Latest news with #GeorgiaHouseofRepresentatives
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Georgia state Rep. Jasmine Clark joins crowded race to challenge longtime U.S. Rep. David Scott
Rep. Jasmine Clark. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Democratic state Rep. Jasmine Clark has entered the race for Georgia's 13th Congressional District to challenge U.S. Rep. David Scott, the longtime Democratic incumbent who has said he is seeking reelection. Clark's announcement Monday comes at a time when Scott, who received treatment for back problems in November, faces questions about his health. Scott, who has represented the metro Atlanta district since 2003, will celebrate his 80th birthday at the end of the month. Clark originally decided to run for a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives during the first Trump administration, setting her sights on a Gwinnett County seat that had been in Republican hands for over two decades. Clark ousted an incumbent to win the seat and went on to defend it in 2020, 2022 and 2024 – fending off a Republican challenger last year who was backed by Gov. Brian Kemp. 'I ran to be a voice for science and truth in the face of Republican disinformation and ever since I've been taking on the toughest fights for Georgia families,' Clark said in her campaign video. Outside of her legislative duties, Clark is a microbiologist, mom, nursing school professor at Emory University and a podcast co-host. Since she took office in 2019, Clark has introduced legislation that she said was intended to create a 'safer, healthier, more prosperous' state of Georgia. Clark is also a vocal defender of reproductive rights. As a metro Atlanta native and longtime Lilburn resident, Clark says she has always nurtured a passion for science and health care. She grew up with parents who both worked in the medical fields, watching her father work as a doctor and mother as a nurse. 'I'll stand up to Trump and MAGA when they try to cut Medicare, destroy Georgia jobs and gut medical research into cancer and Alzheimer's,' Clark said in her video. 'And get to work building a stronger future for all of us, not just a powerful few.' Clark isn't the only candidate hoping to steal Scott's seat. Former Gwinnett County Board of Education Chairman Everton Blair Jr. and state Sen. Emanuel Jones of Decatur have announced campaigns. Jonathan Bonner, Joe Lester and Simeon Nunnally are all also planning to run. The primary election is set for next May. Scott faced six Democratic challengers in 2024 but ultimately won the primary outright with nearly 58% of the vote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill Restricting School Zone Speed Cameras In Georgia Fails
Read the full story on The Auto Wire Last week, a final push to pass a bill which would ban or restrict school zone speed cameras died in the Georgia legislature. This means the cameras, which some have come to loathe, will remain legal and operational, at least until 2026. However, there is hope a future version will be added to the state's weird is there were two versions of the law bouncing around in the state legislature, with the Georgia House of Representatives passing one of them on April 4. However, the Senate abruptly adjourned on the final day of the legislative session just before 9:15 pm, instead of working until midnight as is traditional, reports Rough Draft Atlanta. That means the bill, and many others which passed the house at the last minute but didn't make it to the senate, is for now on the shelf. Since it passed in the house 140-29, there's hope it will make its way through to become a law before the deadline in 2026. While those who oppose the bill say it will lead to more injuries and maybe even deaths for students in Georgia, the school zone speed cameras have become incredibly unpopular. As more and more Georgians feel they've been issued tickets unfairly, support for the safety measure has fallen apart. The version of the bill that passed the Georgia House of Representatives doesn't outright ban them. Instead, it takes the power to install the devices from school boards, handing that over to cities and counties. To us that seems only slightly better. What people think is ridiculous is that the cameras issue so many fines. For example, Rough Draft Atlanta says in one small city there were about 22,000 citations in just one year's time. Some rightfully believe the cameras have just become a revenue source for government officials, not something that's about safety at all. Another bill would stop all new speed cameras in school zones starting in July 2027, then banning their use in July 2028. Maybe next year that version will pass, especially as the cameras keep issuing so many tickets between now and then. All this comes as there's increasing pushback against speed enforcement cameras in other parts of the US and foreign countries. It seems many drivers believe the devices aren't about keeping people safe as much as they are about bleeding an already overtaxed citizenry. Image via WJCL News/YouTube Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Morehouse School of Medicine names building after former State Rep. Calvin Smyre
