Republicans in dicey political territory in Georgia

No Georgian — and perhaps no Republican — has faced more backlash from the former president than Kemp, who was pressured to resign after he defied Trump’s pleas to summon lawmakers to a special session to sabotage Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in November’s presidential election.

On the cusp of a tough reelection battle, Kemp’s approval rating stands at just 42% — and his disapproval is at 51%. More than one-third of Republicans — 36% — disapprove of his performance. That’s more than quadrupled from the 8% of Republicans who held a dim view of Kemp in the AJC’s January 2020 poll.

Trump’s standing is even worse. A solid majority of Georgians disapprove of the former president in the weeks since he left office, with 57% giving him an unfavorable rating, compared with just 40% who approved of his performance in the White House.

Though he continues to have strong support from his base, with 84% of Republicans backing him, it’s a marked decline from the last AJC poll. That survey, conducted in September, found that 48% of Georgians and 95% of Republicans gave him a positive review.

While Kemp and Trump are in decline, the poll shows Democrats on the upswing following the Jan. 5 votes that elected Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to the U.S. Senate over Republican incumbents David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.

A slight majority of Georgians have a positive impression of Stacey Abrams, the Democrat who narrowly lost to Kemp in 2018 and is widely expected to mount a rematch. About 51% of Georgians see her in a favorable light, including 10% of Republicans, while 41% view her unfavorably.

Fresh from their upset victories, the state’s two new Democratic U.S. senators are on solid footing. About 50% of Georgians have a favorable view of Ossoff, compared with 40% unfavorable. And Warnock, facing a reelection bid next year, has a 54% approval rating, with 37% disapproving of him.

Georgia Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate Raphael Warnock, left, and Jon Ossoff, right, gesture toward a crowd during a campaign rally on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Marietta, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Credit: Brynn Anderson

Credit: Brynn Anderson

In other signs of troubling news for local Republicans, about half of Georgians have a positive view of the Democratic Party — while only one-third have a favorable impression of the GOP.

And Biden, who narrowly carried Georgia, starts his first term in positive territory. About 52% of Georgians have a favorable impression of the Democrat, compared with 41% who have a negative view of him. Also, roughly 59% approve of how Biden handled his transition, including about one-fifth of Republicans.

The only Georgia Republican in relatively decent standing included in the AJC poll was Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who came under intense pressure from Trump to overturn the election results, including a demand to “find” enough votes to erase Biden’s victory.

About 47% of Georgians approve of the first-term Republican’s performance while about one-third of voters disapprove. A closer look at the figures, however, reveals the struggle he’ll face if he seeks reelection in 2022: About 45% of Republicans disapprove of him, while 60% of Democrats have a positive view.

Republicans in dicey political territory in Georgia

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger speaks during a presser Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Credit: John Bazemore

Credit: John Bazemore

The poll involved 858 registered Georgia voters and was conducted Jan. 17-28 by UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs. The margin of error is 4.2 percentage points.

ExploreAJC poll archive

The findings suggested that attempts by Trump and his allies to undermine Georgia’s election results with false claims of a “rigged” election and discredited conspiracy theories about widespread voting fraud have continued to dog state Republicans.

The poll found most Georgians, 57%, say that Trump is responsible for a “great deal” or a “good amount” of blame for stirring up the deadly mob on Jan. 6 that attempted to block certification of Biden’s election victory at the U.S. Capitol. That includes one-fifth of Republicans and a slight majority of independents.

A pro-Trump mob enters the U.S. Capitol Building on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images/TNS)

A pro-Trump mob enters the U.S. Capitol Building on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Win McNamee/Getty Images/TNS)

Credit: TNS

Credit: TNS

And 58% of Georgians say the Republican members of Congress who tried to stop the formal certification of Biden’s victory were “undermining” democracy, compared with one-third who see them as “protecting” the electoral system.

Six of Georgia’s eight GOP members of Congress — Reps. Rick Allen, Buddy Carter, Andrew Clyde, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jody Hice and Barry Loudermilk — backed the effort to invalidate roughly 5 million Georgia votes in Congress.

Perdue also supported the attempt to sabotage the election, though he couldn’t vote because his term expired days earlier. Loeffler also initially backed blocking the results of the election, although she reversed course after the mob rampaged through the Capitol.

That insurrection attempt, along with Trump’s brazen efforts to pressure Raffensperger into reversing the election defeat, led the Democratic-led House to impeach the former president for an unprecedented second time.

A narrow majority of Georgians — 51% — agree with the U.S. House’s vote to impeach Trump after the riot, including about 10% of Republicans and one-third of independents.

“Trump should be impeached. Absolutely — no doubt about it,” said Gina Hicks, who owns a Powder Springs hair salon. “Had that been Black people, they would have been shot down trying to scale the walls. And Trump caused that with his bigotry.”

Others made the case that federal lawmakers were confronted with more dire challenges.

“That’s a waste of taxpayer money, and I’d say the same thing if Joe Biden were being impeached,” said Patricia Taylor, a florist from Bryan County. “We’ve got this pandemic going on that the Senate and Congress need to be focused on.”

Clerk of the House Cheryl Johnson along with acting House Sergeant-at-Arms Tim Blodgett lead the Democratic House impeachment managers as they walk through Statuary Hall on Capitol Hill to deliver to the Senate the article of impeachment alleging incitement of insurrection against former President Donald Trump, in Washington, Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Clerk of the House Cheryl Johnson along with acting House Sergeant-at-Arms Tim Blodgett lead the Democratic House impeachment managers as they walk through Statuary Hall on Capitol Hill to deliver to the Senate the article of impeachment alleging incitement of insurrection against former President Donald Trump, in Washington, Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Credit: Susan Walsh

Credit: Susan Walsh

The findings contrast with a January 2020 poll in the runup to the first impeachment trial of Trump, a divisive proceeding that found him not guilty on charges of abuse of power and obstruction.

In that poll, a majority of Georgia voters opposed removing Trump from office, compared with 45% of voters who said he should be ousted. About 57% of respondents in that poll said voters should decide his fate in the 2020 election, and not Congress.

As Republican legislators seek new changes to Georgia’s voting laws, they face a skeptical electorate. A clear majority of voters — 58% — said they don’t believe in the thoroughly debunked claims of widespread voter fraud.

But more voters said they were concerned about the possibility of “ineligible” voters casting ballots (55%) than limits on voting options (34%) — with Republicans overwhelmingly worried about the former and Democrats preoccupied by the latter.

A majority of Georgians also oppose limiting absentee balloting to voters over 65 or others “who have a valid reason” for not being able to vote in person. And nearly three-quarters of voters support a requirement to include a copy of their photo ID or other documentation to cast a ballot by mail.

Georgians are also relatively split on one of Kemp’s top priorities this legislative session: an overhaul of the citizen’s arrest law, the more than 150-year-old statute that has come under intense scrutiny following the 2020 death of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man who was shot and killed near Brunswick.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp deliveries his State of the State address as Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, left, and House Speaker David Ralston look on in the House Chambers Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Atlanta.  Kemp is proposing that Georgia borrow $880 million for construction projects and equipment next year. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp deliveries his State of the State address as Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, left, and House Speaker David Ralston look on in the House Chambers Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Atlanta. Kemp is proposing that Georgia borrow $880 million for construction projects and equipment next year. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Credit: John Bazemore

Credit: John Bazemore

Calling Arbery the victim of “a vigilante style of violence,” Kemp said his administration plans to introduce a rewrite of an “antiquated law that is ripe for abuse and enables sinister, evil motives” — an effort backed by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and criminal justice advocates.

Asked directly whether they would support eliminating the provision, about 46% of Georgians support the idea and 45% oppose. That’s within the margin of error.

About two-thirds of Georgia voters expect partisan divisions that dominated Trump’s four years in office to remain the same during Biden’s tenure. But voters were more united behind the centerpiece of the president’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus economic relief plan soon up for debate in the U.S. Senate.

About 76% of Georgians support the plan to send $1,400 checks to Americans — on top of the $600 already authorized by Congress — while only 20% oppose. The broad coalition of support includes 96% of liberals, 83% of moderates and 59% of conservatives.

“We need to keep the economy moving — there are too many people out of work,” said Estill Thomas, a supervisor in a steel plant in Rome. “And for some people, the stimulus check is all they have. People are still hurting.”

Staff Writer Mark Niesse contributed to this article.

The poll was conducted Jan.17-28 for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs. It questioned 858 registered voters and has a margin of error of 4.2 percentage points.

Do you strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove or strongly disapprove of the way Brian Kemp is handling his job as governor?

  • Strongly approve – 11%
  • Somewhat approve – 32%
  • Somewhat disapprove – 22%
  • Strongly disapprove – 29%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 7%

Do you strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove or strongly disapprove of the way Donald Trump handled his job as president?

  • Strongly approve – 29%
  • Somewhat approve – 11%
  • Somewhat disapprove – 9%
  • Strongly disapprove – 48%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 3%

Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Stacey Abrams ?

  • Favorable – 51%
  • Unfavorable – 41%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 7%

Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of John Ossoff?

  • Favorable – 50%
  • Unfavorable – 40%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 11%

Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Raphael Warnock?

  • Favorable – 54%
  • Unfavorable – 37%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 9%

Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of the Democratic Party?

  • Favorable – 50%
  • Unfavorable – 44%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 6%

Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of the Republican Party?

  • Favorable – 34%
  • Unfavorable – 59%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 7%

Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Joe Biden?

  • Favorable – 52%
  • Unfavorable – 41%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 7%

Do you strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove or strongly disapprove of the way Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is handling his job as secretary of state?

  • Strongly approve – 22%
  • Somewhat approve – 25%
  • Somewhat disapprove – 13%
  • Strongly disapprove – 20%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 21%

Supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6th in an attempt to disrupt the process of certifying the results of the presidential election. How much do you think he is to blame for what happened that day?

  • A great deal – 44%
  • A good amount – 14%
  • Not very much – 13%
  • Not at all – 27%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 2%

Do you think that the Republican members of Congress who tried to stop the formal certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election were undermining democracy or protecting democracy?

  • Undermining democracy – 58%
  • Protecting democracy – 33%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 9%

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump for the riot that took place at the U.S. Capitol? Do you agree or disagree with this action?

  • Agree – 51%
  • Disagree – 46%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 3%

Do you believe there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election?

  • Yes – 38%
  • No – 58%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 5%

Are you more concerned about limits on voting options or the potential for ineligible voters to cast ballots?

  • Limits on options – 34%
  • Ineligible voters casting ballots – 55%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 11%

Do you think it is more important to make voting easy for eligible voters or to have additional safeguards against potential voting fraud?

  • Making voting easy and accessible – 41%
  • Adding safeguards – 55%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 5%

The Georgia Legislature is considering changing the ways Georgians may vote. Do you support or oppose limiting absentee voting by mail to people over 65 or others who have a valid reason for not being able to vote in-person?

  • Support – 43%
  • Oppose – 55%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 2%

Georgia has a citizen’s arrest law that allows residents, in the absence of law enforcement, to detain someone if they have witnessed a crime. Do you support or oppose eliminating this law?

  • Support eliminating law – 46%
  • Oppose eliminating law – 45%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 9%

As president, do you think Joe Biden will be able to unite the country after he takes office, or do you expect partisan divisions to remain the same as they are today?

  • Able to unite – 32%
  • Expect divisions – 63%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 5%

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, should the Biden administration issue another round of stimulus checks to individuals to bring the total to $2,000?

  • Yes – 76%
  • No – 20%
  • Don’t know; refused to answer – 4%

On some questions, totals may not add up to 100% because of rounding.

Poll information: The survey was administered by the School of Public and International Affairs Survey Research Center at the University of Georgia. The AJC-SPIA Poll was conducted Jan. 17-28, and included a total of 858 registered voters in Georgia. The calculated margin of error for the total sample is +/-4.2 points at the 95% confidence level.

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Marjorie Taylor Greene said she won’t heed to calls for her to resign from Congress, and she is defiant even as Democrats insist she be expelled or stripped of committee assignments.”},{“_id”:”XBQIBASXRVGGFLDE2GCVMCYQGY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477595},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She also said the criticism has only strengthened her base and padded her campaign account to the tune of more than $1.6 million.”},{“_id”:”WQ7QRI7V25DX7ENCRETZWHOYAM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611959070476},”type”:”text”,”content”:”House Republicans, especially Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, are facing intense pressure to discipline Greene as reports of her problematic behavior continue to mount.”},{“_id”:”MYQJLSBDXVE7NFSNMCLOKMNO6U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477596},”type”:”text”,”content”:”On Friday alone, a Democratic member of Congress moved her office after accusing Greene of initiating a verbal confrontation. At the same time, a video from Oct. 27 surfaced where Greene appeared to endorse violence against Democrats who oppose gun rights.”},{“_id”:”RKBNVFXFGFHYJBTR6JVZMNFNGM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477597},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“The only way you get your freedoms back is it’s earned with the price of blood,” she said in the video, according to reporting by Mother Jones.”},{“_id”:”QVCJOBO6FNDNNETEJKWLKT45UI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477598},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Greene was already facing criticism based on news reports from earlier in the week about her confronting a teenage victim of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, spreading conspiracy theories about wildfires in California and the Sandy Hook mass shooting, and “liking” posts on social media advocating the execution of members of Congress.”},{“_id”:”PZZATXZY3ZFWDJKGRDA3YHPYGA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477599},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In her statement Friday afternoon, Greene described these news reports and her critics as spreading lies. And she insisted that her constituents and conservatives across the nation have her back.”},{“_id”:”2FZAPXJPZVHUHCJKRVVF2K3YHQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477600},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Every attack. Every lie. Every smear strengthens my base of support at home and across the country,” Greene said in a statement Friday afternoon. “Because people know the truth and are fed up with the lies.””},{“_id”:”KHOW3PYDHJACNMPCHXWFKYDUA4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611959329961},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Greene’s spokesman did not respond to questions about the time period her reported fundraising haul covers.”},{“_id”:”63V6U6BS4RD6PFZD3ATWD3PW5I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477602},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The congresswoman remains loyal to former President Donald Trump and maintains that November’s election was stolen from him and that Joe Biden’s presidency is not legitimate. She condemned the violence that overtook the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 but has supported the “stop the steal” efforts that many Democrats believe radicalized Trump supporters and caused them to riot.”},{“_id”:”YMBCFIBGRRGAXFQS6ZO7C5ZZXA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477603},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Before taking office, she spread QAnon conspiracy theories and made racist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic comments. Although she walked back some of her most problematic statements, such as repeating baseless conspiracy theories about 9/11 and the Las Vegas mass shooting, she rarely apologies.”},{“_id”:”BSQA2CRLEJE3FNJVERYWB2QEPY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477604},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Friday was indicative of that defiance.”},{“_id”:”PVDJR3UNOJFN3JYHS3MNGIJKSM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477605},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Calls for Greene’s censure increased after Missouri U.S. Rep. Cori Bush announced she had moved her office to avoid interactions with Greene. Bush, a Democrat, said she was berated by a maskless Greene and her staff on Jan. 13. Bush also said that Greene falsely accused her of leading the rally in St. Louis that passed by the home of a couple who brandished their guns in reaction.”},{“_id”:”UAT5WKZUDRATDICAXSFG5T2S6Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477606},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“In the context of Taylor Greene’s repeated endorsements of executing Democratic politicians before taking office, Taylor Greene’s renewed, repeated antagonization of the movement for Black lives in the last month directed toward me personally is cause for serious concern,” Bush said in a statement. “All of this led to my decision to move my office away from Taylor Greene for the safety of my team.””},{“_id”:”OA2NUOQZRFBB3IUEMGWMLVSFG4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477607},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Greene later released a video that she said refuted Bush’s account of the confrontation.”},{“_id”:”2N7NK3LKZJGOZO4STHFTODNZCQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477608},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In the video, Greene’s mask, emblazoned with the word “censored,” is underneath her chin as she rails against Democrats while walking in a tunnel connecting the U.S. Capitol to a House office building. Someone off camera yells at Greene, telling her to wear her mask properly.”},{“_id”:”CGEXMAOUONDLZDA6AEQ44PYS34″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477609},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Greene then begins to yell back at what she describes as a “Democrat colleague,” accusing that person of being hypocritical for allowing members who tested positive for COVID-19 to vote in a secluded booth in the House chambers. It is unclear whether the other voice in the video is Bush.”},{“_id”:”IRB6EQDGNVHQ7P6TN7MT3FWO6E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477610},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Another Democrat, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez of California, said he is filing a resolution to expel Greene from Congress. That would require a two-thirds vote of the House and is unlikely to pass given Democrats’ thin majority.”},{“_id”:”3YZJPPTQ4ZEIJLYGD5A25OZACE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611959224183},”type”:”text”,”content”:”U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams, D-Atlanta, said she will join a colleague in introducing a resolution next week calling for Greene to be censured on the U.S. House floor and encouraging her to resign. That proposal would only need a majority vote.”},{“_id”:”LZ4OW6SI5FFPHLUUT4BKN6FKH4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477611},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In Georgia, state Rep. Matthew Wilson, D-Brookhaven, introduced a resolution Friday at the General Assembly that urged Greene to resign. Nearly 50 Democrats signed on as co-sponsors, Wilson said.”},{“_id”:”JDIM6YOJI5C6VJR7WSVVLGCITM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477612},”type”:”text”,”content”:”U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, during her weekly news conference Thursday, criticized McCarthy and other Republicans for not standing up to Greene. She said it was problematic that she had been appointed to the House Education and Labor Committee even after spreading falsehoods about school shootings and confronting David Hogg, one of the Parkland students who later became a gun control advocate.”},{“_id”:”4HCGRA6WJNAEHEZSCBBKDOTTOA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477613},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Assigning her to the Education Committee when she has mocked the killing of little children at Sandy Hook Elementary School, when she has mocked the killing of teenagers at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — what could they be thinking?” Pelosi said. “Or is thinking too generous a word for what they might be doing?””},{“_id”:”UBCAM3MX4RH6TKZF4IRWDF5A5I”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”JAUWFT7TTJAKPFZMY7M6UWBU7M”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/pelosi-condemns-gop-silence-on-marjorie-taylor-greenes-behavior/SMWADNDR7FFWLHJKD4LUJCHRDM/”,”content”:”Pelosi condemns GOP silence on Marjorie Taylor Greene’s behavior”},{“_id”:”UOWRYKNTRZBF5KB2UBJT5W7424″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477614},”type”:”text”,”content”:”McCarthy said earlier this week that he found some of Greene’s past behavior “deeply disturbing” and would have a conversation with her. Greene, in her statement Friday, said she won’t back down and Republican leaders should stand with her against the attacks.”},{“_id”:”E4QLYVTM5ZELNF6VDW6HWVKJMY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611957477615},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“If Republicans cower to the mob and let the Democrats and the ‘fake news’ media take me out, they’re opening the door to come after every single Republican until there’s none left,” she wrote. “But what’s worse is Republicans will be opening the door to let the vicious cancel culture mob take out every one of you.””},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611971216841}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/mtgreenee/status/1355263214020419586″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”L6O7NLIPR5HEHCELKI4A6OXKZM”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/mtgreenee/status/1355263214020419586″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/mtgreenee”,”width”:550,”html”:”

A Message to the Mob from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene pic.twitter.com/bdbG4OGrlK

— Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 (@mtgreenee) January 29, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/mtgreenee/status/1355263214020419586″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611971216841},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611971216842}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/CoriBush/status/1355236960948912130″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”PK3QMKWALZAR5NKOMIDDNYU55I”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Cori Bush”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/CoriBush/status/1355236960948912130″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/CoriBush”,”width”:550,”html”:”

On Jan. 13 — after members tested positive for COVID-19 after being locked down with her on Jan. 6 — Marjorie Taylor Greene came up from behind me, loud and unmasked. I called out to her to put hers on.

Her staff yelled at me, “Stop inciting violence with Black Lives Matter.” pic.twitter.com/GtN5AmGrkO

