Latest news with #HouseBill217
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Savannah Tech to benefit from Georgia workforce and education bills signed by Kemp
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed three workforce development bills into law on Monday that, according to the governor's press release, "opened pathways for learners of all ages to receive the skills and knowledge they need to succeed." The new Georgia laws expanded dual enrollment and apprenticeship programs as well as established a new adult education option through the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Kemp signed the bills at the TCSG Leadership Summit in Atlanta this past Monday to highlight the state's commitment to furthering the "record-breaking jobs and investment" in communities across the state, which, he reiterated, is the "No. 1 state for business." He was referring to the annual rankings put out by "Area Development Magazine" a publication based out of Westbury, New York and published by Halcyon Business Publications whose president is Dennis J. Shea, who is also the managing director for FastFacility, an economic development site location consultancy. The magazine refers to itself as, "The leading resource covering corporate site selection and economic development." It's best place for doing business rankings are based on feedback from a "select group of experts in site selection," according to a Sept. 10, 2024 press release shared on BusinessWire." Locally, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) leaders expressed gratitude for the new laws which, according to a press release from the college, not only strengthen education pathways but "expand employment opportunities and prepare students and adults across the state for an evolving job market." The college's release also said it is "well-equipped to help students take advantage of the new programs signed into law" as Savannah Tech continues to serve students from Chatham, Bryan, Effingham and Liberty Counties. Kemp signs workforce bills: Gov. Brian Kemp signs three bills supporting workforce development in Georgia TCSG's Dual Achievement Program expansion through House Bill 217 reformed and extended the existing pilot program for another five years. In its first five years, the program was accessible through dual achievement academies at five TSCG institutions: Albany Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, Athens Technical College, Atlanta Technical College and Central Georgia Technical College. The program helps students earn a high school diploma awarded by a TCSG and either two TCSG certificates of credit, technical diploma, or an associate degree. Savannah Tech states that the new law will address barriers for families looking to save on post-secondary tuition. The college's press release claimed that the new law "simplifies the financial aid process through data integration between the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) and the Department of Revenue, making scholarships more accessible." Savannah Tech's press release did not indicate if the college would now be included as a participating institution within the five-year expansion period. Assistant Vice President for Public Relations and Marketing Cynthia Cradduck did not immediately respond to an inquiry prior to publication. Savannah Tech Vice President for Student Affairs Terry Brasier was quoted in the college's release as saying that dual enrollment gives high school students "a head start on their careers or keep moving forward with their education without missing a beat." Brasier noted that dual-enrollment can be particularly beneficial for first-generation college students who experience barriers to higher education. Senate Bill 180 expands TCSG's High-Demand Apprenticeship Program by providing state funding for apprenticeships to industry sponsors in addition to employer sponsors. The legislation's intent is to address labor shortages through programs tailored to employer and industry needs. Savannah Tech Vice President for Economic Development Tal Loos said, 'Apprenticeships are a proven method of integrating valuable, hands-on training with real-world expectations, creating a pipeline of job-ready graduates.' Kemp's signing of Senate Bill 193 established the Adult Workforce High School Diploma Program, an alternative for peopled aged 21 to 40 to earn their high school diplomas through TCSG institutions. TCSG already offers the Career Plus High School Diploma Program for 18 to 20 year olds seeking alternatives to typical high school completion or GED attainment. The Adult Workforce Diploma Program, goes beyond young adults and, as Savannah Tech expressed, "marks a monumental step in addressing educational gaps for adult learners, empowering them to qualify for higher-paying jobs and specialized training." Savannah Tech President Ryan Foley said the bill will help "countless individuals to upskill and achieve their goals," though what constitutes a "higher-paying" job according to TCSG and Savannah Tech was not made clear in the release. The Savannah Morning News sought clarification on this point but did not receive a response prior to publication. Savannah Tech Adult Ed spotlighted: Savannah Tech instructor and student nab adult education nods at State Competition Savannah Tech already offers dual enrollment options and apprenticeship opportunities in industries like aviation, technology and advanced manufacturing. The college underscored these existing resources that offer flexible schedules, career counseling services, and tutoring for adult learners and those returning to complete their high school education or seeking new certifications in the Coastal Georgia community. The college considers itself "the premier provider of career-ready technical education and workforce development in Coastal Georgia," though recent strategic plans shared by new Savannah State University President Jermaine Whirl (previously president of Augusta Technical College) may present some local competition for students seeking technical education pathways. Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at JSchwartzburt@ and JoeInTheKnow_SMN on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Governor Kemp signed workforce bills, Savannah Tech to benefit
