Protests against DOGE; Fiscal budget deadline approaches; UNICEF recognizes Decatur

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya

The March 21, 2025, episode of Georgia Today delves into significant developments impacting the state of Georgia, including protests against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the urgent fiscal budget deadline, and Decatur's recognition by UNICEF as a child-friendly city. Hosted by Orlando Montoya, the episode provides in-depth analysis and firsthand accounts from key stakeholders.

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1. Protests Against DOGE Spending Cuts

Overview: President Donald Trump's executive orders aimed at reducing spending through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have ignited widespread protests across Georgia. These cuts have raised concerns about their impact on vital public services.

Key Highlights:

• Congressional Response: Democratic Congressman Sanford Bishop attended a labor union-organized town hall meeting where he voiced strong opposition to the spending cuts. "Veterans are going to be suffering. Medicare going to be suffering, Medicaid going to be suffering. Until you get the fox out of the henhouse, we're not going to be able to do anything. No change is coming," Bishop stated emphatically at [00:39].

• Republican Stance: Republican Congressman Austin Scott was invited to the same meeting but chose not to attend, reflecting the partisan divide on the issue. Additionally, House Speaker Mike Johnson has cautioned GOP House members against engaging with protesters.

• Senate Advocacy: US Senator Jon Ossoff is actively seeking the reinstatement of numerous Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees dismissed under DOGE’s directives. Ossoff highlighted the critical role of EPA Region 4 in public health, particularly following the Biolab chemical fire in Conyers last year. He emphasized the indiscriminate nature of the firings, which he believes could undermine environmental protections ([01:28]).

Impact: The DOGE-induced spending cuts have sparked significant concern among labor unions and public servants, leading to increased civic activism and legislative scrutiny as Georgia braces for potential shifts in public service funding.

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2. Fiscal Budget Deadline Approaches

Overview: Georgia’s General Assembly faces a tight two-week deadline to finalize the fiscal budget for the upcoming year. The budget deliberations are critical, influencing education, scholarships, and various state programs.

Key Highlights:

• Budget Focus: The Senate is prioritizing increased funding for promised scholarships, which would allow low-income students to utilize vouchers for private schooling or homeschooling. This approach contrasts with previous measures that reduced scholarship amounts ([04:36]).

• Legislative Process: Donna Lowery, GPB's legislative correspondent, notes that the budget discussions are "vastly different" from past approaches, indicating a more generous allocation towards education ([04:52]).

• Tax Relief Measures Approved:

  • House Bill 112: Introduces up to a $500 state income tax rebate based on filing status.
  • House Bill 111: Lowers the state flat income tax rate to 5.19%.

• Speeding Ticket Suspension in Macon-Bibb County:
  Macon Bibb County has temporarily halted automatic speeding tickets issued by school zone cameras amid concerns that these measures prioritize revenue generation over student safety. Sheriff David Davis announced the pause while related bills await state Senate approval, aiming to implement better warning signs and limit camera operation hours ([05:17]).

Quotes: Donna Lowery remarked, "We expect the budget may be down to the wire," highlighting the urgency surrounding the budget negotiations ([04:52]).

Impact: The impending budget deadline underscores the critical balance between expanding educational support and implementing tax relief, with significant implications for Georgia's fiscal health and public services.

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3. UNICEF Recognizes Decatur as a Child-Friendly City

Overview: The city of Decatur has been honored by UNICEF for its comprehensive local action plan addressing youth needs, making it the third U.S. city to receive this distinction.

Key Highlights:

• Child-Friendly Cities Initiative: This program mandates communities to develop plans that cater to youth needs and involve them in decision-making processes.

• Student Involvement: High school and college students from farm worker families in Decatur spearheaded the initiative, selecting priorities such as equality, climate change, trust with law enforcement, improving public spaces, and mental health awareness ([06:14]).

• Mayor Pro Temp Tony Powers’ Commitment:
  Mayor Powers announced Decatur's commitment to climate resilience by pledging to electrify all city fleets by 2035 and initiating three active solar projects on city buildings ([07:06]).

Quotes: Sophie Gradas shared a poignant moment from the Capitol visit, with a student stating, "We might have our future president here today, future representatives. It begins with us," emphasizing the empowerment of youth in legislative processes ([04:21]).

Impact: Decatur's recognition exemplifies proactive community engagement and sets a precedent for other cities to prioritize and integrate youth perspectives into urban planning and policy-making.

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4. Business and Economic News

Georgia Ports Authority Growth: A recent study by the University of Georgia Terry College of Business highlights that the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) supports approximately one in eight jobs in the state. In fiscal year 2023, supported jobs reached around 600,000, marking a 9% increase from fiscal year 2021 ([07:33]).