— Cori Bush (@CoriBush) January 29, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/CoriBush/status/1355236960948912130″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611971216842},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-29T22:31:50.353Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Marjorie Taylor Greene says she raised $1.6 million after calls for her expulsion”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-29T22:31:50.353Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″},{“path”:”/news/georgia-news”,”parent”:{“default”:”/news”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”/news”,”name”:”Georgia News”,”description”:”This page does not exist”,”_id”:”/news/georgia-news”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”/news”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”/news”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”This page does not exist”,”site_title”:”Georgia News”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Georgia News”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Georgia News”,”_id”:”/news/georgia-news”,”ancestors”:{“default”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”BottomNav”:[],”TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/news”]},”order”:{“default”:2012,”TopNavRedesign”:2002,”ComposerNav”:1111}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./news/georgia-news”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”Marjorie Taylor Greene”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-30T01:47:18.689Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/marjorie-taylor-greene-says-she-raised-16-million-after-calls-for-her-expulsion/DOPUOGZ66FGV5CUGHATP2RXRFY/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”Ben Gray”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”BEN@BENGRAY.COM”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Marjorie Greene”,”width”:2000,”caption”:”U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome, has faced calls for her expulsion from Congress over reports of her behavior, but she also has seen the support within her base grow and her campaign fundraising swell. Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/3AA6IJ2HEQAUT6F7JUZUBXCX6U.jpg”,”height”:1397}},”_id”:”DOPUOGZ66FGV5CUGHATP2RXRFY”},{“content_elements”:[{“level”:1,”_id”:”WNVQ3U3IB5DCZF62RX7D6F2N24″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611764462173},”type”:”header”,”content”:”House budget would reverse health trend line”},{“_id”:”OXOFGWGD6RDTVITXI377HABWWI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611779891047},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The demands on Georgia’s public health system have been growing in recent years — even before the COVID-19 pandemic — but state funding has not kept up. In fact, one key statistic shows it’s been dropping.”},{“_id”:”AE75EU3V5NEFTL2I5SC5SDOFVY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611779891048},”type”:”text”,”content”:”If lawmakers approved the $26.6 billion midyear spending plan that Gov. Brian Kemp proposed two weeks ago, the state would be spending 13% less per resident on public health in the coming year than it did a decade ago.”},{“_id”:”D3LTQ5BE3ZCQTKTJPTV3SEMZWE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611779891049},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The House Appropriations Committee, however, has decided to go another way.”},{“_id”:”3FW4G6VY7BC5BAGEJ2HCG76D2A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611779891050},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The panel’s plan would add money for a chief medical officer, deputy commissioner and a chief data officer. It also includes $18 million to modernize and replace the computer system used to track immunizations statewide, something health officials say wasn’t designed to deal with a pandemic.”},{“_id”:”SMHBRGFQCFAZXOCKTOCRZ2RJ2E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611779891051},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The lawmakers also proposed $15 million more in its fight against AIDS/HIV after facing heavy criticism for meager support in the past. The money would go to the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which provides HIV/AIDS medications to low-income people.”},{“_id”:”7557EACQQFBEHMW3A6XZEVANSU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611779891052},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The plan also calls for a temporary boost of $19 million in payments to nursing homes that will allow the owners of those facilities to also collect more federal funding.”},{“_id”:”4B2ZZKQVZ5H6FNROVCNG65TFGU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611779891053},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We are doing what we need to do to take care of the most fragile among us,” said House Appropriations Chairman Terry England, R-Auburn.”},{“_id”:”MAQOWMDDKRGI7L3TEBBDG2WS5A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611779891054},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Meanwhile, the state will continue to rely heavily on federal funding to fight the coronavirus.”},{“_id”:”T7WQXWKSLNFWFJB2P2FEBIGHUU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611779891094},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state has already collected a little more than $1 billion for that purpose, using federal funds to pay for such virus-related expenses as private laboratory testing, operation of the state’s labs, temporary “surge” staffing, personal protective equipment and an isolation unit for people who contracted the coronavirus. The federal money also covered expenses by the state’s 159 county health departments, which normally depend on state appropriations.”},{“_id”:”XWMWBVEZGJHR5A4ZW3D5BT4E6Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611689977685},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgia’s reliance on the federal government when it comes to public health is nothing new. Most years, the federal government picks up the tab for almost three-fifths of Georgia’s public health budget, much of it coming through grants administered by the Atlanta-based U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{“street_address”:”Georgia State Capitol”,”locality”:”Atlanta”,”region”:”DC”},”syndication”:{},”caption”:”At the direction of Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, a state trooper escorts state Rep. David Clark out of the chamber after he refused to submit to testing for the coronavirus. The General Assembly began this year’s session with a rule that requires all legislators and employees to undergo testing for the virus twice a week. MANDATORY CREDIT: NATHAN POSNER”,”source”:{“system”:”photo center”,”name”:”AJC”,”edit_url”:”https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/2MCQP4XKLZDJBKUGCNDKUE3GUA”,”source_type”:”staff”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:[]},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019″},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/2MCQP4XKLZDJBKUGCNDKUE3GUA.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:[],”by”:[{“name”:”Nathan Posner”,”type”:”author”,”byline”:”Nathan Posner”}]},”subtitle”:”GA State House Removal”,”width”:3000,”_id”:”2MCQP4XKLZDJBKUGCNDKUE3GUA”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/RqIiwDod3_wiRIT2bl85ZCdkalc=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/2MCQP4XKLZDJBKUGCNDKUE3GUA.jpg”,”owner”:”bita.honarvar@ajc.com”,”comments”:[],”keywords”:[“david clark”,”david clark removal”,”georgia capitol”,”georgia legislature”,”georgia politics”,”georgia state house”,”georgia state rep david clark”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/RqIiwDod3_wiRIT2bl85ZCdkalc=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/2MCQP4XKLZDJBKUGCNDKUE3GUA.jpg”,”takenOn”:”2021-01-26T15:45:57Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/2MCQP4XKLZDJBKUGCNDKUE3GUA.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/RqIiwDod3_wiRIT2bl85ZCdkalc=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/2MCQP4XKLZDJBKUGCNDKUE3GUA.jpg”,”ingestionMethod”:”manual”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/DrWdT5r1Gvyjj22eUg5epNk56Xw=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/2MCQP4XKLZDJBKUGCNDKUE3GUA.jpg”,”version”:1,”originalName”:”_AP_3342.jpg”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”template_id”:594,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”5TCEJ4CUPZGHTKGT2D3XZNV2EU”},”created_date”:”2021-01-26T21:38:23Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-26T21:38:42Z”,”height”:2001,”image_type”:”photograph”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”C755F4YT5NDGLNTL2TPIRS5P5E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783945964},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Speaker ejects rep for skipping virus testing”},{“_id”:”FZCMVAAI6BGJFJPRPGYHJ7LQKY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783945965},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The high drama of the past week occurred Tuesday when House Speaker David Ralston had a state trooper remove a fellow Republican, state Rep. David Clark of Buford, from the chamber over his refusal to be tested for COVID-19.”},{“_id”:”KCRC2L32ZNDVHIBWP2GNYHQ6VU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783945966},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The sequel, however, did not follow, as Clark had promised, on the next day.”},{“_id”:”4OI5KHCSDVDJTFFVN2UTSAP7XM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783945967},”type”:”text”,”content”:”To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Georgia House and Senate are requiring members and employees to be tested twice a week during the session.”},{“_id”:”QZQRZQWAUVHJ3IMMBXZC3MYXUY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611790510723},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Applause followed Clark’s ejection.”},{“_id”:”J3TJEF43TBG7NO5PAOL3SXWZ2Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783945990},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We strongly support Speaker David Ralston in his efforts to preserve and protect the health and safety of the members and staff of the House of Representatives and all those who enter the doors of the Georgia State Capitol,” House Majority Leader Jon Burns and House Minority Leader James Beverly said in a statement. “We agree that all members of the House of Representatives should comply with the testing procedures that have been implemented for their safety and the safety of their fellow Georgians.””},{“_id”:”23WIH4EXLRCQPGKUJK3GGUWJSI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783945996},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Clark felt differently and said Ralston “is becoming a dictator.””},{“_id”:”TD62TOODGZHGBEATGV5YXMS3XM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611790510727},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He said he would not get tested, but he planned to return to the House chamber Wednesday.”},{“_id”:”FXNM7YELYNG6HLRF6WS63VWMKQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783945997},”type”:”text”,”content”:”That didn’t happen.”},{“_id”:”JPCF2ID765DKTB7NKTZHOBB2W4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611790510729},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Clark’s absence did not make hearts grow fonder in the House. He even drew a rebuke from one of the other two Clarks in the chamber, state Rep. Jasmine Clark, D-Lilburn.”},{“_id”:”GH2WTLU2RFGG7JNVK5QAWTUET4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244410},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Clark, no relation to David Clark, blasted comments he made in an interview comparing his expulsion to the removal of 33 Black and mixed-race Republicans from the General Assembly during Reconstruction following the Civil War. She noted that those lawmakers were beaten, jailed or killed because of their race and desire to hold public office.”},{“_id”:”VRF4GJIXAZFE3LBAFYKZGIVRTY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611790510733},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Black people fighting to be treated like human beings is not equivalent to your fight to not spit in a cup to protect your colleagues,” she said.”},{“_id”:”LHFCYBR7NNBWTDCAGQVRDYCUEM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244412},”type”:”text”,”content”:”David Clark did return Thursday, and he took the test.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”44CJQDWERZG5VGXY2BKHRWHWME”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861314955},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Virus-related protections could be extended for businesses”},{“_id”:”JLO5ECLI7FHTBE5J3JDNNFQQOE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861314956},”type”:”text”,”content”:”An extension is in the works that would protect businesses and health care providers from lawsuits involving COVID-19.”},{“_id”:”4UXJ4HC2YJB7BMS2S536MBQOXI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861314957},”type”:”text”,”content”:”House Bill 112, sponsored by state Rep. Trey Kelley, R-Cedartown, would limit the ability of people to file suit if they are diagnosed with the disease. Those limits first won approval during the 2020 legislative session, but they expire in July. HB 112 would extend the lawsuit protection until July 2022.”},{“_id”:”UOOEBU2I2JE6RI6FOLGFRSOZDM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861314958},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The law shields companies from legal liability unless they show “gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct, reckless infliction of harm, or intentional infliction of harm.””},{“_id”:”MGPSMFUN7JBNHLF5NX57JGYXNQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861314959},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Business groups see the protections as necessary if firms are to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. Critics say gross negligence is extremely difficult to prove, and the law leaves people who get sick little recourse if their employers or the businesses they frequent are at fault.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”workflow”:{“status_code”:4},”caption”:”Legislation was introduced this week that would require Georgia voters who use absentee ballots to submit copies of a photo ID both when they apply for the ballot and when they send in their vote.”,”source”:{“system”:”Methode”,”name”:”AJC”,”source_type”:”other”,”source_id”:”3106c44e-bcb2-11ea-9be7-e1cc2fa91760″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019″},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/4N6L2ECRK2NNS7EUVVMKVPAD24.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”display_date”:”2020-07-02T22:20:10Z”,”credits”:{},”subtitle”:”Opinion: The GOP needs to rescue the reputation of the absentee ballot”,”width”:2043,”first_publish_date”:”2020-07-02T22:20:10Z”,”_id”:”4N6L2ECRK2NNS7EUVVMKVPAD24″,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/SWP_23eT1p59bIEwVIi6yQ09-Fg=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4N6L2ECRK2NNS7EUVVMKVPAD24.jpg”,”comments”:[],”keywords”:[“politics”,”politicsajc”,”politicsajclede”,”ga-government.ajc”,”georgia-news-ajc”,”ajc top news”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/SWP_23eT1p59bIEwVIi6yQ09-Fg=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4N6L2ECRK2NNS7EUVVMKVPAD24.jpg”,”takenOn”:”2020-07-02T22:20:10Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/4N6L2ECRK2NNS7EUVVMKVPAD24.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/SWP_23eT1p59bIEwVIi6yQ09-Fg=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4N6L2ECRK2NNS7EUVVMKVPAD24.jpg”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/_LUAxjxj9qACQKfP-oFu1K7tzh8=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4N6L2ECRK2NNS7EUVVMKVPAD24.jpg”,”version”:2,”originalName”:”https://www.ajc.com//rw/Pub/p11/AJC/2020/07/02/Images/4-27-20%20absentee%20ballot(1).JPG”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”DEDRGNOCXBCRXDAROOMBLRYBI4″},”created_date”:”2020-07-03T21:16:54Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2020-07-17T01:55:02Z”,”publish_date”:”2020-07-02T22:20:10Z”,”height”:1177},{“level”:1,”_id”:”YPFWBRWNCRFMRD6RIDYG5VE57Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244451},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Absentee ballots could require Photo ID”},{“_id”:”5W3RO7TPWVA53KFKWXJQVF6VXY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244452},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Under legislation filed this past week, copies of a photo ID could be required twice before Georgia voters cast absentee ballots.”},{“_id”:”WK3L4KLXSNETNDQKKDPBRELIBU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244453},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Senate Bill 29 would make it necessary for voters to submit an ID when applying for the absentee ballot and again when the ballot is returned.”},{“_id”:”HP6LUZJ2SBEA5KJTXERYE2AXCQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244454},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State law already requires photo ID when voting in person.”},{“_id”:”FNA6WVSA2JFT5KPAOY6E6Q6WOE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244456},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The bill — proposed by state Sen. Jason Anavitarte, R-Dallas — is the first major proposal to limit absentee voting after Republican Donald Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden in last year’s presidential election. State and local election officials have said there’s little indication of fraud besides isolated cases — nothing that would have overturned the election.”},{“_id”:”E4K5C37YZVDP5IRI2DEDAL7NIU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244457},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The voting rights group Fair Fight said Republicans are trying to increase their chances of winning elections by preventing eligible Georgians from casting ballots.”},{“_id”:”5764SJ3YSNF25H7C4B7FFUWRRU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244458},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“By requiring access to a printer, which many Georgians obviously do not have, Republicans are attempting to purposely take away the ability of many Georgians to vote by mail simply because they believe too many Democrats and too many people of color voted by mail,” Fair Fight spokesman Seth Bringman said.”},{“_id”:”ZYNSQPJRSZBCVOA5I7KWWICVNM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244459},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and House Speaker David Ralston have all generally embraced the idea of mandating some form of photo ID with absentee ballots.”},{“_id”:”OAEW2WOIRBD2JIHZRIBY6YTOKQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244460},”type”:”text”,”content”:”None of the three, however, has endorsed more far-reaching proposals backed by some Senate Republicans that would end no-excuse absentee voting, signaling that such a proposal is likely to stall out this year.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”BTA7GXMW3RHPNKWLCCRYG4YTVM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611790510736},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Parental-leave proposal returns”},{“_id”:”3N6FTYFXG5ABHIPPZ7K4UIS56Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611768616912},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, is pushing once again for paid parental leave for a quarter of a million state employees.”},{“_id”:”BFZHP3J5BZHAPDD4DGWDLDEWOM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611768616913},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The measure, House Bill 146, is similar to a proposal he introduced last year that cleared the House on a vote of 164-1 before hitting the wall in the Senate during the closing moments of the legislative session.”},{“_id”:”NS5ZKOEKXRFWNHJVPHLGW46QBM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611768616914},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The bill would grant three weeks of paid parental leave to 246,000 state staffers, including 132,000 k-12 educators and 46,000 University System of Georgia employees, following the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child.”},{“_id”:”YTHEEHDMJZGM7HF5VWYIN7FUAY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611768616915},”type”:”text”,”content”:”GOP leaders granted similar benefits to full-time employees of the Georgia House and Senate early last year.”},{“_id”:”KIKFQTNZ4VEPZEAPCPKXCHWD6U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611768616916},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgia has long ranked among the bottom of states in terms of paid leave benefits. Currently, state employees qualify for 12 weeks of unpaid leave, the minimum required under federal law.”},{“_id”:”WVSIZZJYPVFENCMZMVNNXBFYPI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611768616917},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Gaines’ bill would have no impact on private companies.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, introduced legislation this past week seeking a constitutional amendment that would allow casinos to operate in Georgia. Voters would have the final say. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”8da288be35864b4790304646ae623fa5″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/T3O6PUMSPK5AH2J6XTE7GNLKWQ.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Wong Maye-E”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Casino Win Nevada”,”width”:5341,”_id”:”T3O6PUMSPK5AH2J6XTE7GNLKWQ”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/IfT-9_p-FuH8B2i_1L_BX_JpqmY=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/T3O6PUMSPK5AH2J6XTE7GNLKWQ.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/IfT-9_p-FuH8B2i_1L_BX_JpqmY=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/T3O6PUMSPK5AH2J6XTE7GNLKWQ.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/T3O6PUMSPK5AH2J6XTE7GNLKWQ.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/IfT-9_p-FuH8B2i_1L_BX_JpqmY=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/T3O6PUMSPK5AH2J6XTE7GNLKWQ.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-27T18:31:09Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/Lyn7bpbVPGhSIFvL7xQ1l8SNqww=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/T3O6PUMSPK5AH2J6XTE7GNLKWQ.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”8da288be35864b4790304646ae623fa5″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”4GKLHU3WIRBWPNYAGIZRKPU2VU”},”created_date”:”2021-01-28T18:31:16Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-28T18:31:16Z”,”height”:3561},{“level”:1,”_id”:”5BORUK7FXJENVKWWA4TWAXTOLY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611768616918},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Gambling proponents return to the table”},{“_id”:”K3XZ6OEP2RD4BN2FGQ5FMA3BAQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611768616919},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Supporters of expanded legal gambling in Georgia launched efforts this past week on two fronts.”},{“_id”:”VFGN4RQXFBFS5KKVH6LDMLNBWU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611796186701},”type”:”text”,”content”:”One, Senate Bill 30, was proposed by state Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta. It would establish a Georgia Horse Racing Commission responsible for licensing up to three racetracks in the state.”},{“_id”:”SSATTVVMH5CNJMQLB7M33QUAGY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244424},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The other, House Bill 30, would put a proposed constitutional amendment on an upcoming ballot, giving Georgia voters the final say on whether to allow casinos in the state. It was proposed by House Tourism and Economic Development Chairman Ron Stephens, R-Savannah.”},{“_id”:”BDBV4HF25VEADKWQVL5UZ4AZPI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244425},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Three pieces of legislation are calling for the state to expand its gambling options this year. Stephens already filed House Bill 86, which would legalize online sports betting in Georgia.”},{“_id”:”ERSV3QHCLNCQVIC3AGVO7RA3LE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244426},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Sports betting may have the easiest path. Its supporters say it — unlike casinos and horse racing — won’t require a constitutional amendment. That means it could win passage in the General Assembly by only gaining simple majorities in both the House and the Senate. Before proposed constitutional amendments can even be placed on a ballot for voters to decide, they must win two-thirds majorities in each chamber of the General Assembly.”},{“_id”:”4KKNAO655VD3LAYOIR4BT2RQ4U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611768616923},”type”:”text”,”content”:”To sell the idea of expanding gambling, supporters make a case that it could bring thousands of jobs and sweeten the pot for the Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE scholarship by millions of dollars. Countering them are conservative groups and religious organizations who say gambling is immoral and an addictive habit that breeds crime. Critics also say supporters dramatically inflate the financial benefit to the state in terms of earnings and jobs.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”P7KVDKCWX5DLHOAWLB44UP3VXA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611764462153},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Lawmaker seeks in-state tuition for DACA recipients”},{“_id”:”SSR2K4BBCFGSDMTUGJXARQ4BRU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611764462160},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State Rep. Kasey Carpenter is making another pitch to allow young immigrants to pay in-state tuition at Georgia colleges and universities, calling it a “workforce development issue.””},{“_id”:”S7DAAFHOBBC5LDHHUPXX47B7VM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611764462161},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Carpenter gained bipartisan support last year for his House Bill 997 before it stalled in the House Higher Education Committee. His new proposal closely follows that measure.”},{“_id”:”OWLHF54XQZC6ZJER3ZLYUNBWZ4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611764462162},”type”:”text”,”content”:”It would apply to participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. The program, created by the Obama administration in 2012, grants renewable two-year work permits and temporary deportation deferrals to immigrants who were brought here before they turned 16, who are attending school here and who have no felony convictions. As of 2019, 21,110 people in Georgia were participating in DACA.”},{“_id”:”YL3XCX2UANDFNBCVQBDIV66KNA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611764462163},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Eligible students under Carpenter’s bill would also have to be younger than 30, have been in the United States since they turned 12 and have graduated from a Georgia high school or obtained a GED in Georgia.”},{“_id”:”WMJOAKRLWZAG3G75YIO55W4EGY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611764462164},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Touting the proposal’s benefits, Carpenter said “we have invested in these kids already through k-12 education.””},{“_id”:”RJBHA73FJBBLPJKX4QYKBTW7VQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611764462165},”type”:”text”,”content”:”His proposal, the Dalton Republican said, “provides opportunities for our students to enter the workforce with better qualifications.””},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”workflow”:{“status_code”:4},”caption”:”Georgia House Appropriations Chairman Terry England, R-Auburn, said one-third of the state’s 15,000 school buses have exceeded their recommended life spans. The House approved a midyear budget this past week that includes the purchase of 500 new buses at a cost of $38.6 million. AJC file photo”,”source”:{“system”:”Methode”,”source_type”:”other”,”source_id”:”bc66d836-b3a2-11e9-bd83-b4fa579dd66f”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019″},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/BHTSSSBTUGPIUWBOBKQV56YD4I.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”display_date”:”2019-07-31T14:51:54Z”,”credits”:{},”subtitle”:”school bus”,”width”:964,”first_publish_date”:”2019-07-31T14:51:54Z”,”_id”:”BHTSSSBTUGPIUWBOBKQV56YD4I”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/AdhM8c1ozFq61jMFO90g9uW3H9s=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BHTSSSBTUGPIUWBOBKQV56YD4I.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/AdhM8c1ozFq61jMFO90g9uW3H9s=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BHTSSSBTUGPIUWBOBKQV56YD4I.jpg”,”takenOn”:”2019-07-31T14:51:54Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/BHTSSSBTUGPIUWBOBKQV56YD4I.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/AdhM8c1ozFq61jMFO90g9uW3H9s=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BHTSSSBTUGPIUWBOBKQV56YD4I.jpg”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/ifQPfdmCmTKTQFPRqsEARFzLhVk=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BHTSSSBTUGPIUWBOBKQV56YD4I.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”https://www.ajc.com//rw/Pub/p10/AJC/2019/07/31/Images/school%20bus.jpg”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”KLTPO5WZIVDDZDFR6R5WBEJ5PQ”},”created_date”:”2020-06-27T18:32:14Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2020-06-27T18:32:14Z”,”publish_date”:”2019-07-31T14:51:54Z”,”height”:583},{“level”:1,”_id”:”YPFWBRWNCRFMRD6RIDYG5VE57Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611795244451},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Stat of the week: One-third of state school bus fleet is aging”},{“_id”:”HPTDBMF5QJGRZAP2YL5YMLT2WE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783946044},”type”:”text”,”content”:”House Appropriations Chairman Terry England, R-Auburn, reported this past week that one-third of the state’s 15,000 school buses are now on borrowed time, having surpassed their recommended life spans.”},{“_id”:”MZHTU7PXH5FX5KKKHGC4MIWSSI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783946045},”type”:”text”,”content”:”England’s committee sent a spending plan to the House floor that calls for buying 500 new buses.”},{“_id”:”LLEBXUO3MFH2BN3RKFIUYXI25M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611784702528},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The price tag: $38.6 million.”},{“_id”:”LWYBZQSXVBB6NKXLAOCBAPCMPY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611784702529},”type”:”text”,”content”:”But does that include the floor mats?”},{“_id”:”EDAVIPNM4FBBHAKN4RNCJMWSDU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783946046},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
“}],”display_date”:”2021-01-29T12:00:00Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Capitol Recap: More money penciled in for public health in Georgia”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-29T12:00:00Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional 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AJC”,”site_title”:”Issues”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Issues”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Issues”,”_id”:”/politics/issues”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”]},”order”:{“TopNav”:2004,”ComposerNav”:1130}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics/issues”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”},”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”coronavirus”},{“text”:”brian kemp”}]},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-29T12:00:00.854Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/capitol-recap-more-money-penciled-in-for-public-health-in-georgia/OTXBE4Y3HJFLFKRSODKYJPMRCU/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Curtis Compton”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Virus Outbreaks Vaccines Georgia”,”width”:2600,”caption”:”Julie Marty, a registered nurse in the Coweta County Department of Public Health, prepares a COVID-19 vaccination at a drive-thru site at the Coweta County Fairgrounds in Newnan. The Georgia House Appropriations Committee sent a budget to the floor this past week that would increase state spending for public health, although the state’s efforts to fight COVID-19 would still largely depend on federal funding. The House approved the midyear spending plan, which now goes to the Senate. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/HAZF4SABBYZL43YURP6K6L24LE.jpg”,”height”:2064}},”_id”:”OTXBE4Y3HJFLFKRSODKYJPMRCU”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”G4DBEPOBJFEWRPH63G3B7LCBFU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1598277352412},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Gov. Brian Kemp is continuing his push for an overhaul of the state’s adoption and foster care system.”},{“_id”:”FET5J2RKFZE2RMNAP4UAZLO6OU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483442},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Lawmakers in the House and Senate this week filed bills that would lower the age at which someone can adopt a child from 25 to 21, increase the tax credit for families who adopt children from the foster care system and make changes to the juvenile court process for children in foster care.”},{“_id”:”MFDC2ZTMMZHXLHFXPSLI5LDUVI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483443},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“The most fundamental need for any child is a safe, loving home,” Kemp said in a statement. “By making it more affordable to adopt, reducing bureaucratic red tape that stands in the way of loved ones adopting kids, and championing the safety of children across our state, we can ensure Georgia’s children are placed in those homes and secure a safer, brighter future for generations to come.””},{“_id”:”L7U76NEKQ5GTFB3WSKIAEFT2IQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483444},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Legislation that Kemp signed last year took steps toward the overhaul he announced at the beginning of the 2020 legislative session, but a few of the governor’s priorities didn’t make it across the finish line after the Legislature was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring.”},{“_id”:”OYHZVUYAUNHI3AYMOAJFJDTINY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483445},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Among the measures returning this year are House Bill 114, which would increase the tax credit for families that adopt a child from foster care from $2,000 to $6,000 per year for five years, and House Bill 154, which would allow people who are 21 to petition to adopt a child — something often seen among older siblings.”},{“_id”:”VZ4GPPKZFBDJ7A5EIDMYE6GARE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483446},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Keep in mind that the standard the judge (uses) in an adoption is the best interest of the child, and based on that it would be a narrow lane, practically, where younger adults would be permitted to adopt,” said state Rep. Bert Reeves, a Marietta Republican who sponsored HB 114 and HB 154. “This is by no means an absolute right for anyone of any age to adopt. It just lowers the age that one can petition (for adoption).””},{“_id”:”ACIUXCGKTFCKVAGY3BJWKMOWYA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483447},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Senate Bill 28 would, among other things, allow the court to consider testimony from witnesses that includes second-hand information during certain child protective hearings. Judges typically do not allow what is called “hearsay” in court proceedings.”},{“_id”:”QCMB6J6DZNFGPMZRIKEGMZ73JU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611878804264},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Children can be unreliable witnesses when discussing potential abuse or neglect they’ve experienced.”},{“_id”:”OIAJD7XP35GDTLQ5OSRY5XB7H4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483448},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Reyahd Kazmi with the Ohio-based National Youth Advocate Program, a nonprofit that advocates for foster children and families, applauded the package of legislation.”},{“_id”:”TSAS6NNUXRA3JETLZ4YXGFWQ2U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483449},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Juvenile courts should have all of the information available to them, even if they negate typical courtroom evidence rules, if the information is reliable and assists the court in making decisions that are in the best interest of the child,” he said.”},{“_id”:”L7U76NEKQ5GTFB3WSKIAEFT2IQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483450},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Last year, Kemp signed bills that, among other things, aim to make it easier for foster parents to hire child care and move court cases involving children in foster care more quickly through the legal process. He also signed legislation last year that closes what Kemp called a “loophole” in Georgia law, making it illegal for a foster parent to engage in a sexual activity with those in his or her care — specifically after that child turns 16, Georgia’s legal age of consent.”},{“_id”:”N36MWMDOWBGLLODAYXDLGK6YGA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611872483451},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“It is our solemn duty, as elected leaders who long to see our children grow and thrive in a sometimes dark and dangerous world, to take meaningful action,” Kemp said.”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-29T00:19:36.778Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Georgia lawmakers revive Kemp-backed foster care, adoption measures”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-29T00:19:36.778Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″},{“path”:”/politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”parent”:{“default”:”/politics”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”/politics”,”name”:”Legislature”,”description”:”News of the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia Governor and State Government from the AJC, Georgia’s largest team covering the Legislature and issues that matter to taxpayers”,”_id”:”/politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”/politics”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”/politics”,”TopNav”:”/politics”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-state-legislature/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”News of the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia Governor and State Government from the AJC, Georgia’s largest team covering the Legislature and issues that matter to taxpayers”,”site_title”:”Georgia Legislature News”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Legislature”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Legislature”,”_id”:”/politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”]},”order”:{“TopNavRedesign”:2003,”TopNav”:2003,”ComposerNav”:1128}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”brian kemp”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-29T16:20:28.386Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/georgia-lawmakers-revive-kemp-backed-foster-care-adoption-measures/5QAH4GHBYRETBNDDXCH4SPF2TM/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”HYOSUB SHIN / AJC”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Kemp, Toomey give Covid-19 Vaccine Update”,”width”:5983,”caption”:”Some of Gov. Brian Kemp’s efforts to overhaul of the state’s adoption and foster care system fell short when the Georgia General Assembly suspended its session Legislature last year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several pieces of legislation that received consideration last year have now returned, such as a proposal to up the tax break for adopting a child out of the foster care system. (Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/LNKT5VBH3KH6JXVAVJLW7ZLIA4.jpg”,”height”:4013}},”_id”:”5QAH4GHBYRETBNDDXCH4SPF2TM”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”27XQNKP2SJC3TDOLJFB5VK76L4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359840,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Why should I contact elected officials? Feedback from constituents is a powerful tool for those who’ve been elected and it’s an opportunity to voice your opinion about the issues that matter to you.”},{“_id”:”KNIIQLFAXJFALKYQNAG2M3UK2Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359841,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”How should I contact them? While phone calls are the best way of contacting senators or representatives, email and snail mail are effective options as well. Emails can be sent directly from the senator’s or representative’s official website.”},{“_id”:”MU57Y3PDEBGETEAREWMETOC264″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359842,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”> RELATED: How to contact your state legislators in the Georgia General Assembly”},{“_id”:”RGUY6W6EHVCMLMQOAPXABTJZ3I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359843,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”> RELATED: Georgia politics news from the AJC”},{“_id”:”IYZDTZEHMVCKLECWXG52N5OUC4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359844,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”I’m not sure which district I reside in. Here’s a map of Georgia’s 14 congressional districts:”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”workflow”:{“status_code”:4},”caption”:”The state of Georgia is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by elected officials from 14 congressional districts.”,”source”:{“system”:”Methode”,”source_type”:”other”,”source_id”:”b6d6ece4-da74-11e6-8341-e8bf75d328aa”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019″},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/WWDXHUPVMR4OIVQBKVGMZZI6MA.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”display_date”:”2017-01-14T16:15:51Z”,”credits”:{},”subtitle”:”State of Georgia congressional district map”,”width”:2550,”first_publish_date”:”2017-01-14T16:15:51Z”,”_id”:”WWDXHUPVMR4OIVQBKVGMZZI6MA”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/_UwftseqXLRRu1H4W6SQkzizsBw=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/WWDXHUPVMR4OIVQBKVGMZZI6MA.jpg”,”comments”:[],”keywords”:[“ajc-audience”,”ajc-audience-as”,”state government”,”ajc-seo”,”ajc-seo-original”,”ajc election results”,”georgia news”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/_UwftseqXLRRu1H4W6SQkzizsBw=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/WWDXHUPVMR4OIVQBKVGMZZI6MA.jpg”,”takenOn”:”2017-01-14T16:15:51Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/WWDXHUPVMR4OIVQBKVGMZZI6MA.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/_UwftseqXLRRu1H4W6SQkzizsBw=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/WWDXHUPVMR4OIVQBKVGMZZI6MA.jpg”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/f2RsX55ekrm44inpaImqXVYU9yI=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/WWDXHUPVMR4OIVQBKVGMZZI6MA.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”https://www.ajc.com//rw/Pub/p8/AJC/2017/01/14/Images/Georgia-Congressional-District-Map-state-georgia.jpg”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:1600802359845},”created_date”:”2020-06-25T17:57:55Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2020-06-25T17:57:55Z”,”publish_date”:”2017-01-14T16:15:51Z”,”height”:3300},{“_id”:”O56IAB3TLFC6NA2WM6GMRCNTOA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359846,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Still unsure? Input your zip code here.”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”UNGZETYIZFCCRHBJLRUIEPKW2U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359847,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Senators”},{“_id”:”YOSZVJXSQBDFXFPCNK3RNKRZN4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359852},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Jon Ossoff (D-Georgia)”},{“_id”:”XOWBU5QALJBE3G4DMMROMRWBTA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359853},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 825 B&C Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-3521″},{“_id”:”DQQ3222KTZHZVKCCAJXIXXHEBA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359854},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Atlanta Office: TBD”},{“_id”:”XCNK75S3YRF67IKIDP7BYVJ7ZY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611874215225},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia)”},{“_id”:”THMBBBS2FNCTHD5VJR4AE3WURE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359849,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: B40D Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510 Phone: 202-224-3643″},{“_id”:”XTPHQ7L245BKPDTIQEMDCKQR6M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359850},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Atlanta Office: TBD”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”JLXYFYVCQFBBPJ2Q24CMSJH2FM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359855,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Representatives”},{“_id”:”NDO4HXGGGNDJJMNK6WET64WHQI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359856,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”1st District: Buddy Carter (R-Pooler)”},{“_id”:”ROI37Y7VUVH5BNBZ7A5R3K7OCQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359857,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 2432 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-5831 Fax: 202-226-2269″},{“_id”:”UQJI22W6IVF2ZE22RCHKW7BITU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359858,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Brunswick Office: 777 Gloucester StreetSuite 410 Brunswick, Georgia 31520 Phone: 912-265-9010 Fax: 912-265-9013″},{“_id”:”4QTJVHLXC5DRHNZHHLLHBDOP2A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359859,”class”:[“p”]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Savannah Office: 6602 Abercorn St., Suite 105B Savannah, Georgia 31405 Phone: 912-352-0101 Fax: 912-352-0105″},{“_id”:”HT4JZZICFZFHPLSH7C3FS6XHSU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”2nd District: Sanford Bishop (D-Albany)”},{“_id”:”4CQCRORJL5HKTAXQYTDCYHMX6A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359861},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 2407 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-3631 Fax: 202-225-2203″},{“_id”:”X4KZZBOT5VEETJDDVLPDZXMQLM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359862},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Albany Office: 323 Pine Avenue, Suite 400 Albany, GA 31701 Phone: 229-439-8067 Fax: 229-436-2099″},{“_id”:”J5JY7FQZ4BGWZCS2LOXSM3C3SY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359863},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Columbus Office: 18 Ninth St., Suite 201 Columbus, Georgia 31901 Phone: 706-320-9477 Fax: 706-320-9479″},{“_id”:”ICL6TZREPZBPBEPPRH5BKIPVFU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359864},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Macon Office: 300 Mulberry Street, Suite 502 Macon, GA 31201 Phone: 478-803-2631 Fax: 478-803-2637″},{“_id”:”WMEIILK4ABFZPLHVFNYUCO3AUA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359865},”type”:”text”,”content”:”3rd District: Drew Ferguson (R-West Point)”},{“_id”:”7JOIF3HN6BGT3AF7WP5F7E6D5I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359866},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 1032 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-5901″},{“_id”:”JM7AY6XVYRAW3HUNRPHOMHRB4I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Newnan Office: 1601 E Hwy 34, Suite B Newnan, Georgia 30265 Phone: 770-683-2033″},{“_id”:”IZBA34U3HRDTTB7QOOEGSNPHNM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”4th District: Hank Johnson (D-Lithonia)”},{“_id”:”ITT2C5RFNRCWZOG6U7UOLTJHD4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359869},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 2240 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-1605 Fax: 202-226-0691″},{“_id”:”CG3BJZSPTRD6XEGNEUI6NMKMMM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359870},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Decatur Office: 5240 Snapfinger Park Drive, Suite 140 Decatur, Georgia 30035 Phone: 770-987-2291 Fax: 770-987-8721″},{“_id”:”HEZ7IWHKRJDVHKV2X37SF34A2E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359871},”type”:”text”,”content”:”5th District: Nikema Williams (D-Atlanta)”},{“_id”:”YBQUIOEHPBGRPDBOZ7ZXGUDHQU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359872},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office 1406 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-3801″},{“_id”:”PIO3YRAGVJDUVLWHDG3ZAXQFZY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359873},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Atlanta Office 100 Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1920 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Phone: 404-659-0116″},{“_id”:”FOURZRNVPVDYRJE65SQLDXTUOE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359874},”type”:”text”,”content”:”6th District: Lucy McBath (D-Marietta)”},{“_id”:”U5FVZ3ES35CF7MHTLB6VDHX74I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359876},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 1513 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-4501″},{“_id”:”4VNFTQRROFFRXPU6D2RLMDJPRQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359878},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Sandy Springs Office: 5775 Glenridge Dr. Building B, Suite 380 Atlanta, GA 30328 (470) 773-6330″},{“_id”:”HLOVA4VQHVBEVPU3XLAF5Q5KI4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359879},”type”:”text”,”content”:”7th District: Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-Suwanee)”},{“_id”:”XNWUPV3FTZDXRJOOZOMGYZWX3I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359880},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington, D.C. Office: 1319 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-4272 Fax: 202-225-4696″},{“_id”:”5ZTHGOPJBBEBJAD2CGFM4QDHYA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359881},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Lawrenceville Office: 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046 Phone: 770-232-3005 Fax: 770-232-2909″},{“_id”:”FT2JWXGQK5EWPBQN6EQKC7LRBI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359882},”type”:”text”,”content”:”8th District: Austin Scott (R- Tifton)”},{“_id”:”ONY6IR4IINAQRAWV3WVIBLJXKU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359883},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 2417 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-6531 Fax: 202-225-3013″},{“_id”:”SMYTEKJSFJABVEJS4ECHA3U4GE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359884},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Tifton Office: 127-B N. Central Ave. Tifton, Georgia 31794 Phone: 229-396-5175 Fax: 229-396-5179″},{“_id”:”XKY3J7SE3NDNLLCR7CS5NOYUXA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359885},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Warner Robins Office: 120 Byrd Way Suite 100 Warner Robins, GA 31088 Phone: (478) 971-1776 Fax: (478) 971-1778″},{“_id”:”2NJDQYYMWVBE7BRWICMVGHRSRI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359886},”type”:”text”,”content”:”9th District: Andrew Clyde (R-Athens)”},{“_id”:”CIOAHGAGIRGENKKMHLQRZOC2YA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359887},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 521 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-9893 Fax: 202-226-1224″},{“_id”:”PIRHVAEMTRDNNPOTLUAKBVIXNA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359888},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Gainesville Office: 210 Washington St. NW, Suite 202 Gainesville, Georgia 30501 Phone: (470) 768-6520″},{“_id”:”DOBTNM6A3NH6TLF74CK6FIABPM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359889},”type”:”text”,”content”:”10th District: Jody Hice (R-Greensboro)”},{“_id”:”5VIMG3DIHBBGFDCKEUXJEFEWPE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359890},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 404 Cannon HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-4101 Fax: 202-226-0776″},{“_id”:”4TIWWONMUBGQ3D34ZAIVA23IPI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Greensboro Office: 1020 Park Drive, Suite B Greensboro, GA 30642 Phone: 762-445-1776 Fax: 770-266-6751″},{“_id”:”B6T6IGG4NNFADB2RWJ3VEH5ZPI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359891},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Monroe Office: 100 Court St. Monroe, Georgia 30655 Phone: 770-207-1776 Fax: 770-266-6751″},{“_id”:”7UGI5DKYRFGZZGZF55HJ5TR3LM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359893},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Thomson Office: 210 Railroad St. City-County Administration Room 2401 Thomson, Georgia 30824. By appointment only”},{“_id”:”WRH2YEDW5JFCPEOKJKBARTVSA4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359894},”type”:”text”,”content”:”11th District: Barry Loudermilk (R-Woodstock)”},{“_id”:”PSSZAFVR4RCQZPE3PJHCUKICQE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359895},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 2133 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-2931 Fax: 202-225-2944″},{“_id”:”PP726AILRFDAFFAHMPWMKV776Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359896},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The Galleria Office: 600 Galleria Pkwy, Suite 120 Atlanta, Georgia 30339 Phone: 770-429-1776 Fax: 678-556-5184″},{“_id”:”BZ7CNJVRINFKLBEV6CZR4BL3FI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359897},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Woodstock Office: 9898 Highway 92, Suite 100 Woodstock, Georgia 30188 Phone: 770-429-1776 Fax: 770-517-7427″},{“_id”:”HXAH7P52JRGY5M4IYQ4UQN6GB4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Cartersville Office: 135 West Cherokee Ave., Suite 122 Cartersville, Georgia 30120 Phone: 770-429-1776″},{“_id”:”WO4CDQJC3NBBZOU6C2HM3L6SPU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359899},”type”:”text”,”content”:”12th District: Rick Allen (R-Augusta)”},{“_id”:”HXBTTQTWNBCOVJLJCIWWEMOKJI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359900},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 570 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-2823 Fax: 202-225-3377″},{“_id”:”NQY4KRPMQBBDXIW7JFNKT2THYY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359901},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Augusta Office: 2743 Perimeter Pkwy Bldg. 200, Suite 105 Augusta, Georgia 30909 Phone: 706-228-1980 Fax: 706-228-1954″},{“_id”:”LKZM2N4PCBHVBOZEQUBA2MLRUI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359902},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Dublin Office: 100 S. Church St. Dublin, Georgia 31021 Phone: 478-272-4030 Fax: 478-277-0113″},{“_id”:”5I7WKNI7LFEX5GQPDZQ4NFIWIE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359903},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Statesboro Office: 50 E. Main St. Statesboro, Georgia 30458 Phone: 912-243-9452 Fax: 912-243-9453″},{“_id”:”3A6PHTNUXFBJZKJKNF2ECRIRGY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359904},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Vidalia Office: 107 Old Airport Road, Suite A Vidalia, Georgia 30475 Phone: 912-403-3311 Fax: 912-403-3317″},{“_id”:”6RWPULDCUBDQ5ACQ7O2DFQVBOA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359905},”type”:”text”,”content”:”13th District: David Scott (D-Atlanta)”},{“_id”:”W5LS26RYBVDGHHEWRPSSEETFNQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359906},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 468 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-2939 Fax: 202-225-4628″},{“_id”:”KRQHBRLTTNHQNCGF7QNYG3AMHM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359907},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Jonesboro Office: 173 North Main St. Jonesboro, Georgia 30236 Phone: 770-210-5073 Fax: 770-210-5673″},{“_id”:”2G4L2BXOJJADXNDGDVYVD44LWI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359908},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Smyrna Office: 888 Concord Road, Suite 100 Smyrna, Georgia 30080 Phone: 770-432-5405 Fax: 770-432-5813″},{“_id”:”2CGKIJ35T5GW5N57DK4YCA6ZGY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”14th District: Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Rome)”},{“_id”:”7HLK2J3KRNGTRC3L2ZPUGD6DIE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359910},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Washington D.C. Office: 1023 Longworth House Office Building. Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: 202-225-5211″},{“_id”:”YELLLSHBY5H7RDJAJWTMA5KOXU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359911},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Dalton Office: 702 South Thornton Ave. Dalton, Georgia 30720 Phone: 706-226-5320″},{“_id”:”LDSTDT4VE5C3VMLKN2X6TGU7FE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600802359912},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Rome Office: 600 E. First St., Suite 301 Rome, Georgia 30161 Phone: 706-290-1776″}],”display_date”:”2021-01-28T22:22:19.759Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”How to contact your Georgia congressmen”},”first_publish_date”:”2020-02-07T20:10:27Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″},{“path”:”/news/georgia-news”,”parent”:{“default”:”/news”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”/news”,”name”:”Georgia News”,”description”:”This page does not exist”,”_id”:”/news/georgia-news”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”/news”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”/news”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”This page does not exist”,”site_title”:”Georgia News”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Georgia News”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Georgia News”,”_id”:”/news/georgia-news”,”ancestors”:{“default”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”BottomNav”:[],”TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/news”]},”order”:{“default”:2012,”TopNavRedesign”:2002,”ComposerNav”:1111}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./news/georgia-news”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”},”tags”:[{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”state government”},{“text”:”ajc-seo”},{“text”:”ajc-seo-original”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”}]},”label”:{“custom_label”:{“text”:””},”hide_timestamp”:{“text”:”No”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-28T23:21:56.169Z”,”canonical_url”:”/news/state–regional-govt–politics/how-contact-your-georgia-congressmen/pAI5f372dlFEhxA5NrilUL/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{},”subtitle”:”Republicans and Democrats can you shove in a congressional district”,”width”:1182,”caption”:”US Capitol”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/4BD6YQEKTNVACXZDX7XUNQRCMM.jpg”,”height”:612}},”_id”:”E5TMHFMXZW6P26YKVKZN2NBQKA”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”JYLMVPLFUVFU5HGAYMQ62GGJ3Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600444891366},”type”:”text”,”content”:”WASHINGTON — U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had tough words for Republican leaders, saying they should be held responsible for not standing up to Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.”},{“_id”:”VVZWAGXNVJBTJAPSWURQYRQZAY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394789},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In recent days, news reports have highlighted video of Greene confronting a teenage survivor of the Parkland, Fla., school shootings several years ago. Greene also spread conspiracy theories about the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and she liked posts on social media that advocated executing congressional leaders such as Pelosi.”},{“_id”:”7EXEGFPXLJBQROF5V6QC7VDHL4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394790},”type”:”text”,”content”:”While advocacy groups and Democrats have said Greene, who lives in Rome, should resign or be expelled from Congress for this behavior and more, her Republican colleagues have mostly remained quiet. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the top Republican in the chamber, recently said he was concerned by Greene’s comments and wanted to have a talk with her, but little more.”},{“_id”:”USA72OFTPBBATDNEUT5QTRPOIQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394791},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Pelosi, asked during her weekly news conference whether she was concerned about Greene’s rhetoric, said she was more bothered by Republicans “willing to overlook, ignore those statements.””},{“_id”:”ERMIGGN7VZANBHDKIWVAW7TD4Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394792},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She pointed out that Greene had been appointed to serve on the House Education and Labor Committee. That committee in 2019 signed off on a measure that dealt with improving school safety and preparedness as a direct response to the Parkland shooting.”},{“_id”:”VUZBZMZWXBEQFG5LKCMHTJ3ZQ4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394793},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Assigning her to the Education Committee when she has mocked the killing of little children at Sandy Hook Elementary School, when she has mocked the killing of teenagers at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — what could they be thinking?” Pelosi said. “Or is thinking too generous a word for what they might be doing?””},{“_id”:”ERMIGGN7VZANBHDKIWVAW7TD4Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394794},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Even before she was elected to Congress, Greene faced criticism for making statements or posts on social media that were racist, xenophobic or anti-Semitic. She also has supported the baseless QAnon conspiracy theory and spread misinformation or falsehoods about 9/11 and the mass shooting in Las Vegas.”},{“_id”:”PMWBCFQPXBHALJ7U3FBCVGTCTQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394795},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She later distanced herself from some of those posts, but she rarely apologizes.”},{“_id”:”K6DXHWN5BNBUDAZJ6OLYC5VAJU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394796},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Republican members of Georgia’s congressional delegation were critical of Greene last summer when troublesome posts were surfaced in media reports. They supported her opponent, Dr. John Cowan, in the 14th Congressional District runoff.”},{“_id”:”2M55QOFITNAHNNXSXTKHDJJVWM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394797},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Those same lawmakers tamped down after Greene won that contest and it became clear she would be joining their ranks in Washington. Many of them said they wanted to give Greene time to prove herself and would reserve judgment.”},{“_id”:”U7L6HEMDL5CNFKP3R67TO7LF6I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394799},”type”:”text”,”content”:”On the night she won her runoff election, Greene referred to Pelosi as a “bitch.” More recently, she has spread misinformation about the general election and backed Donald’s Trump’s efforts to reverse his loss to Joe Biden in November’s presidential election.”},{“_id”:”24RAJKVUXRHB7FVREKWOHT22RM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394800},”type”:”text”,”content”:”U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, the Virginia lawmaker who chairs the Education and Labor Committee, also condemned Republicans for adding Greene to the panel.”},{“_id”:”DCRET6CZNRFSRMCNXQJL4V4B4E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611861394801},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“House Republicans made this appointment, and Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy must explain how someone with this background represents the Republican Party on education issues,” Scott’s statement said. “He is sending a clear message to students, parents, and educators about the views of the Republican Party.””},{“_id”:”Y7E4QVFJ7RCENPOPBGU47AVMKA”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”H4RRTRD4QRAXTDTYWGW4VF6UUA”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/the-jolt-if-republicans-have-a-problem-with-marjorie-greene-they-arent-saying/32I667MOQVCUVPZR4DGHPZ5JJI/”,”content”:”The Jolt: If Republicans have a problem with Marjorie Greene, they aren’t saying”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-28T19:39:07.346Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Pelosi condemns GOP silence on Marjorie Taylor Greene’s behavior “},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-28T19:39:07.346Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″},{“path”:”/news/georgia-news”,”parent”:{“default”:”/news”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”/news”,”name”:”Georgia News”,”description”:”This page does not exist”,”_id”:”/news/georgia-news”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”/news”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”/news”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”This page does not exist”,”site_title”:”Georgia News”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Georgia News”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Georgia News”,”_id”:”/news/georgia-news”,”ancestors”:{“default”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”BottomNav”:[],”TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/news”]},”order”:{“default”:2012,”TopNavRedesign”:2002,”ComposerNav”:1111}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./news/georgia-news”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”Marjorie Taylor Greene”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-29T17:24:24.633Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/pelosi-condemns-gop-silence-on-marjorie-taylor-greenes-behavior/SMWADNDR7FFWLHJKD4LUJCHRDM/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Andrew Harnik”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Pelosi”,”width”:6000,”caption”:”U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday accused Republicans of ignoring the behavior of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Rome, which included mocking the mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/GMU5IMTNFF6VQW7XKNDJZAOJME.jpg”,”height”:4000}},”_id”:”SMWADNDR7FFWLHJKD4LUJCHRDM”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”HMZB66YBQNEPNGZ5AEW7YMGKOQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348285},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Attempts to bring rural Georgia online haven’t gone far without money to build internet lines.”},{“_id”:”B5SWYQSX4BF3HCYLOIBZJOQMEQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348286},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Now, after years of talk, lawmakers are planning to spend.”},{“_id”:”SLEJNLDO5RGNNB4YSVZR2HFW6M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348287},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The Georgia House approved a midyear budget Thursday that includes $20 million for rural internet construction, with an additional $10 million proposed next year and every year afterward.”},{“_id”:”QSNZJZTXUFBTDEDH5NCFJEM27E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348288},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The funding would be Georgia’s first investment in internet service that’s necessary for businesses, students and health care, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Many rural communities have withered in recent years, losing people and industry to more connected areas.”},{“_id”:”CYNBWYKGLFEMPFHE23ISD2LYF4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348289},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Problems with unreliable or nonexistent internet are concentrated in the country, accounting for 70% of unserved locations in Georgia, according to state maps. They struggle to participate in Zoom meetings, go online for virtual classes and work from home.”},{“_id”:”N2CHBYGSYNADRD453UZMGYIJ5U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611858629082},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Internet service is paramount to power, water, electricity and sewer — it’s as essential as anything else,” said Steve Ledbetter, mayor of the small city of Woodbury, where internet covers the town but not its outlying areas.”},{“_id”:”T2CBOVQFPVA6NE6C3PGIQZSYVE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348290},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Gov. Brian Kemp proposed the spending this month in his State of the State address, garnering broad support among state legislators eager to wire over 507,000 Georgia homes and businesses that lack internet options.”},{“_id”:”PXPWM4WUQZHADF6BAPGA4M3EME”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”SAHOJVHO6VGWZE4SZCLH7GIKS4″},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/gaping-internet-holes-exposed-in-georgia-amid-coronavirus/5AJRZFG6EZACPOAL56AZACRXZY/”,”content”:”Gaping internet holes exposed in Georgia amid coronavirus”},{“_id”:”BUTUDFGXCBDKDGJ7EOIVWAIPVA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348292},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“This pandemic highlighted many challenges for communities outside metro Atlanta, but none more so than the critical need for high-speed internet access for better health care and educational outcomes, for job opportunities, and something as simple as keeping in touch with loved ones,” Kemp said, drawing a standing ovation.”},{“_id”:”TNXX7QKFTRBUTEPTOK4STZHAFE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348293},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The millions of dollars for internet falls far short of the long-term price of wiring the entire state, but it would be a start. It could cost an estimated $3 billion in public and private investment to bring all of Georgia online.”},{“_id”:”I2S6HNBFWJHDBG5XMIALZVV7NY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348294},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Before this year, the only state money appropriated was $2 million to create a plan and a map that showed which areas lacked access to sufficient internet speeds.”},{“_id”:”QGTTPHZRZVFILC7PPX2F5DVS64″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348295},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We all know we’ve got to do something, and COVID has been a prime example of kids trying to do schoolwork and people trying to do business,” said House Appropriations Chairman Terry England, a Republican from Auburn. “Internet truly opens a world of possibilities in rural Georgia because you can be anywhere and do any kind of commerce.””},{“_id”:”II2PTQRAWFBWFN3HPWINHTIW2I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348296},”type”:”text”,”content”:”If approved, state money for internet construction will be awarded in the form of grants to local governments or development authorities that submit proposals to the state. Money would be distributed through the OneGeorgia Authority, a rural development fund that hands out millions of dollars annually.”},{“_id”:”VN3JQQJUC5DEDMH74RKUYAQ26E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348297},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The spending appears to have a clear path to final approval, with support from Kemp and legislative leaders. England said he hasn’t heard any objections.”},{“_id”:”42IJVW73IRDB7IAO73CUYHXLOM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348298},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“It’s a significant step for rural Georgia,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman Blake Tillery, a Republican from Vidalia. “I don’t think anyone expects this will magically solve our problems overnight, but we’re grateful for the investment.””},{“_id”:”IZJAHAWKGFDGPIY3KWZH6AU6Q4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348299},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State funding for internet expansion is the next logical step after the state completed its mapping effort last summer, said Deana Perry, the state’s broadband director. The maps showed that 10% of the state lacks access to sufficient internet speeds.”},{“_id”:”OEZ7X5KFSVCLZJKK35OEIGO2QE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611858629093},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Previous efforts to expand internet access — through federal funding and a state law allowing local electric companies to provide online service — helped a few areas. Four companies received a total of $22 million in federal ReConnect grants, and some electric membership corporations are beginning to offer internet.”},{“_id”:”Q2TVCJCEPZFFJJY44HNPR7YHCY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611858629094},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Broadband is a universal issue not only in Georgia but across the U.S.,” Perry said. “COVID highlighted the critical need for internet access for education, telehealth, economic development and overall quality of life.””},{“_id”:”4IUTNEMKMNECRB4XBJZYOX2GLE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348302},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The money would come from general funds in the state’s $26.6 billion annual budget. Previous attempts to raise money specifically for rural internet by taxing Netflix and digital downloads failed to pass.”},{“_id”:”U4DY3NSNHFFJZP2X4JUX2KO5OA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348303},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Rural areas such as Oglethorpe County will be aggressive in pursuing state internet money, said Amy Stone, the county’s economic development director.”},{“_id”:”HAFND5PKYVB6DBCG7WTKUUI5OM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348304},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The agriculture industry, the largest part of Georgia’s economy, is damaged when businesses can’t get online for commerce, Stone said.”},{“_id”:”HZI4YCV5ANGQRFBC56PMBQKNU4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611853348305},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“It just puts them at such a disadvantage, not just in sales but in the ability to recruit talent when you have a professional organization that’s constantly slowed down,” Stone said. “I’ve been really hoping they would take the next step to actually fund the program. To see it happen is encouraging.””}],”display_date”:”2021-01-28T18:50:50.548Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”To build rural internet lines, Georgia is set to spend millions”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-28T18:50:50.548Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”elections-voting”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”business”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-29T03:55:03.790Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/to-build-rural-internet-lines-georgia-begins-spending-millions/3ATTOIQG5ZBT7IMAIDWUCLGIJM/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{},”subtitle”:”Rural power companies would fund cable internet under Georgia bill”,”width”:2048,”caption”:”Daniel Frizzell, the director of engineering at Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, left, explains the way in which Blue Ridge Mountain EMC provides internet services to rural areas with Jeremy Nelms, manager of Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, listening. 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Legislators returned in June to complete their work.”},{“_id”:”5F7TSRK73JFXDLOD34OXSYUFTI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611851311713},”type”:”text”,”content”:”With COVID-19 continuing to sicken and kill thousands, House Appropriations Chairman Terry England, R-Auburn, said lawmakers wanted to quickly approve a midyear budget through June in case lawmakers have to suspend the 2021 session.”},{“_id”:”EWARUTGBSBAWTGVTODMXJC5C4I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611851311714},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Lawmakers and staffers are tested twice a week during the session — which opened Jan. 11 — and several have tested positive in the first few weeks.”},{“_id”:”5TEKJNVQNJCHTJ6DOGJF6XMEQA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611855785123},”type”:”text”,”content”:”House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, said, “It’s a precarious situation we are in.”},{“_id”:”G54TXBBQI5AT3JWHNWQST33YSE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611855785124},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Last year we had to suspend the session, and we resolved early on (this year) that we needed to get the amended budget done so if we have that situation again, the state can function at least through the end of the fiscal year.”},{“_id”:”GCFL54YHLJDUZIY4FMU5URGWWA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611855785125},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We did emphasize full speed ahead.””},{“_id”:”BJF3M62YKRCVJCXE7VRCCGVD7Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611855785126},”type”:”text”,”content”:”But Ralston also said COVID remains constantly on the minds of lawmakers as they try to keep the session “moving forward.””},{“_id”:”MJRIMK5GYRBFZCJQATKFVOFKBI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611855785127},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“In the last 24 hours, I have lost two friends,” he said. “Everybody is losing friends, family members. We have to keep that on the front burner.””},{“_id”:”QK6NXW2LKBFMLD5ZDOJU4CWZOU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611851311715},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The midyear budget — which increases spending by $654 million — now heads to the Senate for its consideration.”},{“_id”:”IINHYJ3V3VBNVCAKVIZG62345A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611851311716},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The largest increase is in education, where the House is going along with Gov. Brian Kemp’s proposal to backfill 60% of the spending reductions lawmakers approved last year, when they cut 10% because of fears that state revenue would plummet due to the pandemic. That didn’t happen.”},{“_id”:”QDM7QX2ZSZFPBNFDKBMG4ICR5E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611851311717},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state would also pay for 500 new school buses. About one-third of the 15,000 in service statewide have exceeded their recommended life span, England said.”},{“_id”:”AJNNAA6G6ZDKPCERKM2DXUQFPA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611851311718},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The spending plan puts millions into adding high-speed internet in rural areas, provides 10% raises for corrections and juvenile justice guards, and supports nursing homes hit hard by COVID.”},{“_id”:”F3QLVW5GLNFQDLHXAMG7WWORFQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611852457298},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Kemp and lawmakers have faced criticism in recent weeks for not boosting state funding for the Department of Public Health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.”},{“_id”:”OWJOAOC7YJFERIXMSTMVP34LZI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611851311720},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Demands on local health agencies, and on Georgia’s public health system in general, have increased in recent years. Public health advocates have long complained about inadequate funding for AIDS/HIV prevention, controlling chronic illnesses and other needs.”},{“_id”:”IT5A5GPQSZAK7DH3CAU3ARGHSA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611851311721},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state has collected a little more than $1 billion in additional federal funding, which has paid for such virus-related expenses as private laboratory testing, operation of the state’s labs, temporary “surge” staffing, personal protective equipment and an isolation unit for people who contracted the coronavirus. The federal money also covered expenses by the state’s 159 county health departments, which normally depend on state appropriations.”},{“_id”:”3YEDNBQJKRCINHQCPEIS2RMAJU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611851311722},”type”:”text”,”content”:”House budget writers added money for a chief medical officer, deputy commissioner and a chief data officer. They also added $18 million to quickly modernize the computer system that tracks immunizations statewide, which health officials say wasn’t designed to deal with a pandemic and which has been heavily criticized.”},{“_id”:”3XTGUPLGS5G5LK3C4ZOC4NVKVI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611852457302},”type”:”text”,”content”:”England said the Senate could add more funding to the public health department as well.”},{“_id”:”BJF3M62YKRCVJCXE7VRCCGVD7Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611855785137},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
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Voters would need to submit ID both when applying for absentee ballots and when returning them.”},{“_id”:”UGVLI7KHHRDVHLE6N7IHTWDQ7M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611780581596},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The bill is the first major proposal to limit absentee voting after Republican Donald Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden in last year’s presidential election. State and local election officials have said there’s little indication of fraud besides isolated cases.”},{“_id”:”QAKQGXR7KFEFNMT5M4OFAMXVKA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611780581597},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State Sen. Jason Anavitarte, a freshman Republican from Dallas who introduced the bill, didn’t immediately return a phone call seeking comment. State law already requires photo ID when voting in person.”},{“_id”:”MKGTT5EDP5H4ZK3DRBUZAGPODM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611780581598},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Fair Fight, a voting rights group, said Republicans are trying to increase their chances of winning elections by preventing eligible Georgians from casting ballots.”},{“_id”:”NTOPGVG54VDILFRISJUEDPO7QY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611780581599},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“By requiring access to a printer, which many Georgians obviously do not have, Republicans are attempting to purposely take away the ability of many Georgians to vote by mail simply because they believe too many Democrats and too many people of color voted by mail,” Fair Fight spokesman Seth Bringman said.”},{“_id”:”SH6BC4W2QJA5RAVH3F7BXEVE6U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611780581600},”type”:”text”,”content”:”More Republicans than Democrats voted absentee in prior years, but that changed in the 2020 elections. Almost twice as many Democrats returned absentee ballots in November’s election after Trump frequently criticized them. In all, over 1.3 million people returned absentee ballots in Georgia’s presidential election.”},{“_id”:”JV73XQCTJRCSHIRRKAILGIZFLI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611780581601},”type”:”text”,”content”:”An audit of absentee ballot signatures by the GBI and secretary of state’s office found no cases of fraud among 15,000 ballots reviewed.”},{“_id”:”EVTNQMOBHNGQHBWRDALFBH2UDA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611780581602},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The idea of mandating some form of photo ID has the support of powerful Republicans in Georgia, including Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and House Speaker David Ralston.”},{“_id”:”2YLAR23ZFJCKZM367FTO5STB6A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611780581603},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Under the legislation, Georgia voters would be required to submit a photocopy of their driver’s license, voter ID card, U.S. passport, government employee ID, military ID card or tribal identification card. Members of the military and overseas voters would be exempt from having to return photo ID.”},{“_id”:”64UQ64FVTFHSBE74GNNGN7ICUU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611780784997},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Staff writer Maya T. Prabhu contributed to this article.”},{“_id”:”YHA3C55K5BCJLCNJSP7YFIV4X4″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”HVQOOOXQPVGV7JGAOP3BRA6MVQ”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/no-fraud-georgia-audit-confirms-authenticity-of-absentee-ballots/QF2PTOGHLNDLNDJEWBU56WEQHM/”,”content”:”No fraud: Georgia audit confirms authenticity of”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-27T20:38:50.773Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Bill seeks two copies of photo ID to vote absentee in Georgia “},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-27T20:38:50.773Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”elections-voting”},{“text”:”brian kemp”},{“text”:”donald trump”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-28T17:47:02.989Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/bill-seeks-two-copies-of-photo-id-to-vote-absentee-in-georgia/2IC372BV2NC3VFNAYIWA4OPQKQ/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Fulton County Ballot Count”,”width”:5472,”caption”:”A Fulton County elections worker prepares to count absentee ballots for Georgia’s U.S. Senate runoff earlier this month at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/YFXDSBEGAAZ2DK464DNSVJVLOA.JPG”,”height”:3648}},”_id”:”2IC372BV2NC3VFNAYIWA4OPQKQ”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”3I4KUEEZGVFIJIDXYH63KHKGTI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1598277115600},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgia House budget writers quickly approved a midyear spending plan Wednesday that would include extra funding for public health programs that have been on the front lines of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic since March.”},{“_id”:”LU3EBRFWANFZZBW33YDKUY52W4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493040},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The House Appropriations Committee backed the $26.6 billion midyear budget for fiscal 2021 — which runs through June 30 — and the measure will be up for a vote by the full chamber Thursday. The Senate is expected to move quickly on it so the state is funded for the next several months in case the General Assembly has to take a break because of the pandemic, as it did last year.”},{“_id”:”MHUMNEJGKFAZDI63DZWWHFUYXQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493041},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The largest increase is in education, where the House is going along with Gov. Brian Kemp’s proposal to backfill 60% of the spending reductions lawmakers approved last year, when they cut 10% because of fears that state revenue would plummet due to the pandemic. That didn’t happen, and the midyear budget restores $567 million in cuts to k-12 schools.”},{“_id”:”7HDRVHCWPRHZXNCVWBKCW3X27M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493042},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state would also pay for 500 new school buses. About one-third of the 15,000 in service statewide have exceeded their recommended life span, said House Appropriations Chairman Terry England, R-Auburn.”},{“_id”:”37WX3KNOYRBZRCTCZA3SRAT4TM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493043},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Kemp and lawmakers have faced criticism in recent weeks for not boosting state funding for the Department of Public Health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.”},{“_id”:”FKSCXTHNDFAPVINAMH2SMCFCL4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493044},”type”:”text”,”content”:”If lawmakers followed Kemp’s recommendations, the state would be spending 13% less per resident on public health in the coming year than it did a decade ago.”},{“_id”:”VEQEAXQMJZCZXCFCP35EGZA2HU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493045},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Demands on the local health agencies, and on Georgia’s public health system in general, have increased in recent years. Public health advocates have long complained about inadequate funding for AIDS/HIV prevention, controlling chronic illnesses and other needs.”},{“_id”:”6U7FXTN6WRB7XCIFDSPF5LTQRA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493046},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“There has been a good bit of talk about DPH not seeing a lot of new money within the state budget,” England said. “But it has to be remembered they have gotten a tremendous amount of federal dollars … that have been doing most everything they need for the pandemic response.”},{“_id”:”MVCJJRUJSFCSBC4YL24AK63ELI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493047},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Much of this response has been handled with federal dollars.””},{“_id”:”APUD6YHX65HVJEX2ZBDSMPG7LQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493048},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state has collected a little more than $1 billion in additional federal funding, which has paid for such virus-related expenses as private laboratory testing, operations of the state’s labs, temporary “surge” staffing, personal protective equipment and an isolation unit for people who contracted the coronavirus. The federal money also covered expenses by the state’s 159 county health departments, which normally depend on state appropriations.”},{“_id”:”TPMDPY4MWBBUPFMH426SFR3JYM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611769917691},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Democrats have been particularly critical of state public health funding.”},{“_id”:”GB7WTFOMPNE2VLR3RAQSOCJG6A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611769917692},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State Sen. Michelle Au, a Johns Creek Democrat and anesthesiologist, told her Senate colleagues Wednesday that spending the money now puts a safety net in place not only to help Georgians during the pandemic, but also the next time there is a crisis.”},{“_id”:”ZAYEFFYS4VBX3HE5LIKPTNEAGM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611769917693},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Every time we leave our house and don’t get sick from the air we breathe, every time we buckle our kids into their car seats, every time you’re not seated next to someone smoking a cigarette on a plane, that is public health in action working exactly the way it should, which is preventatively, seamlessly and invisibly,” she said.”},{“_id”:”EJ3CRMWUCNDFPGQD53KB45FOHY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611769917694},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“As we look to the following year and consider our public health funding,” Au said, “realize that the value of this investment we put in early compounds over time.””},{“_id”:”O4MR5GGAZVDVBP63NUKHAOOLPE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611769917695},”type”:”text”,”content”:”House budget writers have been sensitive to the issue, and they added money for a chief medical officer, deputy commissioner and a chief data officer. They also added $18 million to modernize and replace the computer system that tracks immunizations statewide, which health officials say wasn’t designed to deal with a pandemic and which has been heavily criticized.”},{“_id”:”65PLLFTNVRCLTCNBYMSB5PZJBA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493050},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Lawmakers also proposed $15 million more for the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which provides HIV/AIDS medications to low-income people.”},{“_id”:”6Z7CZYU7CNFVZFZX5R6QHPJHYE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611769917697},”type”:”text”,”content”:”House budget writers agreed to a $19 million temporary payment hike to nursing homes, which will allow the owners to also collect more federal funding.”},{“_id”:”AT7CMH47PNEX3EF5OPNBVK5GCE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493052},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We are doing what we need to do to take care of the most fragile among us,” England said.”},{“_id”:”E75QV6R2VBH4JK6NPMB2VPSFTU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493053},”type”:”text”,”content”:”If approved by the Senate, the midyear budget would provide 10% pay raises to adult and juvenile prison guards. Prisons and juvenile facilities have extremely high turnover rates.”},{“_id”:”CPVZ47TAUNEJ5F4TOLL5Z7XE4I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493054},”type”:”text”,”content”:”An entry-level corrections officer at an adult or juvenile detention center makes $27,936. With the increase, officers starting out will make $30,730.”},{“_id”:”FTGZUBMU3BCRTEGYKR7VRJ2HSI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611769917701},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Staff writer Maya T. Prabhu contributed to this article.”},{“_id”:”65A4UX4E65H7DCSW3AN4V222QE”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”25N2SXFRKBDRZNTJQKDWMWPBCU”},”type”:”divider”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”TS5WZ5AUPBAVXECUGN37ZY43U4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:”GJ42AVC5F5CNPARKKQVWVOIDZQ”},”type”:”header”,”content”:”By the numbers”},{“_id”:”LU3EBRFWANFZZBW33YDKUY52W4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493040},”type”:”text”,”content”:”$26.6 billion: Suggested midyear budget for fiscal 2021 backed by the House Appropriations Committee”},{“_id”:”MHUMNEJGKFAZDI63DZWWHFUYXQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493041},”type”:”text”,”content”:”10%: Last year’s budget spending cuts”},{“_id”:”MHUMNEJGKFAZDI63DZWWHFUYXQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611756493041},”type”:”text”,”content”:”$567 million: Amount the midyear budget restores to k-12 schools”},{“_id”:”62NDSYPA7BHWVOGZPSO43CTXT4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611774264830},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
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“}],”display_date”:”2021-01-27T14:28:32.723Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Georgia House moves to beef up education, public health spending”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-27T14:28:32.723Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”coronavirus”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”brian kemp”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-27T19:33:50.674Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/georgia-house-moves-to-beef-up-education-public-health-spending/B3O7VDZILFFEPOWTW5FKCYKHGA/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“by”:[{“socialLinks”:[{“site”:”email”,”deprecated”:true,”deprecation_msg”:”Please use social_links.”,”url”:”robert.andres@ajc.com”}],”org”:”Atlanta”,”social_links”:[{“site”:”email”,”url”:”robert.andres@ajc.com”}],”name”:”Bob Andres”,”_id”:”bob-andres”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“lastName”:”Andres”,”role”:”Multimedia journalist”,”education”:[],”longBio”:”Bob Andres has been an AJC staff member since 1998. 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Brandon Beach on Wednesday filed Senate Bill 30, which would establish a Georgia Horse Racing Commission that would be tasked with licensing up to three racetracks in the state.”},{“_id”:”ST7FXX2MRBFKPMNBB7UQKFRDKI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611706778852},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And on Tuesday, House Tourism and Economic Development Chairman Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, filed House Resolution 30, which would put a question on an upcoming ballot asking Georgia voters whether they support allowing casinos in the state.”},{“_id”:”YSOZ6AQVK5EB3KQ5OJ5BQL6RZM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611706778853},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The bills round out the three pieces of legislation gambling supporters are proposing this year that would expand the activity past the Georgia Lottery, which was approved in 1992. Stephens already filed House Bill 86, which would legalize online sports betting in Georgia.”},{“_id”:”X4BYUER5S5H35AVAZ3ZGT76UXY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611706778854},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We’re back at trying to backfill the HOPE scholarship and pre-k, and the destination resorts, along with the tourism piece, is the way to do it,” Stephens said.”},{“_id”:”FK2AV7VTLBBODFPSTJVYNIDRVI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611706778855},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Supporters say an expansion of the gambling industry could bring thousands of jobs and pump hundreds of millions of dollars into the Georgia Lottery-funded HOPE scholarship. Conservative groups and religious organizations oppose expanding any form of gambling because they find it immoral and an addictive habit that breeds crime.”},{“_id”:”35DMMVXMVBCNNF6YH3KISTW2OY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611706778856},”type”:”text”,”content”:”For years, Stephens and other gambling supporters have pushed the Legislature to expand the industry to allow casinos or horse racing. And a 2019 U.S. Supreme Court ruling opened an opportunity for states to legalize sports betting. So far, more than a dozen states have.”},{“_id”:”R7GTTNYHLVCWDBLER6QBPJIMQ4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611706778857},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Adding casino gambling or horse racing would require Georgians to approve a constitutional amendment allowing the expansion. Stephens and other sports betting supporters said the resolution is not needed to allow sports betting.”},{“_id”:”EEJ4EJZCQJEUDGCXJ3WVIDQEGM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611706778858},”type”:”text”,”content”:”That difference is important. A bill only requires that more than half of each chamber support a measure to make it to the governor’s desk. 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One would place a question on a ballot asking Georgia voters whether they support the opening of casinos in the state. The other would make way for horse racing. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/FP2755GAURZPNOFLH76LQAP25I.jpg”,”height”:1368}},”_id”:”YQKDMFFG4NFJJIR6Z7JBR6YBAY”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”QKZLYHCQXVCMTNO6WL7DJ3ZL2I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802017},”type”:”text”,”content”:”A Republican state legislator reintroduced legislation Wednesday that would offer three weeks of paid parental leave to a quarter-million state employees, including k-12 teachers, for the first time in Georgia history.”},{“_id”:”QKZLYHCQXVCMTNO6WL7DJ3ZL2I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802017},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, said his plan largely mirrors a proposal he introduced last spring that cruised through the House on a vote of 164-1, only to stall in the Senate during the closing moments of the legislative session.”},{“_id”:”4GW6XNELUFDE7IO2GW4CGVNG6M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802019},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The bill, House Bill 146, would grant three weeks of paid parental leave to 246,000 state staffers, including 132,000 k-12 educators and 46,000 University System of Georgia employees, following the birth, adoption or foster placement of a child.”},{“_id”:”5Z3NFVTBHZHJJARM75JTIHXFBI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802020},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“This is the right thing to do at the right time,” Gaines said in an interview.”},{“_id”:”TYBXSHEVINFMVANBYRLAW3HSKQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802021},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgia has long ranked among the bottom of states in terms of paid leave benefits.”},{“_id”:”7JIQ5SUQNFDLLMYDKCFVHELJ5E”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”WLI6H54M3RBWPB56DTV2UZ6LEA”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”content”:”Parental paid leave makes inroads in Georgia after years of resistance”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/news/state–regional/parental-paid-leave-makes-inroads-georgia-after-years-resistance/vgj67A5qeCCP6KjKZMlNiJ/”},{“_id”:”EOE2DUC65BGHLKQ52B4UF2EKEA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802023},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Currently, state employees qualify for 12 weeks of unpaid leave, the minimum required under federal law. When Georgians welcome a new child into their family, many workers cobble together vacation days, short-term disability and other leave if they’d like to take time off.”},{“_id”:”OGWRBRLIAVCGRCIJSUDJRVBFBQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802024},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The issue was once considered a Democratic priority, but some Republicans have embraced it in recent years — especially after it was backed by the Trump administration. Gaines’ proposal was endorsed last year by Ivanka Trump, and many in the GOP saw it as a way to win over suburban women who were defecting to the Democratic Party.”},{“_id”:”X2CSTHJR45DTRENNYZK2TRZR7E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802025},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The legislation would have no impact on private companies, which have broad leeway to set their own parental leave policies in Georgia. It was quickly endorsed, however, by the Metro Atlanta Chamber, which helped study the need for such programs in a report called “Opportunities Lost.””},{“_id”:”4KMSH3BFTFD33CM3OQBVURKJPY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783190653},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We’ve seen the long-term benefits to our economy of adopting such policies through our research in ‘Opportunities Lost,’ which showed the state is losing billions of dollars in economic activity due to lack of access to quality, affordable child care,” said Tim Cairl, director for education policy at the chamber. “We strongly support the passage of paid family leave for Georgia families.””},{“_id”:”IVIQX33IKFEFJPWWHYTNMS2QII”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611783190654},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Many of the state’s biggest corporations and tech startups have ramped up family leave options in recent years to lure and retain top talent. Others offer relatively little by way of parental benefits, especially for fathers.”},{“_id”:”KSSRVIXNHZAH5OCC3R7RHQXCDY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802026},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Gaines’ House district includes part of the University of Georgia and is home to many professors and staffers who’d benefit from the proposal. The second-term lawmaker said the bill sends a strong message to younger Georgians that state leaders — and the GOP — value them.”},{“_id”:”UQBEIYK4FND25HRHIOFYTC6OLM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802027},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“If we’re not looking at younger folks on a lot of these issues, we’re going to lose them,” he said. “We’re going to lose them to other states, and for the Republican Party, we’re going to lose them in terms of voters. So we’ve got to do everything we can.””},{“_id”:”THL3U5S42JCXHAYIW4LEH6BQX4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802028},”type”:”text”,”content”:”GOP leaders granted similar benefits early last year to full-time employees of the Georgia House and Senate.”},{“_id”:”I7EIVVJSZZDPTGM3FBOZZOQ7VA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611755802029},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Under Gaines’ bill, state employees would be eligible for parental leave after six months of full-time employment. Both mothers and fathers could take advantage of the benefit.”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-27T11:00:00Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Lawmaker revives bill to give state workers paid family leave”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-27T11:00:00Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″},{“path”:”/politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”parent”:{“default”:”/politics”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”/politics”,”name”:”Legislature”,”description”:”News of the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia Governor and State Government from the AJC, Georgia’s largest team covering the Legislature and issues that matter to taxpayers”,”_id”:”/politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”/politics”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”/politics”,”TopNav”:”/politics”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-state-legislature/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”News of the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia Governor and State Government from the AJC, Georgia’s largest team covering the Legislature and issues that matter to taxpayers”,”site_title”:”Georgia Legislature News”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Legislature”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Legislature”,”_id”:”/politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”]},”order”:{“TopNavRedesign”:2003,”TopNav”:2003,”ComposerNav”:1128}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”},”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”business”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”government and politics”}]},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-28T13:22:48.150Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/lawmaker-revives-bill-to-give-state-workers-paid-family-leave/36LUKMBBVRAMDPO7OZGTHRKHJM/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{},”subtitle”:”houston gaines”,”width”:730,”caption”:”State Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, is bringing back a proposal that the House approved last year to give state employees three weeks of parental leave.”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/JHOND4DJZ3AM2TBFE57V3LHNPI.jpg”,”height”:410}},”_id”:”36LUKMBBVRAMDPO7OZGTHRKHJM”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”3KBUTHS625DEDAAWDH4AUHAKKY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611677817490},”type”:”text”,”content”:”A Georgia state representative was removed from the House chamber Tuesday for refusing to be tested for COVID-19.”},{“_id”:”KJJK4JLWWFAJHOPTT6LGL2CAMM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866882},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Rep. David Clark, R-Buford, had refused to comply with requirements that legislators be tested for COVID-19 twice a week. He has not been tested since the session began three weeks ago, said Kaleb McMichen, a spokesman for House Speaker David Ralston.”},{“_id”:”6A5PJTSYLNECXC5TTFVQ4MJROQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866883},”type”:”text”,”content”:”On Tuesday, Ralston had Clark escorted out of the chamber by a state trooper after he refused to leave when initially asked. Many of Clark’s colleagues applauded after his removal.”},{“_id”:”LKVPMEBBZBFT5LVI7SJX7HLYLM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866884},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We have standards and rules to help members and staff stay safe,” Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, R-Milton, said later. “The speaker made the right call.””},{“_id”:”4BT3CEL7CRCJBIVZ55DTKBJHVE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866885},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Clark was unrepentant after his removal, vowing not to get tested and threatening legal action.”},{“_id”:”XOJCA5HWQNFVLAU7MLZHZW6WYQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866886},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I’m not falling in line,” Clark said. “They have no right to do this.””},{“_id”:”ANLKHNSKSZC23P3IMIRF4EF43Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866887},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Clark’s removal is the latest sign that some elected officials in Georgia have not taken the yearlong coronavirus pandemic seriously. COVID-19 has sickened more than 722,000 Georgians and has taken the lives of nearly 12,000.”},{“_id”:”4BABTPCYH5HFNIWDM7P4XKJVXM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866888},”type”:”text”,”content”:”To prevent the spread of the disease, the Georgia House and Senate are requiring members and employees to be tested twice a week. In the session’s first week, nine people connected to the Senate — including senators, staff, aides and interns — tested positive for COVID-19. The House has refused to release testing results.”},{“_id”:”5EHYV7NTTBFOHNWX3Q2TOH2TRU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866889},”type”:”text”,”content”:”But Ralston has not been shy about chastising members who have failed to get tested. On the first day of the session, 74 of the House’s 180 members did not get tested as required — prompting a rebuke from the speaker.”},{“_id”:”IBY7K2B7BVCTFL7S6DPUTF7XJI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866890},”type”:”text”,”content”:”On Tuesday, Ralston made it clear he will enforce the testing mandate.”},{“_id”:”G2WR2GFTUVBJBKHXRIYAJLOXLU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866891},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We have a member of this body who has deliberately failed at all to get tested as we begin session, clearly in violation of our testing policy,” Ralston told lawmakers. He said the representative was “jeopardizing the health of other members of this chamber.””},{“_id”:”6LHXRGTAIZEUFAO65TZGH6GMJU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866892},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Ralston did not name the representative but said, “I’m going to ask that member to be as discreet as possible to leave the chamber.””},{“_id”:”GXP2V2KJTRGYXCRENJQIVVW3VM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866893},”type”:”text”,”content”:”When Clark did not leave, Ralston asked House members whether they supported the testing policy. They said they did.”},{“_id”:”WCYRRBJGOVAIDMQZBC6PHC6MRY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866894},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Ralston then called for a trooper to escort the unnamed member out of the chamber. The trooper approached Clark and led him out.”},{“_id”:”ANO2TP4WBBHMPIWM47QOGJUCL4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611686096984},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve been to too many funerals, and I’m getting tired of going to them,” Ralston said after Clark was gone.”},{“_id”:”LIJEGD4E7VGHPLOV5XUYEKIG5I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866895},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Later, the speaker’s office notified Clark that he was losing his legislative office space until he complies with the testing requirement.”},{“_id”:”WODSWVFTBVHQNEYOTP2KNHOJKI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866896},”type”:”text”,”content”:”House Minority Leader James Beverly, D-Macon, welcomed Ralston’s efforts to enforce the testing requirement. He said the rule was developed with bipartisan consensus.”},{“_id”:”JIIPMIRLPBFH7J3T2JVK45MANE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866897},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I think it was unfortunate,” Beverly said. “To have a member not abide by the will of the body is disappointing, to say the least.””},{“_id”:”7557YQI2TFBN5DL6A3XYX4TBAI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611698357124},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Later, Beverly and House Majority Leader Jon Burns, R-Newington, issued a statement supporting Ralston.”},{“_id”:”NDJHPH3GP5EQFKH4UVCANLUWNE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611698357125},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We strongly support Speaker David Ralston in his efforts to preserve and protect the health and safety of the members and staff of the House of Representatives and all those who enter the doors of the Georgia State Capitol,” the statement said. “We agree that all members of the House of Representatives should comply with the testing procedures that have been implemented for their safety and the safety of their fellow Georgians.””},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611771387233}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/JasmineForHD108/status/1354117398257938432?s=20″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”K2YMGTXDPVAOHETFFKJIEKTG7Q”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark – HD 108″,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/JasmineForHD108/status/1354117398257938432″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/JasmineForHD108″,”width”:550,”html”:”