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republicans praise president but vote down bill to rename BNA after Donald Trump
Republicans on Tuesday voted down a bill seeking to rename Nashville International Airport after President Donald Trump, which previously stalled due to a $10.3 million price tag. House Bill 217, sponsored by Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, failed in the House Transportation Committee with bipartisan opposition in a vote of 5 to 12, with one member voting present. Most Republicans who opposed the bill praised Trump's accomplishments, or said they supported the concept, but saw the proposal as an unfunded mandate on the airport. Warner framed the proposal as an effort to 'align our state with the values of opportunity and prosperity that President Trump has advocated.' 'This proposal isn't just a name change – it's about recognizing a true patriot in American history,' Warner said Tuesday. 'Donald Trump is not just a president. He is a spark for change. He has challenged the status quo, energized millions of Americans, and brought a new sense of patriotism to this country.' Cost estimates provided to the state by the Metro Nashville Airport Authority projected renaming and rebranding costs to top $10.34 million, with $3.59 million going toward new signage. After hitting a roadblock last month, Warner brought the bill back requiring state funding already allocated to BNA to cover the costs of the rebrand. On Tuesday, Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, argued state funding dedicated to the airport is already allocated to expansion projects and services. Transportation Committee Chair Dan Howell, R-Cleveland, said the current name already honors an American patriot – Col. Harry S. Berry, a World War I hero who later served as Tennessee administrator for the federal Works Progress Administration. Others questioned whether the president actually wants the airport named after him, or opposed for other reasons. 'I'm not going to be able to vote for this bill because I don't think that BNA is large enough for President Trump,' said Rep. Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville. 'I think Los Angeles or Chicago or Atlanta deserve that name better than BNA does.' Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Republicans vote down bill to rename BNA after Donald Trump
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Bill to rename Nashville airport after Donald Trump stalls over $10.3M cost projection
Bill sponsor Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, says he has questions about how the cost estimates were made and will bring the bill back. State fiscal analysts have estimated the name change could cost BNA more than $10 million. Legislation seeking to rename Nashville International Airport after President Donald Trump stalled Monday afternoon after state fiscal analysts estimated the change could cost the airport $10.3 million. But it's not dead yet. Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, took House Bill 217 off notice on Monday afternoon, typically a sign that the legislation won't move forward. But — with questions over how the cost estimates were made — Warner is pledging to try again. 'More than likely, I'll bring it back,' Warner told The Tennessean, adding that he plans to meet with fiscal analysts this week to seek an update to the fiscal note. House Bill 217 would require the Metro Nashville Airport Authority to surrender the existing BNA trademark, and erect appropriate signs and markers re-designating the facility as 'Trump International Airport' by January 2026. According to estimates provided to the state by the airport authority, renaming and rebranding the airport would cost $10,340,000 — with $3.59 million going toward new signage. More:How much would it cost to rename Nashville International Airport after Trump? BNA answers The airport has recently updated some signage at the 4,500-acre property, including a 40-foot-tall BNA monument, as part of existing renovation and expansion projects. Warner argued that the state gives the airport millions of dollars each year, while the city's contribution is comparatively small, so the state should have a say in what the airport is named. 'President Trump is the second president elected to two nonconcurrent terms, and his America First agenda also puts Tennessee first,' Warner told The Tennessean. 'I think it would be a great tribute to a great president.' Vivian Jones covers state politics and government for The Tennessean. Reach her atvjones@
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill to rename Nashville airport after Donald Trump stalls over $10.3M cost projection