The longest-serving member of the Georgia House of Representatives has received a new honor for his decades of service. On Thursday, Morehouse School of Medicine dedicated a new building to former State Rep. Calvin Smyre, who has supported the institution since it started. Channel 2′s Karyn Greer was there as Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens cut the ribbon for the dedication of the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center. 'Having a building that houses our future generation of doctors named after you is a wild moment,' Smyre said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Smyre was 26 in 1974 when he was first elected to the Georgia State House where he served for 48 years before stepping down in 2023 at the age of 74. Now decades later, Smyre's contributions to the state is literally being etched in stone. 'To be involved in this process and to have been involved with the Morehouse School of Medicine since 1975, and it's 2025, that's 50 years. And to see these young students, you know, it just brings joy to you,' he said. Gov. Kemp said he's proud to have closely worked with Smyre for so many years. 'Calvin Smyre is just a great American, a great Georgian, great member of the House of Representatives and somebody that I've worked very closely with,' the governor said. 'And I think you saw that, saw the affection he had for our past governors and how closely he worked with them and appreciated them.' TRENDING STORIES: Young Thug's attorney says rapper didn't violate his probation over social media repost Dow drops nearly 1,680 in biggest wipeout since 2020 as fears of fallout from tariffs shake markets 'Speedy Gonzalez' arrested in string of Walmart thefts First Lady Marty Kemp says she has a special relationship with Smyre, who served in the State House with her father, Bob Argo. 'When Brian did his first day at the state, they let me sit in dad's seat, and I turned around, and [Smyre] was like, 'That's Mr. Bob's seat.' And it just meant so much,' she said. Building the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center took three years and $14.5 million. Morehouse School of Medicine President Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice says she proud of the work that went into it, and to get to recognize Smyre. 'This is a special day, this is a three-year dream come true. And it is the culmination of really acknowledging the work of someone who's been our champion,' Dr. Montgomery-Rice said. Smyre is still a board member emeritus at the school and continues to tout the work they've done to legislators and community leaders. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Georgia IVF bill heads to governor's desk for signature
After its return to the Georgia House of Representatives for final approval, a bill to protect in vitro fertilization in Georgia is on its way to Gov. Brian Kemp to sign. The bill passed the Georgia Senate on Thursday, sending it back to the House. The IVF bill, supported by Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, was supported overwhelmingly in the other chamber. Lorie Franklin, wife of Statesboro State Sen. Lehman Franklin, said their family is overjoyed. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Henry County elementary teacher fired after simple battery arrest Missing 5-year-old's body found in Gwinnett County pond Principal identifies student killed in after-school shooting in DeKalb The Franklins used IVF to conceive, telling Channel 2′s Richard Elliot that it gave them a personal stake in protecting IVF. That's why Sen. Franklin sponsored the legislation. 'Definitely, the process will be there for them. There won't be that fear of them not having the IVF process. That was our goal for this bill, so we're super happy about it,' the senator said after the bill passed in the Senate. The bill was also a showing of bipartisanship in the chamber, with all of the state's Democratic senators backing the protections and supporting their entry in the state code. Now passed in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly, the bill heads to the governor for approval or veto. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rep. Gilliard celebrates passage of Savannah Music Commission bill
ATLANTA, Ga. – State Representative Carl Gilliard (District 162) stated his support for the passage of House Bill 762, which would establish the Savannah Music Commission. The bill, which garnered unanimous support in the Georgia House of Representatives, aims to promote, enhance and benefit the Savannah music scene and local entertainment and music industry. 'This is a monumental step forward for Savannah and the entire music community,' said Rep. Gilliard. 'The establishment of the Savannah Music Commission will not only elevate local artists and musicians but also enhance Savannah's reputation as a vibrant cultural hub, driving tourism and economic growth in our region.' HB 762 would create a commission to support Savannah's music industry through promotion and support of local musicians and new collaborative opportunities among artists, venues and the broader community. This board would create programs to highlight the rich musical heritage of the Hostess City while attracting new talent and events. Rep. Gilliard feels that strengthening the music industry would lead to increased economic activity, creating jobs in various sectors and make Savannah a musical destination. 'We envision a future where Savannah's streets are alive with music, drawing visitors from near and far to experience our unique culture,' said Gilliard. 'The overwhelming support for HB 762 underscores the importance of music in Georgia's cultural fabric and the potential for growth in the state's entertainment landscape. This commission will empower our local artists and foster creativity in ways that benefit not just musicians but the entire community.' The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate. To read the full text of HB 762, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