At what point to these publicity stunts and media thirst traps go too far? There are 180 members of the State House, many who are in the high risk category, and there is a new, more contagious strain of COVID-19. Does he need to kill a colleague to care? #gapol

— Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark – HD 108 (@JasmineForHD108) January 26, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/JasmineForHD108/status/1354117398257938432?s=20″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611771387233},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”4KRG5YDGQVGV7I4AO57OPXZZ6M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866899},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Gov. Brian Kemp said he supports the legislative testing rules. The executive branch has its own testing program that calls for testing once per week. Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp both tested negative Monday.”},{“_id”:”FJGPLTARZRD4NOPAST6BXYNGW4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866900},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I think it’s incumbent, whether you’re a legislator, whether you’re working in the executive branch, a member of the media, a member of the public, we all need to follow the guidance and best practices to keep you safe but also keep others safe,” the governor said.”},{“_id”:”HWNLDFYQSZA4HHRR64PLU3KQ64″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866901},”type”:”text”,”content”:”It’s not Clark’s first run-in with Ralston. Last year he ran an unsuccessful campaign to oust the speaker.”},{“_id”:”5OJNSL3GZNCNNMPZRU5NH7HPKQ”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”ERYGJMPPNJHFJAQX4UQYMKVAUM”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/buford-republican-plans-challenge-to-georgias-house-speaker/QAKBPVJIXNE23IOK7TWUBLA75M/”,”content”:”Buford Republican plans challenge to Georgia’s House speaker”},{“_id”:”CFEJK34T7VBNFCJ4GGX4JMCAZY”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”GPRJEABN6JCEBB3WL6SVPWA6IU”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/ralston-strips-critic-key-committee-post/P5NjPeqn2EhetoMH55jyYO/”,”content”:”Ralston strips key critic of House committee post”},{“_id”:”HSAWKWX7KFGXXIIV2VKBQROCOQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866904},”type”:”text”,”content”:”On Tuesday, Clark promised more confrontation. He said he would not get tested, but he planned to return to the House chamber Wednesday.”},{“_id”:”WDYQ2I3W6NEORAJSAOQ4KHPHZU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866905},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“You can’t tell me I can’t go in my seat,” he said. “I’m not going to do it. The speaker is becoming a dictator. Where does it stop?””},{“_id”:”NTRYG6XCLZFCLNJFLGLW7D37KY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611692999062},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Later, on his Facebook page, Clark sounded less confrontational but still determined not to get tested.”},{“_id”:”P66QUFBCZNDPZLIFHVIUR7ZZRM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611692999063},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“When I arrived this morning, I came prepared to follow the required protocols by wearing a mask in chamber, having my temperature checked upon entry, and social distancing,” Clark wrote. “What I will not do is be forced to have a COVID test, or any unnecessary medical test, done without a basis for doing so.””},{“subtype”:”facebook-post”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611771387243}},”provider”:”https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post/oembed.json/?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://www.facebook.com/votedavidclark/posts/3133828236718939″,”type”:”facebook-post”},”_id”:”WX64MURAPVAAVF6NVIL7GGYRKQ”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”David Clark”,”author_url”:”https://www.facebook.com/525454840889638″,”width”:552,”html”:”n

I want to address the event that happened today at the Capitol. When I arrived this morning, I came prepared to follow…

