Museum of Art is set to embark on a $35 million project to move downtown, aiming to expand its facilities and stimulate the revitalization of the area.

Key Points:

• Project Vision: Museum CEO Andrew Wolf highlighted the benefits of relocating to a historic building, which will not only double the museum’s size but also anchor a new historic arts district. “We will anchor a new historic arts district, and we also hope that that will draw many more investors into the downtown area” (07:52).

• Collaborative Efforts: The move is part of a broader initiative to revive downtown Albany, involving partnerships with local cultural institutions such as the Albany Civil Rights Institute and Theater Albany.

• Future Prospects: Jon Ossoff elaborated on the long-term vision, stating, “In a way, this is the kind of genesis to what I imagine will take years... to fully revive our historic downtown sector” (10:27).

8. Other Notable News

• Legal Developments: Nicholas Wimbish, a former poll worker from Milledgeville, pleaded guilty to threatening a Central Georgia precinct and lying to the FBI. He faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

• Corporate Earnings: Georgia Power Southern Company reported fourth-quarter earnings of $534 million, slightly missing Wall Street expectations with a per-share income of $0.49 against the anticipated $0.51. The company’s overall profit stood at $4.4 billion.

• Entertainment Update: Beyoncé has added a final Atlanta show to her Cowboy Carter Tour, setting a new record for the most performances at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Due to high demand, additional performances have been scheduled in London, Chicago, Paris, and Atlanta.

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The episode of Georgia Today offerings a thorough exploration of state policy changes, community action, leadership transitions, and cultural developments provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of Georgia’s evolving landscape.

For more detailed coverage and updates, visit gpb.org/news. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast to stay informed on the latest stories impacting Georgia.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Foreign welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast from GPB News. Today is Thursday, February 20th. I'm Peter Biello. This podcast has the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. If there's something you think we should cover, send us an email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org On today's episode, Georgia Democrats sound the alarm over possible cuts to Medicaid. Lawmakers advance a measure that may make child care slightly more affordable. And as Postmaster Louis DeJoy prepares to step down, Senator John Ossoff looks towards the future of the post office.

[Jon Ossoff]

I'm urging the Postal Service Board of Governors to hire somebody competent who can restore excellent service to my constituents, and I'll continue to hold them accountable.

[Peter Biello]

These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. Democrats say if you are on Medicaid, your care may be in danger. Republicans are weighing billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, jeopardizing health care coverage for some of the 80 million US adults and children enrolled in the Safety Net program. Georgia's Democratic congressional delegation says possible cuts to Medicaid will endanger those who depend on it. And among those people are seniors. Georgia Representative Hank Johnson says more than 60% of nursing home patients are on Medicaid.

[Ellen Eldredge]

These are places and people who we depend on to take care of our elderly, many of whom are suffering from dementia.

[Peter Biello]

Both Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff joined the chorus of those issuing warnings, saying cuts to Medicaid would harm newborns, seniors and Georgians living in poverty. Medicaid is one of many of President Donald Trump's targets. As part of a broader effort to cut government spending, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is trying to make it more difficult to impose the death penalty on someone with an intellectual disability. Members of the House Judiciary Non Civil Committee yesterday voted to advance a proposal that would create a pretrial hearing focused solely on whether a defendant is intellectually disabled. As it stands now, juries must decide simultaneously whether someone is guilty and intellectually disabled. Michael Amarant with the Southern center for Human Rights testified yesterday that a pretrial hearing simply gives the courts an option to consider these questions separately.

[Jon Ossoff]

Capitol cases have scores of pretrial hearings. They take years to bring to trial. There's a pretrial hearing on everything under the sun, forensic evidence, jury panels, witness statements, you name it. This is the one issue where you can't even have an option of a pretrial hearing. It just doesn't make sense.

[Peter Biello]

The bill faced some opposition from district attorneys who said the creation of A new pretrial hearing would bog down an already lengthy process. A new Georgia bill would provide compensation to property owners if their local governments don't enforce bans on homeless encampments or sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Georgia House Republicans passed the bill to allow property owners to file claims of lost property value or incurred expenses. Opponents say the bill would lead to more frequent incarceration of unhoused people and prompt frivolous lawsuits. A better solution, they say, would be to address the root cause of homelessness, a lack of affordable housing. Proponents say local governments simply need to enforce state and local laws. The Georgia Senate passed legislation yesterday that would increase the tax credit for family childcare. The bill's chief sponsor, Brian Strickland, says it's meant to help parents stay in the workforce as child care costs increase.