Metro Atlanta Population Shift: According to the US Census Bureau, Metro Atlanta saw a population increase of about 75,000 residents between 2023 and 2024. However, it fell from the sixth to the eighth largest US metro area. The Atlanta Regional Commission attributes this shift to natural migration trends and changes in how international migration is measured ([07:33]).

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5. Sports News: Georgia Basketball and March Madness

Georgia Basketball Milestone: Georgia's basketball team made a significant appearance in the NCAA tournament for the first time in a decade, although they were defeated by Gonzaga. This achievement has heightened interest and anticipation for upcoming events.

March Madness in Georgia: Atlanta State Farm Arena is set to host the Sweet 16 on March 28 and the Elite 8 South Regional Games on March 30. These events, organized by Georgia Tech, are expected to draw large crowds, with ticket prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand for premium seats ([07:33]).

Impact: Hosting major March Madness games positions Georgia as a key location for collegiate sports, potentially boosting local economies and enhancing the state’s reputation in the sports arena.

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Conclusion

The March 21 episode of Georgia Today provides a comprehensive overview of pressing issues and achievements within Georgia. From legislative battles over budget and spending cuts to commendations for youth-focused initiatives, the podcast underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the state's current landscape. Business growth, demographic changes, and notable sports events further illustrate Georgia’s evolving profile. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed through GPB News and engage with ongoing developments shaping the state.

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Notable Quotes:

• Sanford Bishop:
  "Veterans are going to be suffering. Medicare going to be suffering, Medicaid going to be suffering. Until you get the fox out of the henhouse, we're not going to be able to do anything. No change is coming." ([00:49])

• Sophie Gradas (Student Representative):
  "We might have our future president here today, future representatives. It begins with us." ([04:21])

• Tony Powers (Mayor Pro Temp):
  "As a city, we have adopted a plan that we are vowing to have all of our city fleets electrified by the year 2035. You know we've got three active solar projects on city buildings." ([07:06])

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For more detailed reports and updates, visit GPB News or subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast to stay informed on the latest stories affecting Georgia.

Transcript

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast from GPB News. On this podcast, we feature the GPB News team's latest reports. Today is Friday, March 21st. I'm Orlando Montoya. On today's episode, spending cuts from President Trump's Department of Government efficiency spark protests in Georgia. State lawmakers have just two weeks to decide on a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and the city of Decatur develops a plan to address the needs of youth, including a response to climate change.

[Tony Powers]

We are vowing to have all of our city fleets electrified by the year 2035. We've got three active solar projects on city buildings.

[Orlando Montoya]

These stories and more are coming up on this edition of Georgia Today. President Donald Trump's executive orders and spending cuts under his Department of Government Efficiency are sparking protests and town hall meetings. Southwest Georgia Democratic Congressman Sanford Bishop attended one last night organized by a labor union, the American Federation of Government Employees. Bishop gave dire warnings about the effects of cuts under Doge Sally Fields. Dwight was among the people who told the congressman they were aware of the risks and wanted to know what action would come next.

[Sophie Gradas]

Veterans are going to be suffering. Medicare going to be suffering, Medicaid going to be suffering. Until you get the fox out of the henhouse, we're not going to be able to do anything. No change is coming.

[Orlando Montoya]

Republican Congressman Austin Scott of a neighboring congressional district in South Georgia also was invited to the meeting but did not attend. House Speaker Mike Johnson has warned GOP House members against facing protesters. US Senator Jon Ossoff is urging the Trump administration to reinstate dozens of Environmental Protection Agency employees based in Georgia and the Southeast. The region force staffers based in Atlanta, Athens and Gulfport, Mississippi, were reportedly dismissed last week due to their probationary status. Ossoff joined more than a dozen members of Congress in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin with warning that the firings could undermine work to protect public health. Ossoff called the firings indiscriminate. EPA Region 4 was instrumental in monitoring air quality during the Biolab chemical fire in Conyers last year. Georgia is preparing for the possible closure of the US Department of Education. Today, the Georgia House approved a bill that changes references to the U.S. department of Education in the Georgia state code SB154 adds quote, or its successor to the Cabinet level agency in case Congress legally abolishes it. President Trump gutted it through executive orders this month. The bill's supporters include the House Majority Leader Mulberry, Republican State Representative Chuck F. Strachan. If Congress does act before we are back in session in January 2026. We will have taken necessary steps to make sure that our code is the bill needs final approval from the state Senate before Governor Brian Kemp can sign it into law. Agriculture is Georgia's leading industry, creating billions of dollars in revenue for the state every year and bringing fresh food to the dinner table. That's something high school and college students from farm worker families wanted to remind lawmakers during a visit to the state Capitol today. GPB's Sophie Gratis has more.