Posted by David Clark on Tuesday, January 26, 2021″,”provider_url”:”https://www.facebook.com”,”_id”:”https://www.facebook.com/votedavidclark/posts/3133828236718939″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611771387243},”provider_name”:”Facebook”,”type”:”facebook-post”,”version”:”1.0″},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”44QU3GP3UFE4XPLQQIPRUZDQJU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611685920280},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Clark is the son-in-law of Georgia Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, who came to session in March obviously ill after getting a COVID test. The test later turned out to be positive.”},{“_id”:”TTS6HPTU3ZHSDGWR6L47ZBO6Z4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611694927874},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Several members of the Senate caught COVID-19 during its first few weeks in Georgia.”},{“_id”:”J7DSUNNVKBFLBLUBHPKDGFNDPA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611685920281},”type”:”text”,”content”:”McMichen said Clark is the only House member to refuse to be tested at all since the session began. He said the speaker’s office had contacted him numerous times to get tested, but he refused.”},{“_id”:”DEHJ3Z5W35GIZOLZRJPSABODZY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866907},”type”:”text”,”content”:”McMichen was livid after Clark was escorted out. He said a member had not been escorted out of the chamber for any reason in his seven years working in the House.”},{“_id”:”KX2HAQH3Q5ADFGDSZL3AZSF73A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866908},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“All we are trying to do is keep people from dying,” McMichen said, his voice trembling.”},{“_id”:”HOYL3TQHTJAF3PSCFYQJLDGGII”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611684866909},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Staff writers Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and James Salzer contributed to this article.”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-26T21:05:30.893Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Georgia lawmaker booted from chamber for failing to get COVID-19 test”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-26T16:18:26.524Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”coronavirus”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”brian kemp”},{“text”:”no_politics”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-27T18:16:39.403Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/georgia-lawmaker-booted-from-chamber-for-failing-to-get-covid-19-test/UA2BRME7TVEQHOKKFVIQNRWJ4E/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“promo_image”:{“url”:”https://d1fegwn2wjh0cs.cloudfront.net/01-26-2021/t_f8ecd8bbad4c42598f4316ef124421bf_name_t_c5e2b942cbc440e4a6d01e32f96cf8f6_name_speaker__scaled.jpg”},”credits”:{},”headlines”:{“basic”:”Georgia lawmaker booted from chamber for failing to get COVID-19 test”},”type”:”video”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“width”:1920,”caption”:”speaker”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://d1fegwn2wjh0cs.cloudfront.net/01-26-2021/t_f8ecd8bbad4c42598f4316ef124421bf_name_t_c5e2b942cbc440e4a6d01e32f96cf8f6_name_speaker__scaled.jpg”,”height”:1080}}}},”_id”:”UA2BRME7TVEQHOKKFVIQNRWJ4E”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”Y27P7Z3QX5E7ZOMGW7NCTHWXEU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1598277115600},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Longtime Georgia State President Mark Becker is ending his tenure in June, but he’ll leave on a high note in terms of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s regular review of state pay records.”},{“_id”:”QM33Q5DLDFBPVDSFXAJAPE5KY4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393808},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Becker, who for more than a decade led a school that saw its enrollment grow to became the largest for any university in the state, was paid $2.8 million in fiscal 2020, according to the state’s Open Georgia salary website.”},{“_id”:”Q4FCZ6DE3BH5VJYVTUUW4AGSTU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393809},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He was one of three university staffers to be paid more than $1 million in fiscal 2020, which ended June 30, just after state lawmakers cut state spending 10% in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”},{“_id”:”GFWL2IINZ5C4LCK657V7HZI4PA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393810},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Becker’s income was boosted by a University System of Georgia deferred compensation plan payment, money he received well before the pandemic. The system gives presidents such as Becker the payments for agreeing to remain in their jobs for a certain period of time.”},{“_id”:”YCZSRM35UFA4VDFILKVNGRFG3U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393811},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Others who made just over $1 million were Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera and Fernando Vale Diaz, the neurosurgery chairman at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, according to the state site.”},{“_id”:”J7V4SGRJIBB33IFR7LNRQAJ7LA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393812},”type”:”text”,”content”:”University of Georgia President Jere Morehead came in at $911,779, and Augusta University President Brooks Keel took in $899,000.”},{“_id”:”RDZFQ5WS7VBPTJVYKZL4BU5XBY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393813},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The highest paid non-university state employee was Charles Cary, chief investment officer of the Teachers Retirement System, at $980,883. Cary is traditionally at or near the top of the state pay list. The next two on the list are also TRS investment executives.”},{“_id”:”24GI4D3BBZBDHPJP6YGLWILEJY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393814},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The top non-TRS staffer on the list was Griffith Lynch, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority, at $828,887.”},{“_id”:”PYZI3RI2SVC43FPOEYT4OYG3NI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393815},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The only person on the top 10 list for state agencies who didn’t work for the TRS or the Ports Authority was University System Chancellor Steve Wrigley, who was paid $523,949 in fiscal 2020. Like Becker, Wrigley has announced he’s leaving his post this year, retiring July 1.”},{“_id”:”PVETVWHCQNAVHBMJZ3PSYNLOZE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393816},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The list of top paid local school superintendents also didn’t change much, at least not at the top.”},{“_id”:”AEWHCJ54BVF4ZOLQEDBO66KEXU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393817},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Longtime Gwinnett County Superintendent Alvin Wilbanks, who runs the biggest district in the state, was paid $621,036 in fiscal 2020, according to Open Georgia. Since-departed Atlanta City Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen was second, at $477,125, and Clayton County Superintendent Morcease Beasley placed third, at $436,655.”},{“_id”:”K6ZWZFEJTVFJHHIZQVBXYRZG7I”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”DFYPZF7K4JE3JFBMREAODWNOHU”},”type”:”divider”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”A5ACEZXURJFP7NNTXMA2VRAFRY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393819},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Million-dollar salaries”},{“_id”:”R4U7SWCXJFDNDIHHB5JKTZGPXY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611709244819},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state’s Open Georgia website reports that three people working in government received more than $1 million in pay during fiscal 2020, which ended June 30. All three are employees of the University System of Georgia.”},{“list_type”:”unordered”,”_id”:”VMAR5U3LRZHMFH4QTPY7ZPHXKA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393808},”type”:”list”,”items”:[{“_id”:”QM33Q5DLDFBPVDSFXAJAPE5KY4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393808},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Mark Becker, president of Georgia State University, $2,806,507″},{“_id”:”KHV5Y5VK5VALXP5VJHDFNXG6QI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393822},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Angel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech, $1,027,546″},{“_id”:”E6MBGYBONVFKTCKVPSDBU64F7Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393823},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Fernando Vale Diaz, professor and chairman, department of neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, $1,012,500″}]},{“level”:1,”_id”:”XPBO3MXXRRAYRNIPIWLV3VTVP4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611709244821},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Tops in pay”},{“_id”:”SGHDO4CFGNBCFCSQR7H7T67SYU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611664367598},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The top 10 pay recipients in the University System of Georgia, state government and school districts in fiscal 2020, and the positions they held at the time:”},{“_id”:”UMGDGKL3H5H63FJE3JXKC3XKPE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393820},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Universities”},{“list_type”:”unordered”,”_id”:”VMAR5U3LRZHMFH4QTPY7ZPHXKA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393821},”type”:”list”,”items”:[{“_id”:”I475FTNM4NENLAYQ237YGVCQYY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393821},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Mark Becker, president of Georgia State University, $2,806,507″},{“_id”:”KHV5Y5VK5VALXP5VJHDFNXG6QI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393822},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Angel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech, $1,027,546″},{“_id”:”E6MBGYBONVFKTCKVPSDBU64F7Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393823},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Fernando Vale Diaz, professor and chairman, department of neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, $1,012,500″},{“_id”:”BZT7FLJ3QRH5ZOW4THSWK2RE7Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393824},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Richard Lee, professor and chief of the section of cardiothoracic surgery in the department of surgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, $967,500″},{“_id”:”P7CKNUNXIZAZRFHN6WBYHXHYIA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393825},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Jere Morehead, president of the University of Georgia, $911,779″},{“_id”:”ZW6SZMLF4RBJFCFU4BOYGY3E3M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393826},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Brooks Keel, president of Augusta University, $899,325″},{“_id”:”OCZMFEU7KRAKFJOFDPGRGSUXLQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393827},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Anastasios Polimenakos, chief of pediatric and congenital cardiothoracic surgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, $796,040″},{“_id”:”L4UB374MGBBDPFQSHUBBDWGOPY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393828},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Scott Rahimi, professor and director of cerebrovascular and endovascular services, department of neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, $742,525″},{“_id”:”PTJSVHVB6REVHEOSNBGBFRZ7K4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393829},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Daniel Albo, professor and director of surgical oncology service, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, $740,505″},{“_id”:”V2DYPPNWMRGK7JJKNYNQD2OYTE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393830},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”D. Monte Hunter, professor and chairman of the department of orthopedic surgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, $731,203″}]},{“_id”:”QUKOFSO7UVBSXCIC246D7ELCUE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611599224986},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State agencies”},{“list_type”:”unordered”,”_id”:”F6UDSK6WJBGINFE5DBR76RSSPY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393833},”type”:”list”,”items”:[{“_id”:”YDALG7XLH5HOTEIJGRUUZIYVLI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393833},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Charles Cary, chief investment officer, Teachers Retirement System, $980,883″},{“_id”:”6FIHD6YECNEN5JAL7TAIQEVKSA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393834},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Michael Majure, co-chief investment officer, Teachers Retirement System, $830,566″},{“_id”:”JGIZNTN4QFHBZJMWSHXMOQMGJ4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393835},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Thomas Horkan, co-chief investment officer, Teachers Retirement System, $830,566″},{“_id”:”SAS4RAMYWZAW7FDOTXZO6Q725E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393836},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Griffith Lynch, executive director, Georgia Ports Authority, $828,887″},{“_id”:”4WM6ULEMGJFR7ELFMJNSKN3DPI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393837},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Clifford Pyron, chief commercial officer, Georgia Ports Authority, $707,994″},{“_id”:”H26QHRL3QVBADEG62A7XR2ZO2A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393838},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Edward McCarthy, chief operating officer, Georgia Ports Authority, $689,828″},{“_id”:”AVPQ6V7Y3VA2NJEP4V6P4JJAPY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393839},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Jimmie Russell Mincey, chief financial officer, Georgia Ports Authority, $622,725″},{“_id”:”MFYSQE6C4RFIXBHXPT5NZW2D7E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393840},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”James McCurry, chief administrative officer, Georgia Ports Authority, $570,921″},{“_id”:”LHY77XB6IZFNZLSUSNNFBGQIWQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393841},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Steve Wrigley, chancellor, University System of Georgia, $523,949″},{“_id”:”NBZYXLEMPJAYLHDBNMWTYYUMC4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611586393842},”type”:”text”,”block_properties”:{},”content”:”Lise Altman, chief human resources officer, Georgia Ports Authority, 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“}],”display_date”:”2021-01-26T12:30:00Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Georgia State President Becker heads pay list at $2.8M in 2020″},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-26T12:30:00Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional 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Voting rights groups have criticized Crosscheck for inaccuracies that erroneously flagged legitimate voters.”},{“_id”:”YVOL2422LVCWLPDCLI5AIHTJHQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611593253073},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Greg Palast, a journalist who filed the lawsuit against Kemp, said it verified that Georgia participated in the effort to remove voters in dozens of states. Crosscheck was led by then-Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, and Georgia enrolled in the program from 2013 to 2017.”},{“_id”:”WWRXG7USF5CLTM3SR4I2KTCTQE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611593253074},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“They can’t deny they were part of the Crosscheck program,” Palast said. “The Georgia list, we know for 100% certain, was used to purge voters in other states.””},{“_id”:”JSJLRLLEJFEIZJQXLOHT32QCIQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611593253075},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Attorneys for the secretary of state’s office said they submitted voter registration data to Kansas but never targeted Georgia voters.”},{“_id”:”RGRMUZKN4NDHTNI4EFYHVGWQQE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611593253076},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“In other words, Georgia agreed only to provide information and not to use the information,” according to a court filing by the state.”},{“_id”:”W4AJMJXPPZAENJGWOJ6IJNCSMU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611593253077},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgia election officials canceled registrations if voters changed their addresses, mail was undeliverable or they didn’t vote for several years.”},{“_id”:”37BK43BIX5ESRPNIRUMUINRZ2M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611593253078},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The settlement in September also required Georgia to disclose, if possible, voter registration records provided to the state through the Crosscheck program.”},{“_id”:”WFK237TBCFCWPJIDJCYRULTSHE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611593253079},”type”:”text”,”content”:”But neither Georgia nor Kansas’ secretary of state’s office still had a copy of the 2016 and 2017 Crosscheck lists sought by the lawsuit. The lists were destroyed in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the states, Kansas’ elections director wrote in an email to attorneys for the Georgia secretary of state’s office.”},{“_id”:”GXW63QH6L5BRHCJAM2RYNWHFOM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611593253080},”type”:”text”,”content”:”A new lawsuit over how Georgia cancels voter registrations is pending.”},{“_id”:”TVLFNPLVVVA5ZDBUSLODI3GYM4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611593253081},”type”:”text”,”content”:”That lawsuit alleges the state’s cancellation practices are inaccurate, canceling thousands of voters who never moved. But election officials say state law requires removal of lapsed voters after at least eight years under the state’s “use it or lose it” law.”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-25T15:07:02.143Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Lawsuit over Georgia’s participation in Crosscheck purge program settled”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-25T15:07:02.143Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”elections-voting”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-25T21:14:44.814Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/lawsuit-over-georgias-participation-in-crosscheck-purge-program-settled/MVC26T6QIFDCDH2PC6WX7ZYXO4/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”EARLY VOTE”,”width”:5472,”caption”:”12/16/2020 — Atlanta, Georgia — Fulton County elections workers work with voters during early voting at Chastain Park Gymnasium in Atlanta’s Chastain Park neighborhood, Wednesday, December 16, 2020. (Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/MBEQYZ2HZNIW6PA7YITNLRIPHM.JPG”,”height”:3648}},”_id”:”MVC26T6QIFDCDH2PC6WX7ZYXO4″},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”A45EK3B7TZBAPJ25XMKHN4JBQM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600443365850},”type”:”text”,”content”:”WASHINGTON — Georgians will play a key role in the new balance of power now that Joe Biden is in the White House, even though no high-profile former state officials are part of the president’s Cabinet.”},{“_id”:”BPBJ3UJTBZHJRJUBWYXYSWPWAE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611420093197},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgians are exerting a different sort of influence, one earned by winning elections in ways that have benefited Biden. Georgia is the only state in the Deep South that Biden carried, and its voters are solely responsible for the U.S. Senate flip that makes it possible for him to carry out a more aggressive legislative agenda.”},{“_id”:”BBPRZDGXBJAFBP46QAS6NAMEGM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611284890433},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams and former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams have a direct line to the White House that they can use to request resources or shape policies. Georgia U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock may play an outsized role despite their rookie status, given the impact of their upset victories.”},{“_id”:”Z2J6V6JUBRHLXON4NBEAOVSA7Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611450025316},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And Biden’s White House communications director, Kate Bedingfield, is a Georgia native and Riverwood High School graduate.”},{“_id”:”WW5GJL47W5DPROVVYOLC3ZHPYY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611330986271},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Still, it’s a less direct kind of power than Georgia Republicans enjoyed during President Donald Trump’s four years in office.”},{“_id”:”A5ZV5PW2PFDSTF5MQYQ6ABUAAI”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”QQEFPD3SZRDYXFFLGKOJ2DTRZQ”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/how-bidens-first-100-days-will-affect-georgia/X4YSE54ESBCSLBX7XPD57MPR4M/”,”content”:”How Biden’s first 100 days will affect Georgia”},{“_id”:”CCZ55WEZD5GGJCHROIT2NCKJDI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611330986272},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Former Gov. Sonny Perdue, Trump’s agriculture secretary, was one of few Cabinet secretaries and top aides who remained in their jobs throughout the Republican’s tenure. Former U.S. Rep. Tom Price was Trump’s first pick for health secretary before resigning in disgrace, and top aides such as Nick Ayers and Brian Jack helped shape his policy and political decisions.”},{“_id”:”45QNWWFSJRA5DJTEPKCVVZ4USM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611340792361},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Republican officials credited that sway for helping the state push priorities, such as the deepening of Savannah’s port. In other instances, though, there was little to show for the influence. After Hurricane Michael ravaged South Georgia in 2018, Gov. Brian Kemp and other state officials pleaded with Washington for the better part of a year for swifter financial help for farmers and others devastated by the storm.”},{“_id”:”QIKDLVADMVCLPGJZIMBIMPVUNI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611330986273},”type”:”text”,”content”:”One of the highest-profile Georgians in Washington is actually a holdover from the Trump administration: FBI Director Chris Wray, an Atlanta attorney who was tapped to head the bureau in 2017 after Trump fired his predecessor, James Comey. Biden’s administration said he has “confidence” in Wray’s ability and hinted that the president would keep him on for his full 10-year term.”},{“_id”:”TKDCTKMP5JCJNHU2VNWVNLWRE4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611337785440},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Clayton State University political science professor Joshua Meddaugh said Biden will look to Georgia Democrats not only for help passing his legislative agenda but also for duplicating his successes across other parts of the South.”},{“_id”:”B6G7U4CT3VHC3GR57RLK34HVOY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611337785441},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“It’s mutually beneficial to both sides — to the state and to the president — to work together and potentially make gains in other areas where there is a high African American population,” Meddaugh said.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”ZS65VMFDTFCENIHOI3426ZOWMI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:”WLKL6FOH4ZA7RKSESWUGUTPGNA”},”type”:”header”,”content”:”New era”},{“_id”:”UX2GYUL4AREOBHBBZSPQIETZ7A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611330986275},”type”:”text”,”content”:”One of the key players from Georgia in Biden world is Bottoms, an important early campaign supporter who was recently awarded a vice chairmanship slot with the Democratic National Committee. In that role, she’ll continue to be a surrogate for Biden while also overseeing key outreach initiatives.”},{“_id”:”RTGTPARQ4ZAIPCJROAALVHZCFI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611284890437},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I think that this really speaks to the value seen of Atlanta on the national stage, that I have been invited to serve in this role,” Bottoms told reporters on Thursday.”},{“_id”:”U4LNORB6Z5C45OAPO5HJ6ESSNA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611330986277},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Already, she is advocating for a more robust role for the Atlanta-based U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which she said needs to be reinvigorated after being sidelined and politicized during Trump’s tenure. And she noted that the rising crime rates experienced by Atlanta and other cities last year could be better addressed by coordinating with federal agencies.”},{“_id”:”H5OZVYYG6ZBCVIDXLSM4GM6X7Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611284890440},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We know the CDC, at least at the top level, has had some challenges under the Trump administration, but I’m confident with the Biden administration that we’ll get the support that we need in this area,” Bottoms said, adding that she also hoped the Justice Department would “provide us resources and guidance as it relates to crime-fighting.””},{“_id”:”P3XAOEJBPBEZRDCU3PSRTX54KQ”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”J2COCBRXRNBHDJPLN64A2BPG24″},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/a-new-era-ossoff-warnock-sworn-into-office-giving-democrats-control-of-senate/G4VMKL3ZGFH3TONBEPDF5LPMHI/”,”content”:”‘A new era’: Ossoff, Warnock sworn into office, giving Democrats control of U.S. Senate”},{“_id”:”7T2MFHIQORDALDN7EIP64NLS6M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611284890441},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Abrams had already built a national profile when she narrowly lost the governor’s race in 2018, but it grew during the 2020 campaign as it became clear her “playbook” for Georgia was a winning formula. Biden has praised her as a singular force in national politics.”},{“_id”:”V4T7ILVHNRHH5PFO4DF7LQQHZU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611337785447},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Although she has no formal role with his administration or the state or national Democratic Party, she is widely regarded as a barrier-breaking organizer who will have a voice in Washington. She is expected to use her influence on topics such as coronavirus recovery, climate change and voting rights.”},{“_id”:”VLLIAOAFVRDUDEQ3VGKQNOC6DA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611337785448},”type”:”text”,”content”:”For years, Republicans have focused on consolidating power at the state and local levels in Georgia. And if Abrams mounts a 2022 bid for governor and wins, Meddaugh said, Biden would gain a partner in a Southern battleground state to help further his proposals.”},{“_id”:”ZJGUA5OLBRGUNJTX77FH6XUXCA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611337785450},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The members of Georgia’s U.S. House Democratic delegation are working to assert themselves in the Biden administration, too. U.S. Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux was the only Democrat nationwide to flip a U.S. House seat from red to blue during the general election, and this week she joined the House Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of 28 Democrats and 28 Republicans seeking middle ground in Congress.”},{“_id”:”ISMPX6VUDVE3ZJSJJFK5W7YARM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611330986282},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“When we strip away the rhetoric, there is a lot that we actually agree on. We all want a good future for our children,” Bourdeaux, who lives in Suwanee, said of her decision. “We all want a strong democracy and a strong economy.””},{“_id”:”MWPRNIEOSZC7HEZ7SG7O4PSKBU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611330986283},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Williams won the Atlanta congressional seat that was previously held by civil rights hero John Lewis; that fact alone has raised her profile in the House. She also continues to pull double duty as chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Georgia.”},{“_id”:”3GQ7GV3T5JBZ3GS5BJ42XPQHJU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611337785453},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She was optimistic about the state’s role in Washington affairs in the moments before Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn in. It isn’t lost on her that Black voters in Georgia helped Biden carry the state and sweep the two U.S. Senate races.”},{“_id”:”FICVT2Q4W5GVLMUWJWGJEO7Z7A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611337785454},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“It’s not just about the symbolism, it’s about the work that I know that we’re going to be able to get done on behalf of people in this country who for far too long needed someone standing up for us,” Williams said.”},{“_id”:”7F7YI7HESZCLLJHKOIWZYZQMZA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611284890447},”type”:”text”,”content”:”More senior members of the delegation hold important chairmanships that ensure they will have the ear of the White House. U.S. Rep. David Scott is the first Black chairman of the Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop chairs the Appropriations subcommittee that funds agriculture, rural developments and the Food and Drug Administration.”},{“_id”:”XF3473RKLBB2TGZ33WU3VHGSBQ”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”UURXQ4U3IRGONGVMR7ZFTZXTXE”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/inside-the-runoff-flips-how-ossoff-and-warnock-pulled-off-epic-victories/HMGWMOCWSRBFFN25UBBIZMNEAY/”,”content”:”Inside the runoff flips: How Ossoff and Warnock pulled off epic victories”},{“_id”:”SRATJJTXIZGDVD3O27V6FHDLIQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611344842344},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Bishop also serves on the committee that determines the budget for military bases and installations, and another that decides funding for the financial services industry, a sector that Atlanta has come to depend upon.”},{“_id”:”W7N6FBCWIBAPBJIMZMEWHGIN5A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611344842345},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He said Georgia delivered for Biden in November and January, and now he will be working to make sure the White House delivers for Georgia.”},{“_id”:”C27KPXNPZJG53C5ZRAU6V6KOYY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611344842346},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Once the election is done and we go to governing, we are very, very focused on trying to get the tools of government ramped up so that we will be able to deliver in all areas of need for people of the state of Georgia,” he said. “I think there will will be a much more cooperative relationship because we have the same agenda.””},{“_id”:”YRAJ5JCTM5BNPLPDVRK2OFZG4E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611344842347},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Staff writer J.D. Capelouto contributed to this article.”},{“_id”:”A45EK3B7TZBAPJ25XMKHN4JBQM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600443365850},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
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Raphael Warnock, left, and Jon Ossoff, right, could have outsized roles now that Joe Biden is president because of the significance of their election wins earlier this month. (Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/C3GFHUYQEX4AKZ73YO3JTB76TM.jpg”,”height”:2000}},”_id”:”JOCQI6G5LFHD5CLFBMESNMIWZY”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”NKQ4FDWAF5G3ROXCHMTJWXHGJY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1598277115600},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The leader of the Georgia Senate’s tax committee said Friday that he wants the state to do a two-year modernization review of its tax structure in hopes of both possibly raising revenue and getting rid of some special-interest tax breaks.”},{“_id”:”5T33E3EH7VCLJJ4JBV6NIHY2X4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839349},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, said the state provides about $9.5 billion a year in tax breaks for various businesses, nonprofits and industries.”},{“_id”:”6LC6U6VYK5DOHGUD6BEF6MJT7M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839350},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Some have helped create or retain jobs, others haven’t done much to help the state, he said.”},{“_id”:”AAQ3CSI4E5BYBPFEO722FLUVWM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839351},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“There has been a lot of political pressure to keep them,” Hufstetler said during a policy conference put on by the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, an Atlanta think tank.”},{“_id”:”QEIF5PGLBBD6LCO6HRDTWH2ZMU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839352},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state has done limited reviews of tax breaks, and a panel called the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians did a lengthy study aimed at modernizing the tax structure during the Great Recession.”},{“_id”:”YXBT5WSVORHUPLSDZVPDY4VUXE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839353},”type”:”text”,”content”:”However, the General Assembly only approved some of the group’s recommendations, often those sought by industries such as manufacturers and mining. They led to new tax breaks and changes in how Georgians pay some taxes, such as the gradual elimination of property taxes on cars.”},{“_id”:”S4FEKKTYGVCLTOGKEA5KOCLIGY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839354},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Hufstetler said issues debated at the time included taxing internet sales and raising Georgia’s historically low cigarette taxes to pay for health care, two things that have been debated for more than a decade.”},{“_id”:”F2CBRDBF4FE5LA2JIWLPKV2DOQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839355},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The General Assembly approved legislation last year to increase sales tax collections from customers of internet- and app-based businesses. Hufstetler said that will bring the state $600 million to $700 million a year in revenue that was owed but not always paid.”},{“_id”:”NX3SBI3IPRG2HD226TRU6RVFPY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839356},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Hufstetler, some other Republicans and many Democrats in the Legislature have also backed an increase in the state’s cigarette taxes from 37 cents per pack to $1.35-$1.80 per pack. They said the state spends about $650 million a year to treat patients who are on taxpayer-funded health programs for tobacco-related illnesses. House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, has strongly opposed such an increase.”},{“_id”:”XK2FUELGERA6JN7UMMNSTVSNPA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611345358601},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“As a lifelong Republican, Speaker Ralston opposes raising taxes on Georgians,” his spokesman, Kaleb McMichen, said.”},{“_id”:”VQMDXT3VRBCLVKGAFPXDCZ4XOQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839357},”type”:”text”,”content”:”House Minority Leader James Beverly, D-Macon, another panelist at the conference Friday, said the state needs the money as school and health care costs — which account for most of the budget — continue to rise.”},{“_id”:”ZKIUBTVYTFAHLPQF62JHGBUDR4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839358},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Let’s get it done because Georgians are hurting right now,” Beverly said.”},{“_id”:”2YV74356DJHLXFDFPYE6NYSLXE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839359},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Both areas took spending cuts last year because lawmakers feared the COVID-19 recession would dramatically reduce state revenue collections. That hasn’t happened, but Democrats are pushing to fully restore, if not increase, spending in those areas in 2021.”},{“_id”:”PQ2ICZ4KHNHZHNZ4SGXBIBSLQ4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839360},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Sen. Jen Jordan, D-Atlanta, another panelist, noted that spending on the Department of Public Health — the agency on the front lines of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic — has seen little to no increase in state funding in recent years.”},{“_id”:”LGVGJG2KHJASHOWGBE6U6WZ76M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839361},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Gov. Brian Kemp’s budget proposal for fiscal 2022 — which begins July 1 — continues that trend, although his staff notes the agency has received more than $1 billion in federal funding during the pandemic.”},{“_id”:”CCRKHEYSWFE63LLEMUBY46KHPM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839362},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Still, Jordan said the state has a tendency to go from crisis to crisis without having a long-range plan for funding its priorities.”},{“_id”:”SIKVFQSRPBEO7JKBKNLIBE6TCU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839363},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She backed Hufstetler’s proposal to review the tax structure and get rid of special-interest tax breaks that don’t help the state’s economy.”},{“_id”:”QBIWLVGIPNAVFKWT5FDXYE3JMQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839364},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“At the end of the day, we kind of need to clean our house,” Jordan said. “I am not against tax credits … but it has to make sense.””},{“_id”:”NRABQ4TUINGO7NKUNTN2X55KS4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611336839365},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
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Brian Kemp suspended Beck from office a few days after the May 2019 indictment, and Beck promised to defend himself vigorously.”},{“_id”:”52IS74AYBVBBNMAH4BIVBQE3VY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611269521286},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I am, in fact, innocent of these charges,” Beck wrote Kemp at the time. “In these circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to resign as commissioner of insurance.””},{“_id”:”QXGGSC2AWFCVVHVEULIHGCMY5I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611269521287},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Since he didn’t resign but was suspended, the state is paying two insurance commissioners: Beck and Kemp’s choice to replace him, King.”},{“_id”:”OJPC3VP6RJAMHGW22VYGXBGADE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611269521288},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Then-House Minority Leader Robert Trammell, D-Luthersville, filed legislation in 2019 to do away with pay for indicted officials, but his bill went nowhere during the 2020 session.”},{“_id”:”TBIBNZFMR5H7BE4FK73ZYIIGRQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611267686559},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Beck, a Republican, worked for several state agencies, including the Department of Insurance, before running to head the office that regulates the insurance and small loan industry and investigates suspected arson cases.”},{“_id”:”ETUL67TZXBDK7MURBFW6KIPWXE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611267686560},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He won election in November 2018 and took office the next January.”},{“_id”:”6YVCMSTQTBBETILBLRZUWSBBJA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611267686561},”type”:”text”,”content”:”By that May, then-U.S. Attorney BJay Pak was announcing the indictment of Beck, a former leader of the Georgia Christian Coalition, alleging that he stole money to pay personal credit card bills and taxes, and pump money into his 2018 campaign for insurance commissioner.”},{“_id”:”WGLTMJMR4FHJRMWKF4SBX4KQSE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611267686562},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Pak said the evidence showed Beck lied to close friends and a family member to get them to create companies to send invoices to his then-employer. The invoices were often for work that wasn’t actually done, and Beck funneled the money back to himself, according to the indictment.”},{“_id”:”S4JSYQWJZVCKJES4FIFEMH72RY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611267686563},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In an effort to conceal a $2 million embezzlement scheme, federal prosecutors allege, Beck amplified business expenses to reduce his net business income. By inflating his business expenses by more than $1 million, Beck evaded income taxes due on the embezzled funds he received, the indictment says.”},{“_id”:”KXVWSD7C6RAULF3KZ4BTVNZQVY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611267686564},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Three former Department of Insurance employees later sued the state and Beck, saying they were ousted as retaliation because he thought they provided information about him to state and federal officials and the media.”},{“_id”:”PZPKX5ID3ZEW7PTKVF6UID7YRQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611267686565},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The insurance commissioner’s job will be back on the ballot in 2022. If Beck beats the charges, he is entitled to take back the post and stand for reelection. 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A shot in many arms.”},{“_id”:”H2NBFHUW6VDKHFZKGIQTHY5MXI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559706},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Jeffrey Dorfman, the state’s fiscal economist, told lawmakers this past week that Georgia’s economy is prepared for takeoff once the coronavirus pandemic is under control.”},{“_id”:”7ROUZ5BSFZEWHOCY2HWHAQAB6A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559707},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The conditions are right for a strong recovery from the COVID-19 recession because many consumers have watched their wallets grow fatter.”},{“_id”:”KAFOWDOHMFBINAHRS7CZPECQHY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559708},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Savings rates have climbed since the pandemic set in, rising from about 7% or 8% to 12% or 13%. Credit scores have also ascended while credit card debt has declined, said Dorfman, an economist at the University of Georgia.”},{“_id”:”OFXSADVKZZDC3FCXP57SDPB3B4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559709},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We have never had a recession before when people had more money to spend,” Dorfman told lawmakers who were beginning their review of Gov. Brian Kemp’s $27.2 billion budget proposal.”},{“_id”:”VDA4JBMXANFNBHYDWJHQN2DCOY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559710},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgia has held up well, so far. States across the country had expected massive shortfalls because of the recession, but Georgia has seen its tax collections rise, rather than fall, in large part because of massive federal spending on the unemployed and businesses.”},{“_id”:”XTY4IMGPQJDAXAC5DSWLN7HDHM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559711},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The job market has suffered, though.”},{“_id”:”FJSJ3UYU4RGCDMDGFRAVIBTZ2E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559712},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state had 123,000 fewer jobs in November than it did the same month a year before, Dorfman said.”},{“_id”:”MJNSNTSWBNG65PWZMOMVME5MOQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559713},”type”:”text”,”content”:”But even that wasn’t quite as bad as it first sounds. Many of those lost jobs, Dorfman said, were part-time positions held by students or parents, including some who had to spend more time at home with their children because of the pandemic.”},{“_id”:”E6DEIN2I6ZDGHI453CPNBEWCZ4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559714},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Really, our labor market is about as fully recovered as it can be until the pandemic is over,” he said.”},{“_id”:”3B44M5NQHVFR5EIPUC3AM35FTU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559715},”type”:”text”,”content”:”But prosperity will only come once vaccinations hit a critical level, and Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey said that — at the current rate of vaccine distribution to the state — is “going to take many, many months.””},{“_id”:”NQQ2INA7IBELJATUKWQOORA4P4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733024},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state currently receives about 80,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine per week, Toomey said, well short of the millions needed to achieve herd immunity. Worse, yet, is the uncertainty about the shipments, she said, although she’s hoping that might improve with a change in administrations in Washington.”},{“_id”:”WFN2SDSOUVHXDKQNV7HXWLPSH4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559717},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We literally don’t know week to week what our allocation will be,” she said Tuesday, the day before President Joe Biden took office. “There’s some disconnect between what we were told was coming and what actually is available.””},{“level”:1,”_id”:”FNGTOG37YNCRDKKFJN6WRDJIHA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733026},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Absentee-ballot foe to head voting panel”},{“_id”:”GNAE2FGCJFG6NDCM3LRJH5FZ2Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733027},”type”:”text”,”content”:”When Georgia House Speaker David Ralston announced that he would appoint a special committee to look into election issues, he also came down firmly on the side of allowing no-excuse absentee voting to continue as is.”},{“_id”:”XK3AEBYBDNAL5G3Y3YE7VKGKTI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733028},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Somebody’s going to have to make a real strong case to convince me” that change is necessary, he said.”},{“_id”:”DZUPI7EUXNEUNJTKG2Y4RZHWVA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733029},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Now, Ralston is giving somebody a good opportunity to make that case.”},{“_id”:”KMTCGNRRWJBKXKRTYPQQ2DAYYE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733030},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He picked state Rep. Barry Fleming, R-Harlem, to head that committee, and Fleming has made it clear he holds absentee ballots in low regard.”},{“_id”:”IODIH466K5BTBG2TWM3TFFAY4A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733031},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“If elections were like coastal cities, absentee balloting would be the shady part of town down near the docks you do not want to wander into because the chance of being shanghaied is significant,” Fleming wrote in December in an op-ed for The Augusta Chronicle. “Expect the Georgia Legislature to address that in our next session in January.””},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”workflow”:{“status_code”:4},”caption”:”Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, a Republican from Blue Ridge, has named Democratic state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver of Decatur to lead the Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee. That makes her the only Democrat to hold any of the House’s 41 chairmanships. Bob Andres / robert.andres@ajc.com”,”source”:{“system”:”Methode”,”source_type”:”other”,”source_id”:”91bd2af0-6486-11ea-a5df-47250cb6d086″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019″},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/XYNSMM5YURQA3DPRURZRN5O3II.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”display_date”:”2020-03-12T17:26:12Z”,”credits”:{},”subtitle”:”Clock ticking on DeKalb County ethics legislation”,”width”:1997,”first_publish_date”:”2020-03-12T17:26:12Z”,”_id”:”XYNSMM5YURQA3DPRURZRN5O3II”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/4d2Bc9Yv8Un2p8Syr3J2xO2fGAU=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/XYNSMM5YURQA3DPRURZRN5O3II.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/4d2Bc9Yv8Un2p8Syr3J2xO2fGAU=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/XYNSMM5YURQA3DPRURZRN5O3II.jpg”,”takenOn”:”2020-03-12T17:26:12Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/XYNSMM5YURQA3DPRURZRN5O3II.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/4d2Bc9Yv8Un2p8Syr3J2xO2fGAU=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/XYNSMM5YURQA3DPRURZRN5O3II.jpg”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/VdXZLnq7IP9XOWRIa3mG8ab1ReI=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/XYNSMM5YURQA3DPRURZRN5O3II.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”https://www.ajc.com//rw/Pub/p11/AJC/2020/03/12/Images/newsEngin.25437611_022020-Leg-Photos-ba08.jpg”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”X5K2GBEWIVB2NK7DUQG4CRJKMA”},”created_date”:”2020-06-29T22:18:53Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2020-06-29T22:18:53Z”,”publish_date”:”2020-03-12T17:26:12Z”,”height”:1536},{“level”:1,”_id”:”JQ5RTZJEA5ASNIEZQGMW4R5UB4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733032},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Bipartisanship creeps into House chair lineup”},{“_id”:”DWGPTNKSSRFWTIQYG2L3LNUTNM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733033},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The Democratic sweep in this month’s U.S. Senate runoffs introduced more blue in Georgia’s political palette, but Republican red is still the dominant color at the Statehouse.”},{“_id”:”TH565KKFGFGIXBRKOOQ26NE3E4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733034},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And, yet, a Democrat now possesses one of the 41 chairmanships in the Georgia House.”},{“_id”:”36XTR7EBIBGETELPN62VLHY3MU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733035},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver of Decatur is the new leader of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee, a special House-Senate panel that does not handle legislation but is charged with oversight of MARTA.”},{“_id”:”WUNIALZX2ZHEPDF2C3B2VEQ3YE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733036},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The appointment is a realization of House Speaker David Ralston’s recent utterings about bipartisanship.”},{“_id”:”2R5WQT54FRC6XDZEGULY2TVBOE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733037},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Oliver was a likely choice for the role for a number of reasons. First, she and the speaker have a healthy respect for each other’s abilities despite their differences in ideology.”},{“_id”:”UKN7EJ4AFRA2ZGLS7QP24WTA7Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733038},”type”:”text”,”content”:”But it’s also a matter of location, location, location.”},{“_id”:”TBQJNNWFABB3JO6JZ2BBTS2T6U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733039},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Oliver lives in MARTA territory, something that can no longer be said for many Republicans in the House, given the GOP’s recent slips in Atlanta’s suburbs.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”LX6PNJJYZFHM7J6QIKGYMIPHAQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177332996},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Ban sought on outside funding to run elections”},{“_id”:”J2FLVYJN2BB5NCTIJAHS55BSLY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177332997},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg gave millions of dollars to Georgia counties last year to help them run elections.”},{“_id”:”SC32ZRSESVAEBBIEIOMRMWBUPU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177332999},”type”:”text”,”content”:”That won’t happen again if House Bill 62 gains passage.”},{“_id”:”HZLAKPFCIJA6XOW7FZX52HHB6I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177333001},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Joseph Gullett, a Republican from Dallas, said the money — given through the Center for Tech and Civic Life, which is funded by Zuckerberg and his wife, philanthropist Priscilla Chan — was helpful to the counties but also problematic.”},{“_id”:”EDF2ESJ3FRBIDC2FRI3XJ4ZMDA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611184129314},”type”:”text”,”content”:””One role of government is to run elections, and I don’t think it’s appropriate to allow outside organizations to do it,” said Gullett, a former member of Paulding County’s elections board. “We want as little influence on elections as possible.””},{“_id”:”5QQFS43EIRHDZJKOVDZD7UTAYU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177333003},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The money in question went toward election staffing, hazard pay, absentee ballot postage costs, equipment, voter outreach and personal protective gear.”},{“_id”:”RRIK2HFWW5E4XHT7OAX4TA33X4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177333006},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Much of it was spent in metro Atlanta.”},{“_id”:”CM5VZN3NHVCSHEIDH3V7KVCF4U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611184129317},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The organization gave $9.4 million to DeKalb County, $6 million to Fulton County, $4.2 million to Gwinnett County, nearly $1.7 million to Douglas County and $765,000 to Cherokee County.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”2XLTJD5O7RFKLHBJ45E76VT7H4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953914},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Dems seek restoration of voting rights for convicted felons”},{“_id”:”ZAT77AJCYFGMLE4PANKZVR2CU4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953915},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgians who have been convicted of a felony would see the restoration of their voting rights under a Democratic plan.”},{“_id”:”UT2XCDCQHJEQZIMED2IK5YBMNE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953916},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State Rep. Josh McLaurin of Atlanta said the current law is rooted in racism.”},{“_id”:”F7HCV6AW2BA3DPKSXPZKRKQSZU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953917},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Over 200,000 of our fellow citizens in Georgia are denied (voting rights) because of a racist policy that was enacted nearly 150 years ago,” McLaurin said. “After the Civil War, Georgia adopted a policy of disenfranchising people convicted of felonies as a strategy to exclude Black people from participating in democracy.””},{“_id”:”W3HAG3LD6BAGFDTLL5CJVW6U3U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953918},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Under the Georgia Constitution, those who have been convicted of a “felony involving moral turpitude” can’t be registered to vote until their sentences are completed — including the completion of any probation, parole and payment of any fines.”},{“_id”:”57ANEYBVR5HVXNSRY4FE7AEOAQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733053},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The problem is, it never defined “moral turpitude.” That left it to be interpreted by election officials, who have ruled that any felony conviction is appropriate for limiting voting rights.”},{“_id”:”VEYA7C2WSNATBGY7BX75D3HQ6A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953919},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Shortly before November’s election, the secretary of state’s office clarified its position, saying that those who have completed their sentences but still owe fees, court costs and restitution are eligible to vote.”},{“_id”:”IHSMN3VR2VDMNHPU42LR3PICJU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953920},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The proposal faces long odds of passing this year. A bipartisan Senate panel in 2019 studied the possibility of reinstating the voting rights of some convicted felons — those who had not committed violent crimes — but Republican members chose not to pursue it.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”HH3LMSYJYFAKDAUJ5M3BMXNZBU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559718},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Jones calls loss of chairmanship ‘petty politics’”},{“_id”:”FKGFYZQAHFH2RAP2AAJHRVQDBE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177333011},”type”:”text”,”content”:”State Sen. Burt Jones, who in the first days of the legislative session was stripped of his chairmanship of the chamber’s Insurance and Labor Committee, says what he lost is not as important as why it was taken away from him.”},{“_id”:”3RDFPPNU2JDIVN2YRPH23XRZ3M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177333012},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The lawmaker from Jackson was one of three Republican senators — the other two were Brandon Beach of Alpharetta and Matt Brass of Newnan — who lost key committee chairmanships after they aggressively promoted President Donald Trump’s false claims of widespread election fraud and pushed for overturning Joe Biden’s victory in the state.”},{“_id”:”43FAPCSGS5EL5KAPVT7I5SK5SQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559722},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In an interview with Oconee Radio Group’s Rahul Bali, Jackson called Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan cowardly in the way he demoted them.”},{“_id”:”R4Z2WD2SBBE23MWSUG4KV4HTNQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559723},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Instead of getting behind closed doors and talking through whatever issues he might have had with us,” Jones said, “(Duncan) just decided to get his ‘yes men’ on the committee, handpicked people on the committee, and to strip us of our chairmanships, I guess trying to publicly embarrass us maybe. I don’t know. But anyway, that’s a cowardly way and kind of petty politics. But that’s fine. That’s politics. I get it.””},{“_id”:”K47EE77DWFFZFICULP2NJYR5ZE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174559724},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Jones, who also said he really didn’t care that much about running the Insurance Committee, then suggested that a backlash could follow.”},{“_id”:”HIQTXP7J4FHCTMYURADY2ZLEAU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177333016},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“What comes around goes around in this building,” he said.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”6436BRKVLZF2DMTRYB26H7JYXI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953928},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Gwinnett Dems pressure election official to quit”},{“_id”:”2QAYDO6IBNGALM3AWQNAODD4IE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953929},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Fifteen Democratic state legislators are calling on Gwinnett County Board of Elections Chair Alice O’Lenick to resign after she backed alterations to Georgia’s voting laws, including restricting no-excuse absentee voting and banning ballot drop boxes.”},{“_id”:”4JZZ4K35INFXVHXVW7GP6D4JLA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733065},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“They don’t have to change all of them, but they’ve got to change the major parts of them so that we at least have a shot at winning,” O’Lenick said at a Republican Party meeting.”},{“_id”:”2VPBDLG46FDI3JWB7LKUMSF36I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953932},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In a letter, the county’s legislative delegation accused O’Lenick, a Republican appointee, of causing “irreparable harm” to her impartial duties of administering elections. They added that they could try to force her decision if she refuses.”},{“_id”:”C6Q3KKYSVNDVJB746PCD3QPUQE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953933},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Please be advised that the Gwinnett state House and Senate delegations will take all actions necessary through local legislation to protect the right to vote of every citizen in Gwinnett County,” the lawmakers wrote.”},{“_id”:”GRKQ5VLVCFDLLG62MULOB3AZA4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953934},”type”:”text”,”content”:”O’Lenick, according to The Gwinnett Daily Post, said at the GOP meeting that only the “elderly and the infirm” should be allowed to vote by mail without giving a reason for the request.”},{“_id”:”WWH2MH4RYNE4XNCIGZ3YATWMGA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611188953935},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She then repeated false claims of abuse of the voting system before saying that “ballot drop boxes have to go.””},{“_id”:”X3J4ROF6QNCOZIGGXZWHYEX22E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611248733070},”type”:”text”,”content”:”O’Lenick has indicated that she is going nowhere.”},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{},”syndication”:{},”caption”:”Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice and the state’s Department of Corrections both report that low pay has contributed to high turnover rates among their guards. 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Brian Kemp’s budget proposes a 10% pay increase for guards from both departments.”},{“_id”:”I3YDMRJHMBESTPMBOTDM2TT4QQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611187130439},”type”:”text”,”content”:”If the General Assembly approves the plan, an entry-level corrections officer at an adult or juvenile detention center will see his or her pay jump from $27,936 to $30,730. The raises would take effect April 1.”},{“_id”:”SZJVHHNLDJDTFIC3QI4QY5AWDM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611187130440},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Both departments would pay for the raises by not filling vacant positions.”},{“_id”:”THHQ7HVUBND7PML6YB7C522RDE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611187130442},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
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AJC”,”site_title”:”Issues”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Issues”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Issues”,”_id”:”/politics/issues”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”]},”order”:{“TopNav”:2004,”ComposerNav”:1130}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics/issues”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”},”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”}]},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-22T12:00:05.725Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/capitol-recap-georgia-economist-predicts-healthy-spending-will-follow-pandemics-demise/UQ4F5TSF2VAB7EALZRJAKP3PUQ/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Anupam Nath”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Virus Outbreak India”,”width”:4692,”caption”:”(AP Photo/Anupam 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Donald Trump-loving counties — he won nearly 90% of the vote this time around and last — there is more than just frustration over an election that didn’t go as many locals had hoped.”},{“_id”:”CZZRZJ4ZBFFJTBIO636SAGDWXM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338476},”type”:”text”,”content”:”There is anxiety about what Biden and Democrats might do. But also concern about what the angriest Trump supporters might stoop to. And, for some, disenchantment with the nation’s two main political parties, including Republicans who have won handily here for decades.”},{“_id”:”RELBARHKNFGSVJVNDVLSJZBXFQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338477},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Of more than a dozen people interviewed in the northeast Georgia community, most hadn’t seen Biden’s inaugural address with its call for unity or Trump’s departing speech wishing “the new administration great luck and great success.””},{“_id”:”KZ5RR3FTYVGD5KHEPMMHBTPTNY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338478},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Instead, a few said they fear more unrest.”},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{“locality”:”Homer”},”caption”:”A historical marker is displayed in downtown Homer in Banks County. Donald Trump won nearly nine out of 10 voters in the rural northeast Georgia county. 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She said she worries that socialism and COVID-19 will hurt her children’s future.”},{“_id”:”VSGO35TY75FLNEYQQUHHEDTZV4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338483},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Trump, she said, never was given a fair shot as a president. As for Biden, “I’ll pray for him as our president, but I don’t think I’ll have too much support for him.””},{“_id”:”HBH52LIQIRELJAPR5JGZTW7LPY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611270227443},”type”:”text”,”content”:”A woman who works in a health products store said the combination of politics and the pandemic has her anxious and smoking more cigarettes.”},{“_id”:”V53P4PCAQBEP3LO2YGJOAU5VOQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611270227444},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“You feel like you are sitting on a warhead,” said the woman, who didn’t want to give her name because, she said, you never know how people will react to things these days.”},{“_id”:”TFBCCFITPNGYLP4F43XL4B3H4Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338481},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Nobody knows what is ahead,” she said. And “you don’t know who to trust anymore.””},{“_id”:”GRM6K52TGJBITFRKQV5OSSGTCU”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”XS2OOWLG2FEJJIRP2Q6Y224PBM”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/biden-harris-inauguration-sends-message-that-were-going-to-be-ok-for-some-americans/AE3AV4LM6RBDTBMCTKLI4T6KU4/”,”content”:”For some, Biden inauguration sends message that ‘we’re going to be OK'”},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{“locality”:”Commerce”},”caption”:” Homer, Georgia — Roger Cosby talks about his political views outside a cafe near Commerce, on Inauguration Day. Cosby voted for Donald Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential election. (Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com)”,”source”:{“system”:”AJC Freelancer”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”edit_url”:”https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/ICUENHQC6IAEP52HPVEQBDTUCU”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY_AP2.JPG”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:[“6007510ce14abe785df5bd56″],”seo_keywords”:[“AJC Freelancer”]},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”custom”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”category”:”wires”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/ICUENHQC6IAEP52HPVEQBDTUCU.JPG”,”geo”:{},”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtype”:”Wires”,”subtitle”:”BANKS COUNTY INAUGURATION”,”width”:4813,”_id”:”ICUENHQC6IAEP52HPVEQBDTUCU”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/_0lVQXma_fdHVcmaAbQQG3zvswY=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/ICUENHQC6IAEP52HPVEQBDTUCU.JPG”,”comments”:[],”iptc_job_identifier”:”6007510ce14abe785df5bd56″,”keywords”:[“AJC Freelancer”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/_0lVQXma_fdHVcmaAbQQG3zvswY=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/ICUENHQC6IAEP52HPVEQBDTUCU.JPG”,”takenOn”:”2021-01-20T20:27:01Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/ICUENHQC6IAEP52HPVEQBDTUCU.JPG”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/_0lVQXma_fdHVcmaAbQQG3zvswY=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/ICUENHQC6IAEP52HPVEQBDTUCU.JPG”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/zvqUkn1BxpSA6SKmBUhbq9kwJCk=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/ICUENHQC6IAEP52HPVEQBDTUCU.JPG”,”version”:2,”usage_instructions”:”AJC STAFF”,”originalName”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY_AP2.JPG”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”UAQSRE265NH3LEDXBUDSWU3RII”,”iptc_title”:”Visual Journalist”},”created_date”:”2021-01-21T14:34:17Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T23:36:06Z”,”slug”:”AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY”,”height”:3209,”image_type”:”photograph”},{“_id”:”RPLZ6QT7B5BWPLGMDRYC2Z7QF4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338485},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Roger Cosby, who works for a nearby construction rental equipment company, said he’d like to stay positive: “I’m willing to give the man a chance.” But, “I hope like hell they don’t kill the construction industry.””},{“_id”:”HXKU34GB7RDWHJDREWRE6RSZ5M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338486},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Still, he said, he talks to people from all walks of life, and he said he suspects an uprising is coming from the right.”},{“_id”:”GEHUOUC525HO3IPJYHBU75EZKY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338487},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Hopefully it can be defused,” he said, adding later, “I don’t want to live through that.””},{“_id”:”6ZJPVSY3LZEBJLPVYO6WU4SXUY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611339438744},”type”:”text”,”content”:”People in Banks say they worry about what Democrats in the White House and Congress could do. Among concerns: higher taxes, bigger government, more abortions, higher illegal immigration, fresh limits on guns and an expanded U.S. Supreme Court to give it a liberal lean.”},{“_id”:”IPYK6KJ6OBGQHLWOUI7F564ZDY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338488},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Most — but not all — told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution their support for Trump wasn’t diminished by his efforts to have votes thrown out over claims of fraud or by Trump supporters storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. None expressed support for the attack.”},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{“locality”:”Commerce”},”caption”:”Homer, Georgia — Paul Murphy talks about his political views in the parking lot of a cafe near Commerce, (Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com)”,”source”:{“system”:”AJC Freelancer”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”edit_url”:”https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/BLIU7KX5LHN724V5V66CXEP5SA”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY_AP1.JPG”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:[“6007510ce14abe785df5bd56″],”seo_keywords”:[“AJC Freelancer”]},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”custom”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”category”:”wires”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/BLIU7KX5LHN724V5V66CXEP5SA.JPG”,”geo”:{},”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtype”:”Wires”,”subtitle”:”BANKS COUNTY INAUGURATION”,”width”:5472,”_id”:”BLIU7KX5LHN724V5V66CXEP5SA”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/Eor0T941LgANni7tqWM14s3wwuE=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BLIU7KX5LHN724V5V66CXEP5SA.JPG”,”comments”:[],”iptc_job_identifier”:”6007510ce14abe785df5bd56″,”keywords”:[“AJC Freelancer”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/Eor0T941LgANni7tqWM14s3wwuE=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BLIU7KX5LHN724V5V66CXEP5SA.JPG”,”takenOn”:”2021-01-20T19:59:02Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/BLIU7KX5LHN724V5V66CXEP5SA.JPG”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/Eor0T941LgANni7tqWM14s3wwuE=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BLIU7KX5LHN724V5V66CXEP5SA.JPG”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/LjDalT2vS53rHc9tLwtUShdH8Lg=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BLIU7KX5LHN724V5V66CXEP5SA.JPG”,”version”:3,”usage_instructions”:”AJC STAFF”,”originalName”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY_AP1.JPG”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”USBHXN4AGBFB7E2BK6RRO4RAAM”,”iptc_title”:”Visual Journalist”},”created_date”:”2021-01-21T14:34:22Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T23:35:10Z”,”slug”:”AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY”,”height”:3648,”image_type”:”photograph”},{“_id”:”Y6GJG3HOLJE67JRHHTGYEY3FL4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338489},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Paul Murphy, a 66-year-old farmer and manager at a poultry company, said he supported enough of Trump’s policies to be willing to put up with the former president’s name calling and weakness in fostering unity. But he didn’t buy into contentions that there was so much voter fraud that it changed who won the election. And what he considers Trump’s failure to quickly and forcefully speak out about the attack on Congress made him regret voting for him.”},{“_id”:”KCV5CO4LO5C4JCMGIKFBBUUH5I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338490},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“That deal in Washington when they stormed the Capitol, I was ashamed to be a Republican,” he said.”},{“_id”:”3DQBIQCPLZFLZLI4VHH5Y6J3UE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338491},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Democrats are too liberal for him, though. “I’ve always been a Republican. I’ve gotten to the point now that if there was a third party, I’d probably vote for them.””},{“_id”:”UZVZLVRYPRDCBAE2FT7POFTWVQ”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”VFYXQBQAFVCL7MDAZZRBVGNKJQ”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/atlantans-quietly-celebrate-bidens-inauguration/DGDT7QBABFALBE3QXLOW2JYNNM/”,”content”:”Atlanta quietly celebrates inauguration of Joe Biden”},{“_id”:”M6DDN6LLRVG6ZFCYD5YA36QS6M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338492},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Others interviewed also volunteered openness to voting for some party other than Democrats or Republicans.”},{“_id”:”FP2FDZADIBHC3K72HYPM7RJX2I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338493},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Banks County Republican Party Chairman Jerry Boling, a 77-year-old local farmer and businessman, predicts “only a very small group of people” would make such a move locally. “Some of those people are never happy with anything.””},{“_id”:”B7VJX65GMFCC5OCVDTU2JGUJQE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338494},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Republicans will regroup and come out the same in Banks, he said. More broadly, “the election is over, and Biden won. It is time to move on. There’s no point in looking back.” He is hopeful, though, that state legislators will tighten rules on absentee ballots.”},{“_id”:”7WLKBYXN6NBCTKGIK6K733KN2Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338495},”type”:”text”,”content”:”It’s not unusual for people to get uneasy when their party loses power.”},{“_id”:”7BHKNFXHHJDZZLOTHCM7TUQI7U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338496},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Financial planner Michael Housworth witnessed that when clients who are Democrats saw Trump win the presidency. They called wanting assurances about their investments. Now, Republicans are doing the same. “At the end of the day, half the country is going to be excited, and half the country is going be nervous.””},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{“locality”:”Homer”},”caption”:”01/20/2021 — Homer, Georgia —Banks County Rotary Club President Vicki Boling conducts a meeting at the Chimney Oaks Clubhouse in Homer, Wednesday January 20, 2021. (Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com)”,”source”:{“system”:”AJC Freelancer”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”edit_url”:”https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/3CDTYVUQG4DNVPOKS333SRWACE”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY_AP8.JPG”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:[“6007510ce14abe785df5bd56″],”seo_keywords”:[“AJC Freelancer”]},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”custom”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”category”:”wires”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/3CDTYVUQG4DNVPOKS333SRWACE.JPG”,”geo”:{},”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtype”:”Wires”,”subtitle”:”BANKS COUNTY INAUGURATION”,”width”:5472,”_id”:”3CDTYVUQG4DNVPOKS333SRWACE”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/YBuSVhAkJfXqMlgspUtoIRCQ7t4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/3CDTYVUQG4DNVPOKS333SRWACE.JPG”,”comments”:[],”iptc_job_identifier”:”6007510ce14abe785df5bd56″,”keywords”:[“AJC Freelancer”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/YBuSVhAkJfXqMlgspUtoIRCQ7t4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/3CDTYVUQG4DNVPOKS333SRWACE.JPG”,”takenOn”:”2021-01-20T18:11:42Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/3CDTYVUQG4DNVPOKS333SRWACE.JPG”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/YBuSVhAkJfXqMlgspUtoIRCQ7t4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/3CDTYVUQG4DNVPOKS333SRWACE.JPG”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/ezOuOjbaiWdshCT1fC6gwDADCiU=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/3CDTYVUQG4DNVPOKS333SRWACE.JPG”,”version”:2,”usage_instructions”:”AJC STAFF”,”originalName”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY_AP8.JPG”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”37ROJ4OSVRCA7LBB5CYAWU2KKY”,”iptc_title”:”Visual Journalist”},”created_date”:”2021-01-21T14:34:37Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T23:34:34Z”,”slug”:”AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY”,”height”:3648,”image_type”:”photograph”},{“_id”:”R3TYUA7OSZCPVEWNTB6VFWZF6Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338497},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He chatted before the start of a weekly gathering of the Banks County Rotary at a local golf club. The meeting started minutes after Biden was sworn in. TVs in the golf club’s neighboring grill were tuned to sports channels, not the events in Washington D.C.”},{“_id”:”H3FFFKW24RDZ7HKIMVVXC6W5EA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338498},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Rotarians were reminded that political talk wasn’t on the meeting agenda. At the end of the gathering, they recited Rotary’s “four-way test,” a guide for what Rotarians are supposed to strive for in what they think, say or do. “Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?””},{“_id”:”EMDTVFEMLBEKJO4KX2CB67VBII”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”NS63L4MLYRD4XOREVQJSAJGTQQ”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/inside-the-runoff-flips-how-ossoff-and-warnock-pulled-off-epic-victories/HMGWMOCWSRBFFN25UBBIZMNEAY/”,”content”:”Georgia Senate runoff: How Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock pulled off epic victories”},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{“locality”:”Homer”},”caption”:”Homer, Georgia — Pastor Richard Billingslea, a member of Banks County Rotary, said some members of his congregation at Hebron Presbyterian Church have wrestled with a lot of anxiety in the wake of the U.S. presidential elections. (Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com)”,”source”:{“system”:”AJC Freelancer”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”edit_url”:”https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/LBALN4GLAXBHYEVECTE7BD7EDQ”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY_AP10.JPG”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:[“6007510ce14abe785df5bd56″],”seo_keywords”:[“AJC Freelancer”]},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”custom”,”name”:”AJC Freelancer”,”category”:”wires”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/LBALN4GLAXBHYEVECTE7BD7EDQ.JPG”,”geo”:{},”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtype”:”Wires”,”subtitle”:”BANKS COUNTY INAUGURATION”,”width”:5472,”_id”:”LBALN4GLAXBHYEVECTE7BD7EDQ”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/Sq0L55XtAUGqAE3D2P3t876KYEA=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/LBALN4GLAXBHYEVECTE7BD7EDQ.JPG”,”comments”:[],”iptc_job_identifier”:”6007510ce14abe785df5bd56″,”keywords”:[“AJC Freelancer”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/Sq0L55XtAUGqAE3D2P3t876KYEA=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/LBALN4GLAXBHYEVECTE7BD7EDQ.JPG”,”takenOn”:”2021-01-20T19:03:40Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/LBALN4GLAXBHYEVECTE7BD7EDQ.JPG”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/Sq0L55XtAUGqAE3D2P3t876KYEA=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/LBALN4GLAXBHYEVECTE7BD7EDQ.JPG”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/sUBoMXdqR0U-BDaIr_sqa6N3XBE=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/LBALN4GLAXBHYEVECTE7BD7EDQ.JPG”,”version”:3,”usage_instructions”:”AJC STAFF”,”originalName”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/Freelancer/AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY_AP10.JPG”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”W53MEYXCTNANHCNFTLB2ULWSFI”,”iptc_title”:”Visual Journalist”},”created_date”:”2021-01-21T14:34:45Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T23:33:52Z”,”slug”:”AAJC 012321 ELX BANKS COUNTY”,”height”:3648,”image_type”:”photograph”},{“_id”:”KFMY4LFUYRDTLBYOHKTIPUJDSE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338499},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Rotary member Rick Billingslea, a former local chamber of commerce leader who is now pastor at the 225-year-old Hebron Presbyterian Church, confided later that he has long been frustrated by politicians from both major parties. In speeches, “they say, ‘blah, blah, blah and nasty, nasty, nasty.’ Then they turn around the next day and they talk about unity.””},{“_id”:”Y2WJ76RJ75ED3JNQEISSRXHTXY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338500},”type”:”text”,”content”:”There’s a lot of anxiety among some in his flock and happiness among others, depending on their political persuasions.”},{“_id”:”3ZIHOIY3PRDDDL4JICVJOHRDUE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338501},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“There’s more of a sense of urgency for us to find common ground instead of just getting our way,” the pastor said.”},{“_id”:”I2TIOYQ5DRHFTPOF5MIBGUU5FM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338502},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“The problem is we have paid people on both sides that are instigators. Some people thrive on chaos.””},{“_id”:”QCY62GQO5RHJREXWYYVRS4S3IE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338503},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He shared advice: “Stop. Take a breath.””},{“_id”:”TZH7KZFS35CETG5NEE6PRRGO6Q”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”2WU4C5P5PJCDTEVBMODWEU7NPU”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/inauguration-day-news-2021/”,”content”:”Inauguration of Joe Biden: Full coverage from the AJC”},{“_id”:”C276CKXJFFH77FQGSDPIBKQTKA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611266338504},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
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Nearly nine out of 10 voters in the county voted for Trump in the last general election and four years earlier. 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Because those votes were distributed among both candidates, the overall count was only five votes off from official results, with Ossoff losing four votes and Perdue gaining one.”},{“_id”:”PQKW7T5MRRC5NNPNG6XX5FCFP4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611269027292},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The audit doesn’t change the official results in Bartow, a mostly Republican county northwest of Atlanta where Perdue received 32,239 votes to Ossoff’s 10,735.”},{“_id”:”AKJ5CKYAHFCN5FRZPQNEVPYKDQ”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”QA33W4KTPVABFMTCUO74DWQ7JQ”},”type”:”raw_html”,”content”:”