Legislation seeking to rename Nashville International Airport after President Donald Trump stalled Monday afternoon after state fiscal analysts estimated the change could cost the airport $10.3 million. But it's not dead yet. Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, took House Bill 217 off notice on Monday afternoon, typically a sign that the legislation won't move forward. But — with questions over how the cost estimates were made — Warner is pledging to try again. 'More than likely, I'll bring it back,' Warner told The Tennessean, adding that he plans to meet with fiscal analysts this week to seek an update to the fiscal note. House Bill 217 would require the Metro Nashville Airport Authority to surrender the existing BNA trademark, and erect appropriate signs and markers re-designating the facility as 'Trump International Airport' by January 2026. According to estimates provided to the state by the airport authority, renaming and rebranding the airport would cost $10,340,000 — with $3.59 million going toward new signage. More: How much would it cost to rename Nashville International Airport after Trump? BNA answers The airport has recently updated some signage at the 4,500-acre property, including a 40-foot-tall BNA monument, as part of existing renovation and expansion projects. Warner argued that the state gives the airport millions of dollars each year, while the city's contribution is comparatively small, so the state should have a say in what the airport is named. 'President Trump is the second president elected to two nonconcurrent terms, and his America First agenda also puts Tennessee first,' Warner told The Tennessean. 'I think it would be a great tribute to a great president.' Vivian Jones covers state politics and government for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bill to rename Nashville airport after Trump stalls over cost estimate
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wyoming House bills push for hand-counting ballots in flurry of election-related legislation
CHEYENNE — With dozens of election-related bills filed in the Wyoming House of Representatives this session, at least three are pushing for hand-counting votes in elections. However, one of the three bills, House Bill 217, 'Random hand count audits of election results,' died in the House Appropriations Committee Thursday morning. This bill would have given the secretary of state authority to select one random precinct to do a hand-count audit of the votes after an election. County clerks told committee members this bill would create a strain on time, staff and resources. Fremont County Clerk Julie Freese said Natrona County recently recounted more than 34,000 ballots from the last election. This single recount took over eight hours, she said, using a voting machine and a staff of 17 workers. The cost of the recount was approximately $2,500. 'That was just one office,' Freese said. Wyoming County Clerks Association lobbyist Mary Lankford, who also worked as a county clerk in Sublette County, asked to extend the time limit from one week to 30 days, given the volume of work county clerks would undergo to hand count the ballots. Freese said the 30-day time frame was more than reasonable. Rep. Jeremy Haroldson, R-Wheatland, acknowledged that HB 217 could be duplicative of a provision in his own bill, HB 232, 'Elections-hand counting for recounts,' which passed House Appropriations earlier this week. The House speaker pro tempore added that he didn't want to further burden county clerks. 'I hear the people's concern,' Haroldson said. 'I do agree with you that, if we're not careful, we load you guys' backside so hard that you're struggling to try to get it all accomplished.' Although HB 217 died in committee for lack of a motion, Haroldson's bill passed its third and final reading in the House, and it will now cross over to the Senate for introduction. HB 232 requires an automatic hand recount in federal, statewide and legislative office races with a 2% or less difference in the county. This same automatic hand recount applies to all 23 counties if there is a 1% or less difference in statewide results for state or federal office races. Local races with a 2% or less difference between the winning and losing candidates have the option of either a hand or electronic voting machine recount under HB 232. However, a third bill, HB 215, 'Prohibition on electronic voting equipment,' pushes to get rid of electronic voting machines altogether. The bill, sponsored by Wyoming Freedom Caucus member Rep. Scott Smith, R-Lingle, would prohibit the use of electronic voting machines and establish a hand-counting tabulation process, effective July 1. It creates an exception to allow people with disabilities to use an electronic voting machine, in accordance with the Help America Vote Act. This bill will be discussed Friday in the House Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee. Lobbyists against HB 232 argued hand-counting increases the risk of human error. Civics307 blogger Gail Symons told lawmakers Monday that counting by voting machine is less expensive, more accurate and faster to process. 'I believe (HB 232) is another of the many, many bills that address a problem that does not exist,' Symons said. 'I believe it is inherently flawed — flawed in the assumption of a problem, flawed in presenting a solution that actually creates a problem.' Equality State Policy Center policy director Marissa Carpio said a University of Wyoming study found that 94% of Wyomingites were confident in the state's elections. She said the distrust of elections is due to widespread messaging, rather than coming from concerned voters. A ballot-counting issue in Weston County during the 2024 general election, which is still under investigation, was brought up both Monday and Thursday. The results of this election, showing an undervote for one of the candidates, alerted the Secretary of State's Office to conduct an audit. It was a unique situation that called for a hand recount, because of a ballot misprint. Freese said the voting machines did the job they were designed for by not counting the wrong ballots. 'The machine did its job,' Freese said. 'It saw the ones that were correct. The ballots that were not correct … those did not get counted because the bubble was in the wrong place.'
