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.

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.

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.