Bartow audit report

rn“}],”display_date”:”2021-01-21T22:42:26.091Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Review of Senate votes finds similar results in test of Georgia system”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-21T22:42:26.091Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”elections-voting”},{“text”:”elections-senate”},{“text”:”bartow county”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-22T03:04:37.062Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/review-of-senate-votes-finds-similar-results-in-test-of-georgia-system/2T4ICXV335BGXAVGWZ2X63FXWQ/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”Stephen B. Morton for The Atlanta Journal Constitution”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”Stephen B. Morton”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Election Recount Chatham County”,”width”:4063,”caption”:”Poll watchers discuss a ballot as auditors sort ballots during an audit at the Chatham County Board of Elections Annex building, Saturday in Savannah, Ga. (AJC Photo/Stephen B. Morton)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/ZSQWNUO4WDPWBL7MUEE5WARU7U.jpg”,”height”:2709}},”_id”:”2T4ICXV335BGXAVGWZ2X63FXWQ”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”X6UJEPREFRGQ7NFQH53LCH4VC4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1598277352412},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Months after the General Assembly passed sweeping legislation to improve staffing, training and accountability in Georgia’s senior care homes, agencies are seeking to beef up the ranks of those tasked with making sure the state’s elderly are safe.”},{“_id”:”HPXT7TRCD5FABPR7YX3HKA3WVE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611258692845},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The state Department of Community Health has asked the state to allocate nearly $4.9 million more in its annual budget to pay contractors who inspect the state’s nursing homes.”},{“_id”:”BXQB2ULBX5HIJNBTVHWC5JALL4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611265711478},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgia often lags in completing standard inspections of nursing homes on time, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found last year, an issue that arose as COVID-19 has ripped through the facilities and killed thousands. DCH officials said then that they would hire contractors to help with the backlog of inspections.”},{“_id”:”4GB52XY35ZDFFFC7BBUQIXHBFM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611265711479},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The Department of Human Services is requesting almost $1 million to hire 13 additional Adult Protective Services caseworkers. There are currently 173 caseworkers on staff, DHS officials said.”},{“_id”:”VZS5AZGRWBB3HCRCHWDQNQEJSM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611260851031},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Last year, lawmakers passed legislation to address problems exposed in a 2019 investigative series published by the AJC. The series found nearly 700 cases where residents suffered from neglect or abuse in assisted living communities and large personal care homes across the state.”},{“_id”:”2AAIES5WPJC6NNK4ENFYMT2K6Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611265711481},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And a 2020 state audit found that Adult Protective Services investigators were taking too long to respond to urgent cases, such as when the elderly were going hungry or were sexually abused.”},{“_id”:”FZMCSNLLQ5BD7HFFUBNI6RQWYY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611265711482},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“These Adult Protective Services positions are critical to keep caseloads manageable for our staff who are going out to see clients in their homes to investigate increasingly difficult and complex cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation,” said Abby Cox, assistant deputy commissioner of aging services with the DHS. “Georgia’s population of older adults is growing, and as we continue our efforts to educate the public, law enforcement and other first responders on signs of abuse, more cases are being reported.””},{“_id”:”HGTPGVUO2RFRLMMBO2UHCT6QSQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611265711483},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Lisa Walker, the chief financial officer of the Department of Community Health, said the money for contractors would help alleviate the agency’s backlog of nursing home inspections.”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-21T22:02:32.606Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Budget requests boost focus on keeping older Georgians safe”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-21T22:02:32.606Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional 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“},{“_id”:”MBXZD7QVZNDOVJMHBN3OY7J6WU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611151526316},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Throughout the day, we shared news from our team in Washington, D.C., as well as updates on the roles Georgians played in the transition of power, and how Georgians reacted across the state.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”Fireworks explode over the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, as seen from Arlington, Va., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”3a075b0ab14e479cbf956eb1ee669d23″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/4M6NLVBS2GFYGK7EBJIFAAEKQA.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Cliff Owen”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:5161,”_id”:”4M6NLVBS2GFYGK7EBJIFAAEKQA”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/-bUQQhZqAr2E9poJ4vdW2yNrQbw=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4M6NLVBS2GFYGK7EBJIFAAEKQA.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/-bUQQhZqAr2E9poJ4vdW2yNrQbw=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4M6NLVBS2GFYGK7EBJIFAAEKQA.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/4M6NLVBS2GFYGK7EBJIFAAEKQA.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/-bUQQhZqAr2E9poJ4vdW2yNrQbw=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4M6NLVBS2GFYGK7EBJIFAAEKQA.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-20T03:36:07Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/HVAQ6q8zK81q4Vj5p5M9NJMUj4o=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4M6NLVBS2GFYGK7EBJIFAAEKQA.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”3a075b0ab14e479cbf956eb1ee669d23″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”GXGRFLLPXFFXRKAESMIH6IIAWY”},”created_date”:”2021-01-21T03:36:08Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T03:36:08Z”,”height”:3441},{“_id”:”TQQHFSWNXBESLIIYA3BQKXCSX4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611183638654},”type”:”text”,”content”:”6:25 pm – Shortly after taking the oath of office, Sen. Jon Ossoff shows off the book of Hebrew scripture he used for his swearing in and chats with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas.”},{“_id”:”WG7EA346RNBL5IXQXBB55PLPRU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611187522764},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Iris Weinshall, wife of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, stopped to say hello to newly sworn in Sen. Raphael Warnock.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033380}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/ajconwashington/status/1352032660802121728″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”CANDY2374JEIZHDZWMAXDBRMYE”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Tia Mitchell, AJC’s Washington Correspondent”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/ajconwashington/status/1352032660802121728″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/ajconwashington”,”width”:550,”html”:”