[Jon Ossoff]

While there's more work to be done to help our working moms and dads.

[Peter Biello]

Senate Bill 89 recognizes that as a.

[Jon Ossoff]

Legislature, we believe that families shouldn't have to choose between having a career and being a parent.

[Peter Biello]

Senate Bill 89 also would create a state income tax credit for families with children younger than seven, as well as let employers claim a larger credit for investing in an on site child care center. It passed unanimously. Health insurance by law must cover all health care issues equally, including mental health. That's so called mental health parody. Advocates gathered at the state Capitol yesterday to draw attention to the issue. GPB's Ellen Eldredge reports on Mental Health Parity Day.

[Ellen Eldredge]

The legislator passed Georgia's Mental Health Parity act in 2022. Since then, the Carter center and mental health care advocates have remembered the day by visiting lawmakers and also holding insurance companies accountable for keeping the state law. Laura Colbert is with Georgians for a Healthy Future. She says it's not enough that the bill passed.

[Jon Ossoff]

Charity is about both policy and pract. So it's not just what's written down for an insurance company. It's about how then, when somebody calls and needs their coverage, that the practice meets that same policy.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Colbert says you can file a complaint if your behavioral health needs are not being met by your insurance provider. For GPB News, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Peter Biello]

The U.S. senate has confirmed Kelly Loeffler, a Georgia businesswoman and former senator, to lead the Small Business Administration. The Senate approved loeffler on a 5246 vote yesterday at SBA. Loeffler will oversee an entity responsible for helping businesses satisfy debts, payroll and other expenses during times of disaster. Loeffler co chaired Trump's second inaugural Committee and served in the Senate during the last year of his first term. The Georgia Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for this spring in a legal fight over property rights in a historic gullah geechee community. GPB's Benjamin Payne reports the high court.

[Benjamin Payne]

Will convene in April to review a controversial decision made last year by a judge in coastal Georgia's McIntosh County. In that case, Judge Gary McCorvey canceled a ballot referendum while early voting was already underway. The referendum in question centered around Sapelo Island. It's home to one of the nation's last remaining communities of Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West Africans who worked island plantations along Georgia's coast. In 2023, McIntosh county commissioners rezoned Sapelo island to allow for the construction of larger homes. But the few dozen Golagogie residents on Sapelo criticized that rezoning, saying it would open the floodgates to commercial development, effectively raising property taxes and pricing them out of their ancestral land. And so last fall, advocates organized a referendum to bring back the original zoning code. Here's Golagichi activist Georgetta Grosvenor speaking to GPB on Sapelo island last September, when early voting was underway.

[Ellen Eldredge]

It's a lot at stake. It's our culture, our heritage, our home. People that want to come and change.

[Peter Biello]

Our lifestyle that we live here on saplo is wrong.

[Benjamin Payne]

McIntosh county sued to stop the voting on technical grounds, winning over Judge McCorvey. The Georgia Supreme Court agreed to take up the case on appeal. Justices will hear oral arguments in Atlanta on April 16th. For GPP News, I'm Benjamin Payne.

[Peter Biello]

U.S. postmaster General Louis DeJoy is stepping down. In a letter on Monday, Postmaster DeJoy asked the Postal Service Board of Governors to begin looking for his successor. One of his critics, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, welcomed the news.

[Jon Ossoff]

I'm urging the Postal Service Board of Governors to hire somebody competent who can restore excellent service to my constituents and I'll continue to hold them accountable.

[Peter Biello]

Dejoy said he would be as helpful as possible in facilitating a transition. The Albany Museum of Art expects to break ground this year on a move downtown. The $35 million project is expected to double the museum's size and change the complexion of downtown Albany. Museum CEO Andrew Wolf says moving downtown into a historic building will benefit the museum and the city. That's why he's asking city and county officials for funds to help the museum with the move. He spoke recently with GPB's Orlando Montoya about the museum, the move and the future of downtown Albany.