[Laura Gallegos]

It was Alex Gonzalez's first time at the state Capitol from South Georgia's Eccles County. Both her parents are farm workers. Growing fears over their detainment by immigration enforcement mean Gonzalez, a student at Valdosta State University, has taken on extra responsibility.

[Sophie Gradas]

They don't want to go out as much, so I'm the one doing grocery runs. My sibling, they're taking them to school on top of being a college student and getting my assignments done.

[Laura Gallegos]

But on this day, learning about the legislative process was her focus Program Representative Laura Gallegos says these visits help give the first generation students of migrant families a platform.

[Sophie Gradas]

We might have our future president here today, future representatives. It begins with us.

[Laura Gallegos]

The students got a peek at how a bill becomes a law and left messages with their representatives. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradas at the state Capitol.

[Orlando Montoya]

And state lawmakers now have just two weeks left in this year's General assembly, with the fate of several closely watched bills still uncertain. Donna Lowery of GPB's lawmakers says Chief among them is a budget for the fiscal year that begins in July.

[Donna Lowery]

Right now, the Senate has the fiscal 2026 budget and is focusing on more money for promised scholarships. They will allow certain low income students to take what some call vouchers to use them to pay for private schools or homeschooling. And that's vastly different from the which reduced the amount of those scholarships. And so we'll see what happens in the end. We expect the budget may be down to the wire.

[Orlando Montoya]

Several tax relief measures already have gotten final approval in both houses of the General assembly. House Bill 112 would allow up to a $500 state income tax rebate depending on how you file. And House Bill 111 would lower the state flat income tax rate to 5.19%. Macon Bibb county is temporarily suspending automatic speeding tickets issued by school zone cameras. Community members and some state lawmakers have raised concerns about the cameras, saying they're more about generating revenue than protecting students. The county sheriff, David Davis said this week he decided to pause citations while lawmakers decide the fate of two related bills now before the state Senate. Lets hope that we will get some.

[Sophie Gradas]

Guidance from our lawmakers very soon, but.

[Tony Powers]

In the meantime please drive carefully and.

[Sophie Gradas]

Please obey the speed limits in the school zone.

[Orlando Montoya]

One bill would ban the cameras altogether, while the other would more closely regulate them, in part by providing better warning signs and limiting their hours. UNICEF is recognizing the city of Decatur as as a child friendly city after implementing a local action plan for youth developed by high school students. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports it's the third city in the US to receive the designation.

[Sophie Gradas]

The Child Friendly Cities initiative requires communities to create a plan that addresses the needs of youth and involves them in decision making. Decatur students chose five Equality Climate Change Trust with law enforcement, improving public spaces and mental health awareness. Mayor Pro Temp Tony Powers says they listened and added climate resilience to Decatur's strategic plan.

[Tony Powers]

As a city, we have adopted a plan that we are vowing to have all of our city fleets electrified by the year 2035. You know we've got three active solar projects on city buildings.

[Sophie Gradas]

The City of Decatur joins Houston and Minneapolis in achieving child friendly city status. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Orlando Montoya]

And turning now to business news, activity related to the Georgia Ports Authority now supports about one in eight jobs in the state. That's according to a University of Georgia Terry College of Business economic impact study released by the authority yesterday. GPA supported jobs grew to roughly 600,000 in fiscal year 2023, up roug roughly 9% from fiscal year 2021, the period covered by the previous study. And metro Atlanta grew by about 75,000 residents between 2023 and 2024, but fell from sixth to eighth place among the largest US metro areas. That's according to population estimates released by the US Census Bureau last week. An analysis published by the Atlanta Regional Commission today says the changes stem in part from natural migration trends, but also in part from changes in how the census measures international migration in Georgia sports. All right, I know you watched it yesterday, or at least watched the highlights. It was the biggest game in Georgia basketball in a decade. In fact, yesterday was the first time Georgia was in the NCAA tournament in 10 years. And even though they lost to basketball powerhouse Gonzaga, March Madness is still coming to Georgia in a big way. Atlanta State Farm arena will host the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 South Regional Games later this month. The 16,000 seat venue will feature the Sweet 16 on Friday, March 28, followed by the Elite 8 on Sunday, March 30. The games are hosted by Georgia Tech and are among the biggest in college basket ticket prices. They're not cheap. Some seats are selling for a few hundred dollars, while premium resale tickets are listed in the Thousands. One Sweet Sixteen ticket even topped $1,200. And that's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. We have more about many of these [e-mail] news that website is constantly updated with stories from our GPB news team. We'd like you to hit subscribe on this podcast so you always stay current with us in your feed. If you have feedback, send that to us as well. The good, the bad, the ugly. We want to hear about it. Email us@georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. I hope you enjoy the weekend and come back and listen to us again next week.