And now the first pics of Sen @ReverendWarnock after his swearing in. Iris Weinshall, @SenSchumer’s wife, stopped to say hello. pic.twitter.com/izGGhwBa0Z

— Tia Mitchell, AJC’s Washington Correspondent (@ajconwashington) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/ajconwashington/status/1352032660802121728″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033380},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”WS6KJZTG4VDI3HZLOSKSKYHCKQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611185351202},”type”:”text”,”content”:”5:35 pm – Sen. Raphael Warnock gave his first statement moments after he was sworn into the U.S. Senate – on what would have been his late father’s 104th birthday. It reads, in part:”},{“_id”:”ELCXNVVJ7ZCRTFCJ2I5WXE3OFQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611183638655},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Today, our country’s first Black, woman Vice President swore in (my father’s) son, Georgia’s first Black United States Senator. That this is even possible is a testament to the promise of our democracy and the covenant we share with one another as Americans. At the same time, our nation faces multiple crises brought into sharper focus by a once in a century pandemic. Congress must get to work immediately to overcome the challenges impacting the lives and livelihoods of Georgians, and people across the country.””},{“_id”:”7OBB4AYJOFFIPPMP3WVFY4F7JY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611183638656},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Warnock also posted a message much like that of President Biden earlier in the day, promising to work for all Georgians, no matter how they voted in the election.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033384}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/ReverendWarnock/status/1351994155833184262″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”6LYSNYEWQFAUPDHKPPPHM63Z7E”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/ReverendWarnock/status/1351994155833184262″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/ReverendWarnock”,”width”:550,”html”:”

As I’m sworn in today, know that I will be a senator for all Georgians. Whether or not you voted for me, I’ll carry your hopes and concerns to Washington. pic.twitter.com/t0yxodr9ll

— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/ReverendWarnock/status/1351994155833184262″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033384},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”3PIVJQ4LGRDTDIBW6BK6JXDESY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611183638658},”type”:”text”,”content”:”5:30 pm – As the day wound down, Georgia’s Jason Zgonc, a 12-year-old trumpet player from Decatur, represented the state as a “community hero” in the Parade Across America. 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Congratulations, President @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris. Democracy has indeed prevailed, the voices of the people have been heard and we march forward working toward progress for our nation. #InaugurationDay

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/staceyabrams/status/1351946857212162054″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033388},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”6UO3U5QBMJEPJPPMVM7ATHAWPQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036676},”type”:”text”,”content”:”4:55 pm – The senior Republican of Georgia’s congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, released a statement reacting to the day’s events. He thanked the National Guard for their work protecting the Capitol and offered a note of unity to the new administration:”},{“_id”:”W6YJKI42EFCCJN5VW5Q62LAPBQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036677},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“This morning, I attended the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol to bear witness to the American tradition of a peaceful transfer of power, and I’d like to extend formal congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.”},{“_id”:”CQOIPXZM7ZEJDNTZHZEI463V5Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036678},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“President Biden has vowed to work for all Americans, and if he holds to that promise, America will prosper. More unites us than divides us as Americans, and I will continue to fight for policies that make our state and country a better place for everyone.””},{“_id”:”K5DXPDIOWJA2REBFTV5FWKODWQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036679},”type”:”text”,”content”:”4:50 pm – Vice President Kamala Harris swears in Jon Ossoff, the Rev. Raphael Warnock, and California’s Alex Padilla at the same time. All three are now U.S. senators.”},{“owner”:{“sponsored”:false,”id”:”ajc”},”address”:{},”syndication”:{},”caption”:”Georgia’s Rev. Raphael Warnock, left, and Jon Ossoff, right, are sworn into the Senate along with Alex Padilla of California on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Video image from C-SPAN)”,”source”:{“system”:”photo center”,”name”:”AJC”,”edit_url”:”https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/ACFPZYUFRRFTDLLQ4BI37OGOTQ”,”source_type”:”staff”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:[]},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019″},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/ACFPZYUFRRFTDLLQ4BI37OGOTQ.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:[]},”subtitle”:”Warnock Ossoff Senate”,”width”:1600,”_id”:”ACFPZYUFRRFTDLLQ4BI37OGOTQ”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/YSJwBrs3Q_4UMP88NKZjAx_vmrM=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/ACFPZYUFRRFTDLLQ4BI37OGOTQ.jpg”,”owner”:”sandra.brown@ajc.com”,”comments”:[],”keywords”:[“”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/YSJwBrs3Q_4UMP88NKZjAx_vmrM=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/ACFPZYUFRRFTDLLQ4BI37OGOTQ.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/ACFPZYUFRRFTDLLQ4BI37OGOTQ.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/YSJwBrs3Q_4UMP88NKZjAx_vmrM=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/ACFPZYUFRRFTDLLQ4BI37OGOTQ.jpg”,”ingestionMethod”:”manual”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/mj5TAKFenigYHf7rLrsddo8ALRI=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/ACFPZYUFRRFTDLLQ4BI37OGOTQ.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”warnock ossoff senate.jpg”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”template_id”:594,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”YUYR4UEDARFI5KGDIFXNFPTIUQ”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T22:12:23Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T22:12:23Z”,”height”:930,”image_type”:”photograph”},{“_id”:”CAJQCXOL7NHSDPAZRBDXQCUJWA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036681},”type”:”text”,”content”:”4:30 pm – The Senate gavels into session with a prayer from Senate Chaplain Barry Black. “Let the healing begin,” he prays.”},{“_id”:”ZUGNEPMDNJBNZCK5FFKZTKMLUA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036682},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The Senate will be under Republican control, with a GOP as presiding officer, for about 20 more minutes, when Jon Ossoff, the Rev. Raphael Warnock, and California’s Alex Padilla will be sworn in as the chamber’s newest members and give Democrats a 50-50 majority, since Vice President Harris is now the tie-breaking vote.”},{“_id”:”IXC32HYLHZDJFJBIP7TVTBZLEE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036683},”type”:”text”,”content”:”4:10 pm – Moments before he is sworn in as Georgia’s senior U.S. senator, Jon Ossoff spoke with Greg Bluestein told the AJC’s Greg Bluestein about what he sees as his task ahead.”},{“_id”:”R2RY4HDM5RGWDO33OIZXG6MNZI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036684},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I really had to step back and reflect on what an extraordinary opportunity this is to do good — and the obligation I have to make the most of it. That’s exactly what I was feeling up there. I can’t waste a minute that’s available to do good.””},{“_id”:”67WRXITARJFVBBNCIZ4LJUKYEM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036685},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Ossoff attended the inauguration with his wife, Dr. Alisha Kramer, who is an OB-GYN resident in Atlanta.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033399}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/ossoff/status/1351967951746985988″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”KL3Y3OPMMFDYPIR32MFC64CR7I”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Jon Ossoff”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/ossoff/status/1351967951746985988″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/ossoff”,”width”:550,”html”:”

pic.twitter.com/qOqvnbwzvx

— Jon Ossoff (@ossoff) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/ossoff/status/1351967951746985988″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033399},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”XDILC7NANFEUXDGNNV2S52UBHU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181036687},”type”:”text”,”content”:”3:51 pm – President Joe Biden arrives at the White House for the first time as president (below). Waiting for Biden when he gets to the Oval Office will be a number of executive orders for his signature. The orders address a range of issues and dealing with everything from combatting COVID-19 to climate change and reestablishing America’s traditional diplomatic role in the world.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hug as they arrive at the North Portico of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”098e2413881343d6af3ab24e05388c90″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/W64DKZVHNOXPB6XX24BTXWY32Q.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Alex Brandon”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:3881,”_id”:”W64DKZVHNOXPB6XX24BTXWY32Q”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/ljxv_sjHl6zCWYeT8T8RixpUNS0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/W64DKZVHNOXPB6XX24BTXWY32Q.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/ljxv_sjHl6zCWYeT8T8RixpUNS0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/W64DKZVHNOXPB6XX24BTXWY32Q.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/W64DKZVHNOXPB6XX24BTXWY32Q.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/ljxv_sjHl6zCWYeT8T8RixpUNS0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/W64DKZVHNOXPB6XX24BTXWY32Q.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T21:01:05Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/AqQmylTuC6wd1chZqo9rWll0Nag=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/W64DKZVHNOXPB6XX24BTXWY32Q.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”098e2413881343d6af3ab24e05388c90″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”PSGYVT77WJERVPPWOA4MLXTNII”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T21:01:06Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T21:01:06Z”,”height”:2587},{“_id”:”ADMBNSYOMRFEZNADIARHH6R5DY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502903},”type”:”text”,”content”:”3:30 pm – The traditional inaugural parade, with a virtual twist, is underway, with performers from all 50 states, including 12 year-old Decatur trumpeter Jason Zgonc. The Parade Across America will honor “community heroes” from across the country.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”Vice President Kamala Harris, and her husband Doug Emhoff, ride during the Inauguration Day Parade Route in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, after being sworn in as the 46th vice president of the United States. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”daaf2a82ff5349cebbc0cc67f3702356″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/I2NIKL5Y3FKEZCN43535W6TVOY.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Jacquelyn Martin”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration Harris”,”width”:6000,”_id”:”I2NIKL5Y3FKEZCN43535W6TVOY”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/V-P8Kzntf0uPmaHFOIMtMzRKdYo=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/I2NIKL5Y3FKEZCN43535W6TVOY.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/V-P8Kzntf0uPmaHFOIMtMzRKdYo=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/I2NIKL5Y3FKEZCN43535W6TVOY.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/I2NIKL5Y3FKEZCN43535W6TVOY.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/V-P8Kzntf0uPmaHFOIMtMzRKdYo=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/I2NIKL5Y3FKEZCN43535W6TVOY.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T20:46:05Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/JmHrUzEZEagldvfn-0bUSLlIXnk=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/I2NIKL5Y3FKEZCN43535W6TVOY.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”daaf2a82ff5349cebbc0cc67f3702356″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”5FJZD5SNQJGBHI7FOEPB4GZHTQ”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T20:46:07Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T20:46:07Z”,”height”:4000},{“_id”:”VAEEKAI6SFG3TGQBWTI7DYJONA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502904},”type”:”text”,”content”:”We featured Zgonc last spring, when he took his trumpet each evening to serenade the health care workers at Emory Decatur Hospital as they changed shifts caring for COVID patients.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”President Joe Biden, second from left, and first lady Jill Biden, left, join Vice President Kamala Harris, second from right and and her husband Douglas Emhoff, right, after they were sworn into office during the inauguration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Rod Lamkey/Pool Photo via AP)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”4a585284c49c44358512b9474ffbd6b5″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/UEIV23Z53FTSEQ37X5HF5D3J6Y.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Rod Lamkey”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:4000,”_id”:”UEIV23Z53FTSEQ37X5HF5D3J6Y”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/ecFsAPekwXCvZCstPgvaGJFlGmk=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/UEIV23Z53FTSEQ37X5HF5D3J6Y.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/ecFsAPekwXCvZCstPgvaGJFlGmk=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/UEIV23Z53FTSEQ37X5HF5D3J6Y.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/UEIV23Z53FTSEQ37X5HF5D3J6Y.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/ecFsAPekwXCvZCstPgvaGJFlGmk=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/UEIV23Z53FTSEQ37X5HF5D3J6Y.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T20:21:02Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/VwhtU16sSl13qmRO0LWs64bN16U=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/UEIV23Z53FTSEQ37X5HF5D3J6Y.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”4a585284c49c44358512b9474ffbd6b5″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”G5XUCLZZUFGVFIAUFQJLRZTMJI”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T20:21:04Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T20:21:04Z”,”height”:2667},{“_id”:”33H7N7WFBNFQBF4QJGGS7GCDJA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153394415},”type”:”text”,”content”:”3:05 pm – U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter echoes a portion of Biden’s message from earlier today. “Now more than ever, America needs unity to address the challenges we face,” Carter tweeted.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033407}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/RepBuddyCarter/status/1351977799565914117″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”HLTDMXMKCVAHLAFVW5O5YKWY6E”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Buddy Carter”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/RepBuddyCarter/status/1351977799565914117″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/RepBuddyCarter”,”width”:550,”html”:”

pic.twitter.com/8P6jKDHA1m

— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/RepBuddyCarter/status/1351977799565914117″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033407},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”FMKMWCFDCJHPTF7Q7BJNVOJGKU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502908},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The outlier from the many messages of unity today is U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who did not attend the inauguration and who has called for Biden’s impeachment, even when he held no government office.”},{“_id”:”Q3T4Y5ULBBH4VCO4JWJVIIGC7M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502909},”type”:”text”,”content”:”2:50 pm – As President Biden and Vice President Harris visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (pictured above), a reader reminds us that another Georgian, Carlyn Reichel, will be senior director for speechwriting and strategic initiatives for the Biden administration’s National Security Council.”},{“_id”:”EFNMBGPEV5H7FCFSIQ3PH3FLXA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502910},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Reichel was director of speechwriting and foreign policy director on Biden’s presidential campaign. And way back in 2001, she was the Rome High School Class valedictorian.”},{“_id”:”W4YMMHGX3ZEYJKWNH3CJRICHBU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502911},”type”:”text”,”content”:”2:35 pm – U.S. Rep. Jody Hice posts this message about President Biden today:”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033412}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/CongressmanHice/status/1351957028269416449″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”X2GI35G2TJA4BDZE7ZNFJ4DPSU”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Rep. Jody Hice”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/CongressmanHice/status/1351957028269416449″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/CongressmanHice”,”width”:550,”html”:”

Despite all that divides us, we are still the UNITED States of America.

I pray to God that @POTUS Joe Biden will keep his word to protect the rights of ALL Americans, no matter their political ideologies.

May God bless America and all who love and serve her!

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

— Rep. Jody Hice (@CongressmanHice) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/CongressmanHice/status/1351957028269416449″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033412},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”UIIGRC2FHZGSTM7PV4WC5BKXCI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502913},”type”:”text”,”content”:”2:20 pm – The new staff of the Biden administration has now been allowed into the West Wing to unpack their boxes and get to work.”},{“_id”:”N7RBMZI5IRGGNNPBRUIYA6K3CI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502914},”type”:”text”,”content”:”One top staffer will be White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield. The Atlanta native attended Sandy Springs Middle School and Riverwood High School and now oversees the White House’s first all-female communications team.”},{“_id”:”HIYZVLXNOBCK3CCJHCCK4VJ57E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502915},”type”:”text”,”content”:”White House press secretary is expected to hold her first on-camera press briefing from the White House briefing room later today.”},{“_id”:”77DWIARCFVBX7J3ZZJRAYC2VFI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502916},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Bedingfield posted a message to Twitter earlier Wednesday about the work ahead.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033417}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/KBeds/status/1351869720140640256″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”DTX5A4W3G5HZRBYL6TPALQSU3M”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Kate Bedingfield”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/KBeds/status/1351869720140640256″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/KBeds”,”width”:550,”html”:”

Good morning. With hope and courage in our hearts, we embark on a journey today to turn the page and reclaim the soul of our nation. It will be hard and there will be setbacks — but it’s a new day. I’m grateful this morning for every single American on this journey with us.

— Kate Bedingfield (@KBeds) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/KBeds/status/1351869720140640256″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033417},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”OFBK5OVHHNDEZOGYTVQAUEZEMQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502918},”type”:”text”,”content”:”2:15 pm – President Biden has now taken over the @POTUS Twitter account. Here is his first official tweet:”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033419}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1351946842838347776″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”NOWFJA2U7VHHVM525YKOGU5N6U”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”President Biden”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1351946842838347776″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/POTUS”,”width”:550,”html”:”

There is no time to waste when it comes to tackling the crises we face. That’s why today, I am heading to the Oval Office to get right to work delivering bold action and immediate relief for American families.

— President Biden (@POTUS) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1351946842838347776″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033419},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”ICOGX6UY7BDDLLMNOFLKTK4ZTM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502920},”type”:”text”,”content”:”2:10 pm – Members of Georgia’s delegation from both parties attended Biden’s swearing in today. A snap from Rep. David Scott earlier.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033421}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/repdavidscott/status/1351913023137591296″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”KWCH2LZFTJDMTFADKDVMSFZE3E”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”David Scott”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/repdavidscott/status/1351913023137591296″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/repdavidscott”,”width”:550,”html”:”

Excited to witness the historic inauguration of President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris here in Washington today. Together we’ll work to build a better future for the American people. pic.twitter.com/yFeSVD9oD1

— David Scott (@repdavidscott) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/repdavidscott/status/1351913023137591296″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033421},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”ENECQOLCBVGY5IXM54RZ5EEJ3E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611174502922},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
“},{“_id”:”KPQYWT5TVNCQNO26Y7WB3YJCQU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770741},”type”:”text”,”content”:”2:00 pm – The main event is over for most Americans, but Georgia still has two new U.S. senators to be sworn in later today – about two and a half hours from now.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033424}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/ossoff/status/1351967310505005057″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”CFQQ2PLTMZFMJEHGZJLCOHIMGQ”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Jon Ossoff”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/ossoff/status/1351967310505005057″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/ossoff”,”width”:550,”html”:”

Now representing Georgia 💪 pic.twitter.com/M1r6Gq2c4P

— Jon Ossoff (@ossoff) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/ossoff/status/1351967310505005057″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033424},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”RAQ5NHXVDVEC5HNRJO3M7PRXHA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770743},”type”:”text”,”content”:”1:50 pm – From Rep. Calvin Smyre, the longest serving member of the Georgia House and a voice of leadership in the chamber for both parties, about today’s events:”},{“_id”:”NOSNRHG4NBBJPHU6E73E6OOFTQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770744},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“Inaugurations in America are longtime majestic traditions and a necessary core of our democracy. The peaceful transfer of power in these United States. The words “We the people” remain a sacred honor of our constitution in seeking a more perfect Union.”},{“_id”:”FSQAHJTYNJBNBPR6Y7MBPIRPJM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770745},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In the strong words of President Joe Biden, “Inaugurations should not be a celebration of a campaign but a celebration of a cause.” During these perilous times America is bruised, the significant cause on today should be bringing America back together. America needs a healing process.”},{“_id”:”BCMSCCTEH5F5DDN555RUUQNUOQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770746},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We the people” can play the leading role in that process. History tells me that America has met its many challenges through the years and we can overcome challenges facing us today. We must put Unite back into United States. In my mind it starts today for the world is watching us.””},{“_id”:”65S6X4BD4JBURF2CEBDSIH6K64″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770747},”type”:”text”,”content”:”1:45 pm – Reactions to the inauguration are coming in, including from Republican lawmakers from Georgia. U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk thanked former president Donald Trump, but also offered a word of congratulations to President Joe Biden.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033430}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/RepLoudermilk/status/1351958917291642880″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”ZTRTW47R45BJLF2JFCD6ESXU4Y”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Rep. Barry Loudermilk”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/RepLoudermilk/status/1351958917291642880″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/RepLoudermilk”,”width”:550,”html”:”

[3/3] I congratulate Joe Biden, the 46th President, and encourage him and his Administration to work with me and my colleagues in Congress to ensure the rights of all Americans are equally protected.

— Rep. Barry Loudermilk (@RepLoudermilk) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/RepLoudermilk/status/1351958917291642880″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033430},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”C5JCW4GT7RC3PJHG5H4BIG6YBA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275657},”type”:”text”,”content”:”12:30 pm – As the events unfold in Washington, Georgians are celebrating the inauguration with backyard viewings and DIY inaugural balls.”},{“_id”:”NN4VCKDPPNHJZACYHHPETOD33U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275658},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Wearing inauguration t-shirts, pearls and Chuck Taylor Converse shoes, a group of five women, friends for 15 years, planned to raise Bahama Mamas and beer to toast to Vice President Kamala Harris.”},{“_id”:”NN4VCKDPPNHJZACYHHPETOD33U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275659},”type”:”text”,”content”:””We had hoped four years ago to do this celebration and we did not get to. So this has been four years in the making. We are beyond excited to have a woman as our first vice-president,” said Amy Bryant, 46, who set up a red, white and blue-themed spread of apple pie and ice cream, chicken salad and fruit and veggie platters.”},{“_id”:”NN4VCKDPPNHJZACYHHPETOD33U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275660},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We are super excited to watch that history and excited to watch Biden,” she said.”},{“_id”:”P6BMJ3BKAND2JGRJNFWHEQ7CGM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275661},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Bryant knows some of her fellow Americans are not celebrating as she is, including members of her own family, but she believes Biden has the experience and understanding to make a difference.”},{“_id”:”RANKGJCSORHXND46HOAVCPJWPI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275662},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I do believe in unity and I think the division in this country in the last couple of years has been very hard,” she said. “I think (Biden) will come in today and try to bring everyone together.””},{“_id”:”ZN6KHV5IWBDKRGB5TZOXMI63CA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770755},”type”:”text”,”content”:”- by Nedra Rhone”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”12c02eaed724492aab0c436e493cc5b9″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/WXOL6PBMKVDY6LKWUQQMANTILY.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Patrick Semansky”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:5451,”_id”:”WXOL6PBMKVDY6LKWUQQMANTILY”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/JI-FT_kbjnJ0CJFdHwOgxm0-Eg0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/WXOL6PBMKVDY6LKWUQQMANTILY.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/JI-FT_kbjnJ0CJFdHwOgxm0-Eg0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/WXOL6PBMKVDY6LKWUQQMANTILY.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/WXOL6PBMKVDY6LKWUQQMANTILY.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/JI-FT_kbjnJ0CJFdHwOgxm0-Eg0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/WXOL6PBMKVDY6LKWUQQMANTILY.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T17:16:00Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/ulGqGZzXXbZNjY8zYvrClVTUhOc=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/WXOL6PBMKVDY6LKWUQQMANTILY.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”12c02eaed724492aab0c436e493cc5b9″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”DYKHUGRU4BDZDCRTA5YPOPJBQE”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T17:16:01Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T17:16:01Z”,”height”:3634},{“_id”:”DP5NFZWCEZE5JJTFDQLLE5LNAY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275664},”type”:”text”,”content”:”12:21 pm -With what is sure to be an iconic moment in American inaugural history, poet Amanda Gorman, 22, electrifies the audience with her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” which reads in part:”},{“_id”:”OCLRTSU26BHONA47GZJIBJLJZM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275665},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it,”},{“_id”:”4647ZZEWX5BXNDHB4MWO7A2YHY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275666},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.”},{“_id”:”D44ASFXAS5BHZJPW2ETRBZ3YSQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275667},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And this effort very nearly succeeded.”},{“_id”:”TLDMIIJSJJC5RHHELSADKBZNPQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275668},”type”:”text”,”content”:”But while democracy can be periodically delayed,”},{“_id”:”JO6HCMHWNJHDTP4DUAVC3ISUMY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275669},”type”:”text”,”content”:”It can never be permanently defeated.”},{“_id”:”HDWWDIOUN5DFBCPWTKBLHE7AEY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275670},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In this truth, in this faith, we trust.””},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”American poet Amanda Gorman reads a poem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”0700e0ab0e4546628efad5e948505805″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/PDHA6JSYWRDQDBF63EOIUBO5EY.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Patrick Semansky”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:4664,”_id”:”PDHA6JSYWRDQDBF63EOIUBO5EY”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/3p8IuzK7zRjzDlleoXaootfyoMA=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/PDHA6JSYWRDQDBF63EOIUBO5EY.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/3p8IuzK7zRjzDlleoXaootfyoMA=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/PDHA6JSYWRDQDBF63EOIUBO5EY.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/PDHA6JSYWRDQDBF63EOIUBO5EY.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/3p8IuzK7zRjzDlleoXaootfyoMA=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/PDHA6JSYWRDQDBF63EOIUBO5EY.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T17:46:01Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/SrAglF69jUKv5zw-J9boMjmNGuU=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/PDHA6JSYWRDQDBF63EOIUBO5EY.jpg”,”version”:1,”originalName”:”0700e0ab0e4546628efad5e948505805″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”OINU2NQLHJCIHLLJRGRKINDDAI”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T17:46:02Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T17:52:07Z”,”height”:3109},{“_id”:”WCBNJLAVL5D7LIAXHAX2Z6LNFI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275672},”type”:”text”,”content”:”As Tim Darnell reported, with her reading, Gorman is continuing a tradition of Democratic presidents including poetry readings in their inaugural ceremony. President John F. Kennedy featured Robert Frost, while Maya Angelou spoke at the inauguration of Bill Clinton. Gorman is the youngest ever to have the honor.”},{“_id”:”6OVBDO7QBVCVNJWBRQEQSRHYKI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275673},”type”:”text”,”content”:”12:10 – In his inaugural address, President Joe Biden avoided the typical bucket list of plans, policies and priorities that so many new presidents rattle off heading into their four years ahead.”},{“_id”:”NZVIS26IHBDQ7HDIUWTKUF56YY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275674},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Instead, Biden called on the American people to rise to the singular challenge of uniting to work together to meet the nation’s unique and historic challenges of COVID-19 and extremism.”},{“_id”:”2FFUBIMFF5B2BPLG43VEBZYKCA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275675},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“To overcome the challenges to restore the soul and secure the future America requires so much more than words,” Biden said. “It requires the most elusive all things in a democracy. Unity. Unity.””},{“_id”:”NVJJCP4MHZG2XBNO2XTRZVPSIQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275676},”type”:”text”,”content”:”12:05 – While official Washington gathered to swear-in the new president, former president Donald Trump landed at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida to start their new lives away from the White House.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Greg Lovett/The Palm Beach Post via AP)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”25e10951a6014d46a9a64d029254b994″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/CEFNIY6ISR6KKK3GPL4HSVNBBU.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Greg Lovett”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Trump”,”width”:4680,”_id”:”CEFNIY6ISR6KKK3GPL4HSVNBBU”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/AodboeHfhklk58tUG5DjoY5T3Q4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/CEFNIY6ISR6KKK3GPL4HSVNBBU.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/AodboeHfhklk58tUG5DjoY5T3Q4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/CEFNIY6ISR6KKK3GPL4HSVNBBU.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/CEFNIY6ISR6KKK3GPL4HSVNBBU.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/AodboeHfhklk58tUG5DjoY5T3Q4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/CEFNIY6ISR6KKK3GPL4HSVNBBU.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T17:20:59Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/Q7yGwYdJuMjdNhsa-khP_0dpVJ0=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/CEFNIY6ISR6KKK3GPL4HSVNBBU.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”25e10951a6014d46a9a64d029254b994″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”DCMFRPIVEZCCBHRWKGLLV3UXQI”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T17:21:00Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T17:21:00Z”,”height”:2986},{“_id”:”WE27CJKGJFB77DNOYBTXQKXYLU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275678},”type”:”text”,”content”:”12:00 pm – The new administration isn’t welcome news for all Georgians, especially the ones who supported former President Trump.”},{“_id”:”7GJFKMK4BZE7DAOISBP3JEM7OM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275679},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Since November, Meredith Davidenko has been in tears off and on. On Wednesday, she turned on the television at 8 a.m. at home in Cumming to watch President Trump board Air Force One as he left the White House. She had planned to be there in person. “I had no doubt in my mind I would be going for Trump’s inauguration,” said Davidenko, 49 of Cumming, who attended the presidential inauguration in 2016.”},{“_id”:”CKOGV2FAUBAQLPI2FS4F5IEFJU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275680},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I canceled (hotel reservations) the day of the rally at the Capitol. That is when I realized this was over and I need to accept that he is not going to be our president.””},{“_id”:”UDU3CDPL4NCETMRPCGEBLWLYHI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275681},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Trump brought people together, Davidenko said, but the country has since become too divided because of the election. She feels Biden has his work cut out for him.”},{“_id”:”MA2V6G62CVHUBJJJU7A2TITDWU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275682},”type”:”text”,”content”:””I think everybody just wants the same thing which is the best for our country. I don’t know how you make that happen,” Davidenko said.”},{“_id”:”6UR6M4CSKJA7VDVGDK33PFT2YA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275683},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I pray for him and his administration that he is doing the best thing for America always.” But for her, today is a somber day. “I will be tears in the beers,” she said.”},{“_id”:”B53ZSUEHJJFSBEP6OFEPETVPZ4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275684},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden said in his address WEdnesday, “I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as I will for those who did.””},{“_id”:”PYRRMK3CKJDWJMLPKGZ7QEYQLY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770778},”type”:”text”,”content”:”-by Nedra Rhone”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”address”:{},”imageId”:”OPXTGEN6TSDOOLI6EKA264F3Y4″,”tooltip”:{“displayDate”:”2021-01-20″,”locality”:null,”photographer”:”Patrick Semansky”,”distributor_name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”title”:”Biden Inauguration”,”usage_instructions”:null},”caption”:”President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool)”,”source”:{“system”:”photo center”,”edit_url”:”https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/GYSAWNDNHVESPPNZV7EDJHCICQ”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/GYSAWNDNHVESPPNZV7EDJHCICQ”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Patrick Semansky”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”ingestImageToAnglerfish”:true,”width”:1920,”_id”:”GYSAWNDNHVESPPNZV7EDJHCICQ”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/PFyuM9q-rUeOsV9fauYHQtOpWVI=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/GYSAWNDNHVESPPNZV7EDJHCICQ”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/PFyuM9q-rUeOsV9fauYHQtOpWVI=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/GYSAWNDNHVESPPNZV7EDJHCICQ”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/GYSAWNDNHVESPPNZV7EDJHCICQ”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/PFyuM9q-rUeOsV9fauYHQtOpWVI=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/GYSAWNDNHVESPPNZV7EDJHCICQ”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/DmWpEzkiUDgsnI-IkHI5gMa53jM=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/GYSAWNDNHVESPPNZV7EDJHCICQ”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”63c869fb29da4a099f50b537acdf5021″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”E5J5MIDF5ZH65MGSXI54GOPIKY”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T18:37:10Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T18:37:10Z”,”height”:1080},{“_id”:”QY3MKAOGLVAEBCNMHWU2WPNYYA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275685},”type”:”text”,”content”:”11:51 am – “Today, we celebrate the triumph, not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of Democracy,” Biden says as he begins his inaugural address. “The people, the will of the people, has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded. We’ve learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, democracy has prevailed.””},{“_id”:”ATJKQYCDZFFXRGY4SDOE757X4A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611166038865},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden also thanks the former presidents who attended “for their presence here today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” Biden says, “and I know the resilience of our Constitution and strength of our nation, as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be here with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.””},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”copyright”:”2021 Los Angeles Times”,”address”:{“street_address”:”U.S. Capitol”,”locality”:”Washington “,”country_name”:”USA”,”region”:”DC”},”caption”:”President Joe Biden delivers his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 46th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS)”,”source”:{“system”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”name”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”edit_url”:”https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/VYWSRZZX47WTUZJG2WAH652RG4″,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/MCT/US-NEWS-BIDEN-CORONAVIRUS-LA.jpg”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:[],”tags”:[{“description”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”text”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”slug”:”McClatchy-Tribune”}]},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”custom”,”name”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”category”:”wires”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/VYWSRZZX47WTUZJG2WAH652RG4.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”TNS”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”Kent Nishimura”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtype”:”Wires”,”subtitle”:”US-NEWS-BIDEN-CORONAVIRUS-LA”,”width”:5071,”_id”:”VYWSRZZX47WTUZJG2WAH652RG4″,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/LmFXnM7Bs8KTBcSBr3TG7iXP1cw=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/VYWSRZZX47WTUZJG2WAH652RG4.jpg”,”iptc_source”:”Los Angeles Times”,”comments”:[],”iptc_job_identifier”:”6504872W”,”keywords”:[“inauguration”,”politics”,”politicts”,”president”,”protest”,”McClatchy Tribune”,”USA”,”United States”,”U.S. Capitol”,”Joe Biden”,”Washington”,”DC”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/LmFXnM7Bs8KTBcSBr3TG7iXP1cw=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/VYWSRZZX47WTUZJG2WAH652RG4.jpg”,”takenOn”:”2021-01-18T01:49:18Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/VYWSRZZX47WTUZJG2WAH652RG4.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/LmFXnM7Bs8KTBcSBr3TG7iXP1cw=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/VYWSRZZX47WTUZJG2WAH652RG4.jpg”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/8OyncPsLFwdqYCkEnTiuf23yRzk=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/VYWSRZZX47WTUZJG2WAH652RG4.jpg”,”version”:1,”countryId”:227,”usage_instructions”:”ORANGE COUNTY OUT NO MAGAZINE SALES”,”originalName”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/MCT/US-NEWS-BIDEN-CORONAVIRUS-LA.jpg”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”XQJPQWL6EVFKHIWULUNQGIDGJQ”,”iptc_title”:”Staff Photographer”},”created_date”:”2021-01-21T01:01:03Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T01:01:04Z”,”slug”:”US-NEWS-BIDEN-CORONAVIRUS-LA”,”height”:3381},{“_id”:”3Z7UJIRNCFGGRGXYTANL7BHW7A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275687},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden said he spoke to the former president on Tuesday night and saluted “his lifetime of service.” Carter, now 96, announced in early January that he would be unable to attend the inauguration.”},{“_id”:”5SEXDU3CWFGX5BMDC4HT5EOEN4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611224850915},”type”:”text”,”content”:”On Wednesday, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library reacted to photos of Carter’s inauguration 44 years ago today.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033467}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/CarterLibrary/status/1351992989866979335″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”NNRU56J2ZJB7JBSFOR3C2WRPDI”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Jimmy Carter Presidential Library”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/CarterLibrary/status/1351992989866979335″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/CarterLibrary”,”width”:550,”html”:”