[Jon Ossoff]

We are celebrating our 60th anniversary this year. And we have been at our current site since 1983. We have outgrown our current site, which is kind of in a semi suburban, semi urban location. And so by moving downtown into the city center, we will anchor a new historic arts district. We will spark the revitalization that has been very grindingly coming along over the last several years. And we will be in a stunning adaptive reuse building that was once a 1960s department store. This isn't the first time a department store has been transformed into an accredited art museum. For example, the South Carolina museum of art in Columbia was a Macy's. And it's almost like a perfect shell for a future museum because most department stores don't have windows and they're just large, cavernous spaces that we can divide up into galleries and classrooms and office spaces, sculpture gardens.

[Orlando Montoya]

You mentioned the Columbia museum of art and how that building was an adaptive reuse from a department store as well. They're known for their simply wow factor rotating exhibits. The Telfair museum in Savannah, I know, is known for their 19th century impressionism. The Carlos museum in Atlanta known for their ancient art. What can I tell people that Albany museum of art is sort of known for?

[Jon Ossoff]

Well, our main collecting areas are 19th, 20th, and 21st century American and European art, mostly paintings. And the other half, well, really the lion's share of our collection is sub Saharan African. We have over 1,000 objects in that collection, and it's considered one of the most complete sub Saharan African art collections in. In the southeast. A lot of our energy is focused on up and coming southeastern artists, Often artists of colors. But that doesn't mean that we're not a general art museum. We've shown Renaissance paintings, we've shown baroque work, you name it.

[Orlando Montoya]

I'm interested in the revitalization and the arts district concept. It sounds not like just a museum. It sounds like, I don't know, maybe there's going to be, you know, other developments along with it that will pertain to. To making this worth taxpayer dollars.

[Jon Ossoff]

Yes, exactly. The city of Albany has worked really hard to kind of do what we're doing. They're securing a historic district much like we did securing historic site status for the future art museum. We will be one of the anchors for that new arts district, and we also hope that that will draw many more investors into the downtown area. I know there are already two boutique hotels coming in to the downtown area. One that is truly adaptively reusing an old hotel from the late 1800s. So it's really kind of a turning of the tide, returning to the roots of the city. And we all believe, all of us who believe in these projects, that we can revive the heart of Albany. It's truly a beautiful downtown. We're just a block from the Flint river, and our arts partners would include the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Ritz Cultural center and the Artesian alliance, not to mention Theater Albany, the Albany Symphony and the Albany Area Arts Council. So we will all be within just a few blocks of each other. Kind of. In a way, this is the kind of genesis to what I imagine will take years, if not maybe not decades, but years to like fully revive our historic downtown sector.

[Orlando Montoya]

Thanks so very much. Good luck.

[Jon Ossoff]

Thanks, you too, sir.

[Peter Biello]

Bye. That was GPB's Orlando Montoya speaking with Albany Museum of Art CEO Andrew Wolfe. A former Georgia poll worker has pleaded guilty to threatening a Central Georgia precinct and lying to the FBI about it. Nicholas Wimbish of Milledgeville was employed as a poll worker before last year's November elections at the Jones county elections office when he got into an argument with a voter. Wimbish then drafted a letter, ostensibly from that voter, threatening to bomb the polling place. The FBI later found the letter on Wimbish's computer. He's scheduled to be sentenced May 13. He faces a maximum of five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a quarter million dollar fine. The parent company of Georgia Power Southern Company missed Wall street expectations slightly for the fourth quarter. The company reported fourth quarter earnings today of $534 million on a per share basis. That's new income of $0.49. Expectations were $0.51 per share for the year. The company reported profit of $4.4 billion. This final note before we go, Beyonce has added a fourth and final Atlanta show to her Cowboy Carter tour, setting yet another record. The 35 time Grammy winner announced a July 14 performance at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The new gig will set a record for the most performances at Mercedes Benz. That's according to Billboard. Beyonce has already added several shows to her tour lineup to include additional performances in London, Chicago, Paris and Atlanta due to high ticket demand. That's all the news that's fit to squeeze into the podcast today. We do appreciate you tuning in. Remember to check gpb.org news for all the latest updates. We're always posting new stories there. And remember to subscribe to this podcast because we will be back in your podcast feed tomorrow afternoon. Again. Feedback's welcome at Georgia Today at gpb. Org and we do love hearing from you. I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.