Neat! https://t.co/1oAHtUYV3U

— Jimmy Carter Presidential Library (@CarterLibrary) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/CarterLibrary/status/1351992989866979335″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033467},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”IXVEGFRBFREYBC3IZEV653O6WA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275688},”type”:”text”,”content”:”11:51 am – Joe Biden has become the 46th president of the United States. In east Atlanta, pots and pans could be heard clanging to celebrate the moment on front porches and in driveways.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”copyright”:”2021 Los Angeles Times”,”address”:{“street_address”:”U.S. Capitol”,”locality”:”Washington “,”country_name”:”USA”,”region”:”DC”},”caption”:”President Joe Biden takes the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as his wife, first lady Jill Biden, stands next to him during the 59th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS)”,”source”:{“system”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”name”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”edit_url”:”https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/V5SSMAL5QJBVV7XXCOVSNCHF3U”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/MCT/BIZ-STUDENT-LOANS-BIDEN-LA.jpg”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”taxonomy”:{“associated_tasks”:[],”tags”:[{“description”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”text”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”slug”:”McClatchy-Tribune”}]},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”custom”,”name”:”McClatchy Tribune”,”category”:”wires”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/V5SSMAL5QJBVV7XXCOVSNCHF3U.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“affiliation”:[{“name”:”TNS”,”type”:”author”}],”by”:[{“name”:”Kent Nishimura”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtype”:”Wires”,”subtitle”:”BIZ-STUDENT-LOANS-BIDEN-LA”,”width”:6000,”_id”:”V5SSMAL5QJBVV7XXCOVSNCHF3U”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/ecdOumDwnIR0lb1hU7a1QqAi0nM=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/V5SSMAL5QJBVV7XXCOVSNCHF3U.jpg”,”iptc_source”:”Los Angeles Times”,”comments”:[],”iptc_job_identifier”:”6515091W”,”keywords”:[“inauguration”,”politics”,”politicts”,”president”,”protest”,”McClatchy Tribune”,”USA”,”United States”,”Joe Biden”,”Harris”,”Washington”,”U.S. Capitol”,”Kamala”,”DC”],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/ecdOumDwnIR0lb1hU7a1QqAi0nM=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/V5SSMAL5QJBVV7XXCOVSNCHF3U.jpg”,”takenOn”:”2021-01-18T01:49:18Z”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/V5SSMAL5QJBVV7XXCOVSNCHF3U.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/ecdOumDwnIR0lb1hU7a1QqAi0nM=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/V5SSMAL5QJBVV7XXCOVSNCHF3U.jpg”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/DnyMe-FWY-s3z9DVS4QHikU4FRY=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/V5SSMAL5QJBVV7XXCOVSNCHF3U.jpg”,”version”:1,”countryId”:227,”usage_instructions”:”ORANGE COUNTY OUT NO MAGAZINE SALES”,”originalName”:”s3://ajc-arc-photo-integration/MCT/BIZ-STUDENT-LOANS-BIDEN-LA.jpg”,”mime_type”:”image/jpeg”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”XTXOZ5LKAZFS3PIKB4WC3CHY6I”,”iptc_title”:”Staff Photographer”},”created_date”:”2021-01-21T03:51:59Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T03:52:00Z”,”slug”:”BIZ-STUDENT-LOANS-BIDEN-LA”,”height”:4000},{“_id”:”HAL24LG7ZVAPDNDANHIUNH5L64″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275689},”type”:”text”,”content”:”11:43 am- Kamala Harris becomes the first woman and first person of color to become vice president of the United States. Harris was sworn in by Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina on the Supreme Court.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”9e44c2092dc14e99a036649c063c915a”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/INGZXRFH5UQCJQXA757ZDLEPXE.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Andrew Harnik”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:6000,”_id”:”INGZXRFH5UQCJQXA757ZDLEPXE”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/WrHMlEBt44B8zEIQyeVUQWT3vb0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/INGZXRFH5UQCJQXA757ZDLEPXE.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/WrHMlEBt44B8zEIQyeVUQWT3vb0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/INGZXRFH5UQCJQXA757ZDLEPXE.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/INGZXRFH5UQCJQXA757ZDLEPXE.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/WrHMlEBt44B8zEIQyeVUQWT3vb0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/INGZXRFH5UQCJQXA757ZDLEPXE.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T18:36:06Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/oBr8_bG-U8kyV0Oy_md-gWk_J1g=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/INGZXRFH5UQCJQXA757ZDLEPXE.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”9e44c2092dc14e99a036649c063c915a”,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”HOGPVPI5HRCDZICZE5JJXZ6JNU”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T18:36:07Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T18:36:07Z”,”height”:4000},{“_id”:”5TGU7ZA2CNEYPPCNX77KRIQBTE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275690},”type”:”text”,”content”:”11:41 am- Leading the Pledge of Allegiance was Atlanta’s Andrea Hall, the city of South Fulton fire captain who was the first Black woman promoted to her leadership rank. She was also the first woman in the history of Albany’s fire department to successfully make it through the recruitment process.”},{“_id”:”FTY72R2OQVCZJCMPKXRKZ27J6Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275691},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Hall, 47, is also the president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 3920. The national organization became an early supporter of Biden, endorsing the former Vice President just days after he announced his intention to run in April 2019.”},{“_id”:”ZFEROLHFONCLNG7Z74G5U2H6PU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275692},”type”:”text”,”content”:”11: 35 am – Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is celebrating the inauguration in Atlanta today. The mayor was one of Biden’s key early backers in Georgia during in the 2020 Democratic primary.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033475}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/KeishaBottoms/status/1351922507331338241″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”TBMRCULVFVGTROAXLXFXLX5XFY”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Keisha Lance Bottoms”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/KeishaBottoms/status/1351922507331338241″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/KeishaBottoms”,”width”:550,”html”:”

#Inauguration2021 ….and the people of God said AMEN! 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/SwxMCruBsq

— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/KeishaBottoms/status/1351922507331338241″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033475},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”JEOMTRDGR5FS5AB6LKCTHT2QRM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275694},”type”:”text”,”content”:”11:30 am – The pageantry and symbolism of the day was captured when the Bidens and Harris-Emhoffs arrived at the Capitol and put American fashion designers on display.”},{“_id”:”BRH2CXOFBRCRVHFWYTPX3PZCG4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275695},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The president-elect is wearing a suit by Ralph Lauren, while Tribune News reports Dr. Jill Biden, wore an ocean blue wool tweed coat and dress from emerging designer Alexandra O’Neill, who founded her own luxury womenswear label, Markarian, in 2017.”},{“_id”:”B5SYYM4245HLDCDTOXIU2RYOWQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275696},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Vice President-elect Kamala Harris chose two up-and-coming artists for her look of regal purple: Baton Rouge native Christopher John Rogers and South Carolina’s Sergio Hudson, both Black designers.”},{“_id”:”G6STGGA55FFTDNBHGPUMINN32M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275697},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff also wore Ralph Lauren.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff arrive at the steps of the U.S. Capitol for the start of the official inauguration ceremonies, in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”2a65191ee6c2429f9626a6f4148af7da”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/HDU54WF7ZWTTONSHJELS2W6EXI.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”J. Scott Applewhite”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:3353,”_id”:”HDU54WF7ZWTTONSHJELS2W6EXI”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/-SxvEiEfKTYAiUkHJEe1roSbI60=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/HDU54WF7ZWTTONSHJELS2W6EXI.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/-SxvEiEfKTYAiUkHJEe1roSbI60=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/HDU54WF7ZWTTONSHJELS2W6EXI.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/HDU54WF7ZWTTONSHJELS2W6EXI.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/-SxvEiEfKTYAiUkHJEe1roSbI60=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/HDU54WF7ZWTTONSHJELS2W6EXI.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T15:56:05Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/jkfzVVqo5znAfK6Qwtcza794_hM=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/HDU54WF7ZWTTONSHJELS2W6EXI.jpg”,”version”:1,”originalName”:”2a65191ee6c2429f9626a6f4148af7da”,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”U6S2UVDGVJCENJJTQYENJDNJTM”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T15:56:06Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T17:29:40Z”,”height”:2235},{“_id”:”SH3RWG3A2NA6DECNSKMXRPW4AQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275701},”type”:”text”,”content”:”11:15 am – Vice President Mike Pence and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have both arrived onto the Capitol dais. Pence’s attendance comes just two weeks after the Capitol siege when he had to seek shelter inside from the angry mob chanting “Hang Mike Pence!””},{“_id”:”56TX2IDAWVBDPGQXSIVOXYPS2U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770796},”type”:”text”,”content”:”His presence is an important nod to the legitimacy of Biden’s victory and the important tradition of a voluntary transfer of power.”},{“_id”:”BWWGTIQFCNDQJEQKV223QU5V4U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275702},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Also attending as an honored guest is Eugene Goodman, the Capitol Police officer who led the mob away from Pence inside the Capitol as they searched for the vice president.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen, arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”7b15d7a5816f4cef87434eebb0a485d5″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/LH6SNP2KL5YKVQQ2QC6FZXFLTA.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Patrick Semansky”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:5191,”_id”:”LH6SNP2KL5YKVQQ2QC6FZXFLTA”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/zFHWEJdJ9F1hVSkZm52agA39aBE=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/LH6SNP2KL5YKVQQ2QC6FZXFLTA.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/zFHWEJdJ9F1hVSkZm52agA39aBE=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/LH6SNP2KL5YKVQQ2QC6FZXFLTA.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/LH6SNP2KL5YKVQQ2QC6FZXFLTA.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/zFHWEJdJ9F1hVSkZm52agA39aBE=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/LH6SNP2KL5YKVQQ2QC6FZXFLTA.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T16:16:16Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/r3AcDs6YNED6wB5rSTaHdFfIu6M=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/LH6SNP2KL5YKVQQ2QC6FZXFLTA.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”7b15d7a5816f4cef87434eebb0a485d5″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”GW6BGH3VKBEU3FXBZNEYSGES3E”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T16:16:17Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T16:16:17Z”,”height”:3461},{“_id”:”USHNLQECSJBH5OPBYKRZCVWZPQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275704},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
“},{“_id”:”OWTHOEPE2FCEJAHZ7L4DJL7U5M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611169770800},”type”:”text”,”content”:”11:00 am – When Joe Biden takes the oath of office shortly, he will use a 100 year-old family Bible. As the AJC’s Tim Darnell wrote, Biden has used the Bible in all seven of his swearing-in ceremonies as a U.S. senator and twice for the oaths of office he took as President Barack Obama’s vice president. It was last used in 2013 (pictured below), when Biden took his second vice presidential oath of office from Justice Sonia Sotomayor.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”FILE – In this Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 file photo, Vice President-elect Joe Biden takes the oath of office from Justice John Paul Stevens as his wife, Jill Biden, holds the Bible at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. While many presidents have used Bibles for their inaugurations, the Constitution does not require the use of a specific text and specifies only the wording of president’s oath. That wording also doesn’t include the phrase “so help me God,” but every modern president has appended it to their oaths and most have chosen symbolically resonant Bibles for their inaugurations. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”40ab746147604d60b97a6a9d68816eaf”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/4HJDCL5WOLLCUBHY3AHLUARWBY.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Elise Amendola”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Religion Oath Taking Texts”,”width”:3300,”_id”:”4HJDCL5WOLLCUBHY3AHLUARWBY”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/ugEsLBoWoH5aCu2jKmwiosKtFM4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4HJDCL5WOLLCUBHY3AHLUARWBY.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/ugEsLBoWoH5aCu2jKmwiosKtFM4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4HJDCL5WOLLCUBHY3AHLUARWBY.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/4HJDCL5WOLLCUBHY3AHLUARWBY.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/ugEsLBoWoH5aCu2jKmwiosKtFM4=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4HJDCL5WOLLCUBHY3AHLUARWBY.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-18T23:06:10Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/cA-S_ICOhje2ULTtcfdyItEk7iE=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/4HJDCL5WOLLCUBHY3AHLUARWBY.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”40ab746147604d60b97a6a9d68816eaf”,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”Q6WKSCF4ARACPBJHP3RTK2LBQA”},”created_date”:”2021-01-19T23:06:11Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-19T23:06:11Z”,”height”:2481},{“_id”:”EJKYHVXMTRAZHDWJT3CZJCEGOE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275708},”type”:”text”,”content”:”10:50 am – Gov. Brian Kemp started his morning with a message congratulating a Georgian taking part in the ceremony: Andrea Hall, a firefighter with the city of South Fulton, who is delivering the pledge of allegiance.”},{“_id”:”M7UFL5M7ZVE5PJJT25IBCSUV3A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275709},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Kemp drew more wrath from President Donald Trump than any other Georgia politician and was also one of the first top Georgia Republican elected officials to acknowledge Joe Biden’s victory.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033490}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/GovKemp/status/1351885996586135553″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”DPURPBTOTRCUPIFCZDOYQXCEMQ”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Governor Brian P. Kemp”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/GovKemp/status/1351885996586135553″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/GovKemp”,”width”:550,”html”:”

.@COSFGA Fire Captain Andrea Hall will lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the inauguration today. The people of Georgia are grateful to the countless first responders who go above and beyond every day to keep our communities safe. https://t.co/h2PkTZ0hz8

— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/GovKemp/status/1351885996586135553″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033490},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”V4SIMLASNZDD7PO73CSVKQKLZU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275711},”type”:”text”,”content”:”10:45 – Among the Republicans spotted at the inauguration: Georgia’s U.S. Rep. Rick Allen and U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, along with U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, along with a seat saved for Trump ally Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota.”},{“_id”:”KPSMOJD2GZEDLKNXCUTYVI25V4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611165275712},”type”:”text”,”content”:”U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene – who called for Biden’s impeachment – has said she’s refusing to attend.”},{“_id”:”34YT6TM4YNFKLN7RNUFTHAMKOM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156882722},”type”:”text”,”content”:”10:30 am – Dr. Alisha Kramer arrives with her husband, Sen.-elect John Ossoff to the Inauguration. Kramer missed election night since she was working an overnight shift as an OB-GYN resident. She’s not working today:”},{“_id”:”VSV3NUW32JBA5OFRNAURLLEA5Q”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”6PLASWKY6RANXNWIA7O5ZGQ3UA”},”type”:”raw_html”,”content”:”

He is a senator-elect for just a few more hours. Jon @ossoff & his wife Alisha Kramer just arrived. pic.twitter.com/pyKBjnXQmK

— Tia Mitchell, AJC’s Washington Correspondent (@ajconwashington) January 20, 2021 “},{“_id”:”3YHOYN2YNBCW5NRJTBYRKH22IE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156882724},”type”:”text”,”content”:”10:25 am- U.S. Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux watched Bill Clinton’s swearing in in 1993 from far away in the throngs of people who attended.”},{“_id”:”4NLVM4HZUNGVZCC4X4JHKSE22U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156882725},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Today the Suwannee Democrat has a seat up front as Member of Congress and among the few allowed to attend. The AJC’s Tia Mitchell spoke with her this morning.”},{“_id”:”T4ENGXHYKZCIZKU5UKKIOZYZCE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156882726},”type”:”text”,”content”:””It is very special. And right now, is such a difficult time for this country, and it’s a very important moment that we have this transition we get it right and we look to bringing the country together.””},{“_id”:”DOJQYXTVUVBMTHAUJGFHHCXREU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156882727},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She said she was looking forward to Biden taking executive action right away.”},{“_id”:”6DZE2ITHTZHVVBV7MU2SXUBIEI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156882728},”type”:”text”,”content”:””On day one day one he’s got a number of executive orders that reverse a lot of the things I objected to about the Trump administration, everything from the Muslim ban to the to rejoining the Paris Climate Accord. And those are very important. Looking forward to that.””},{“_id”:”JEXF7MDXAVASTNGM7AMFWQ3LDI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156882729},”type”:”text”,”content”:”10: 17 am – The AJC’s Tia Mitchell has details from the Georgia delegation from the West Lawn of the Capitol.”},{“_id”:”TMEXGZKBDBDUPEEPWPANCZJ4NU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156882730},”type”:”text”,”content”:”U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams knew Kamala Harris (pictured below) well before her presidential run. Both have campaign together with candidates like Stacey Abrams. Both are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first sorority for Black women. Williams said she was excited to see her friend sworn in, and more so for the Biden-Harris administration to get to work.”},{“_id”:”O4DXLJK775AFDI6VDUDWOJK65A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156882731},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Speaking about the day, Williams told the AJC: “It’s not just about symbolism. It’s about the work that I know that we’re going to be able to get done. On behalf of people in this country who for far too long needed someone standing up for us. So when I think about things like the black maternal mortality rates. When I think about black women being low in so many health indicators and what it means to have one of us serving in the US, the Vice President, it is huge.””},{“_id”:”MW5ND3QHHRCCHMXSDBV6OUUHT4″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”HRACEUDIGBECDKBYSKZPCUHR7Y”},”type”:”raw_html”,”content”:”

I just chatted with @RepBourdeaux & @RepNikema. Both are among the members of Congress here for the swearing in. On the video screen we can see the Biden-Harris motorcade arriving on the other side of the Capitol pic.twitter.com/3jV6lgWzXL

— Tia Mitchell, AJC’s Washington Correspondent (@ajconwashington) January 20, 2021 “},{“_id”:”ULRKJRU4FVDVXIKRQFSMSMO3KM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611157564965},”type”:”text”,”content”:”10:10 am – Sens.-elect Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are in the Capitol this morning. The Democrats will attend the inauguration and then will be sworn into the Senate at about 4:30 this afternoon.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033505}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/Jake_Best_/status/1351909403037937665″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”4ZYGLVZDAJFLLFRUFWMP2RVMS4″,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Jake Best”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/Jake_Best_/status/1351909403037937665″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/Jake_Best_”,”width”:550,”html”:”

Today’s the day, Georgia! pic.twitter.com/91L3pAH52F

— Jake Best (@Jake_Best_) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/Jake_Best_/status/1351909403037937665″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033505},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”PNA4B3G4UVFLVJ35M4KRVNVRXY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611155619646},”type”:”text”,”content”:”10:05 am- Former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, along with former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, have also arrived at the Capitol for the inauguration.”},{“_id”:”PYKFKMCAWNFSNNWUIYBCUOR55U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611155038156},”type”:”text”,”content”:”9:58 am – Although President Donald Trump won’t be on hand for Biden’s swearing-in, former president George W. Bush and his wife, former first lady Laura Bush, have arrived at the Capitol for the event.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033508}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/MKhan47/status/1351903976485228544″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”SCCTFTSGVBGUFIDPHCUHILWQ2A”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Mariam Khan”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/MKhan47/status/1351903976485228544″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/MKhan47″,”width”:550,”html”:”

Former President George W. Bush and former FLOTUS Laura Bush have arrived for Joe Biden’s inauguration. He gave us a quick wave as he walked into the Capitol building. pic.twitter.com/GcFOCNNEhL

— Mariam Khan (@MKhan47) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/MKhan47/status/1351903976485228544″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033508},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”UFYF6AEPFFGA5ONJGGOF6VE4KI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611155038158},”type”:”text”,”content”:”9:55 – Former president Barack Obama has posted a message for his former vice president, Joe Biden, this historic morning.”},{“subtype”:”twitter”,”referent”:{“referent_properties”:{“additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033510}},”provider”:”https://publish.twitter.com/oembed?url=”,”service”:”oembed”,”id”:”https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1351903613237547010″,”type”:”twitter”},”_id”:”Q7RA5IZO2ZFXPFEJX2TZDXGXLE”,”raw_oembed”:{“author_name”:”Barack Obama”,”cache_age”:”3153600000″,”provider_url”:”https://twitter.com”,”type”:”twitter”,”version”:”1.0″,”url”:”https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1351903613237547010″,”author_url”:”https://twitter.com/BarackObama”,”width”:550,”html”:”

Congratulations to my friend, President @JoeBiden! This is your time. pic.twitter.com/LXzxGnBAfz

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 20, 2021nn”,”_id”:”https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1351903613237547010″,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:1611251033510},”provider_name”:”Twitter”,”height”:null},”type”:”oembed_response”},{“_id”:”A7BJPCBY65HA5EEWAKOK5VY3MA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611155038160},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
“},{“_id”:”E6KKY4RA4RHP7BWPR43DXSB6LY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154320510},”type”:”text”,”content”:”9:45 – President-elect Joe Biden and his family are attending Catholic mass in Washington, D.C. this morning, just steps away from the White House.”},{“_id”:”QRI2IFUPNFBCTJDOXZBYGAIHZ4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154320511},”type”:”text”,”content”:”While we wait for the Bidens to emerge, the AJC has all the details on today’s events, including plans for Lady Gaga to sing the National Anthem and for Georgia firefighter Andrea Hall to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.”},{“_id”:”2APEWMEIPZCUZDUEPFCMN5U5IM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154320512},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Hall is president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 3920 in metro Atlanta, and the department’s first African American woman to be promoted to captain.”},{“_id”:”Z5DBEHMHLJAHPJRGIW6EMVK5LE”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”UYNTABMHRFFI5LB4E2LNKIJPGM”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/news/photos-inauguration-day-in-america-jan-20-2021/Z3XA5NVJ25EG7FS7EHTVPNV6SE/”,”content”:”PHOTOS: Inauguration Day in America, Jan. 20, 2021″},{“_id”:”RTLBNYWM75DJRBG5NLAYMZY62Y”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153394414},”type”:”text”,”content”:”9:15 – One Georgian involved in today’s pageantry will be 12-year-old Jason Zgonc. We featured the young musician from Decatur last spring, when he would take his trumpet each evening to serenade the health care workers at Emory Decatur Hospital as they changed shifts caring for COVID patients.”},{“_id”:”33H7N7WFBNFQBF4QJGGS7GCDJA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153394415},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Today, he will play his trumpet and represent Georgia in the Parade Across America. The virtual parade will celebrate “America’s heroes” and will follow Biden’s official inauguration as the 46th president of the United States.”},{“_id”:”L6OATG26RJHM7IRO5FD3UG4CTU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611151526318},”type”:”text”,”content”:”8:35 am – In his farewell speech at Joint Base Andrews, President Donald Trump told a small, but cheering crowd, he’s proud of his accomplishments in office, including improvements to veterans health care, the creation of the new Space Force, and a major tax cut.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”copyright”:”2021 Getty Images”,”address”:{“locality”:”Washington”,”country_name”:”USA”,”region”:”DC”},”caption”:”President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Marine One as they depart the White House on Jan. 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. President Trump is making his scheduled departure from the White House for Florida, several hours ahead of the inauguration ceremony for his successor Joe Biden, making him the first president in more than 150 years to refuse to attend the inauguration. 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We will be back in some form.””},{“_id”:”4KZL7JAZLBC3BGTWTBJV72PPWE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611151526323},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Before boarding Air Force One for one last ride home to Mar-a-Lago, Trump told the crowd, “Have a good life. We will see you soon.””}],”display_date”:”2021-01-20T23:05:42.917Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Joe Biden inaugurated, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock join U.S. Senate “},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-20T14:05:20.673Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”no_politics”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T17:44:30.983Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/live-the-inauguration-of-joe-biden/5R4UK242RNGJFOWAO4G42B2XMY/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Saul Loeb”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:5568,”caption”:”Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/4TCLKL475EZB7FL2C474CFEMLQ.jpg”,”height”:3712}},”_id”:”5R4UK242RNGJFOWAO4G42B2XMY”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”BWDHV236O5ENXJKQCBC3QZZKLI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1598277352412},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgia’s corrections agencies say a 10% pay hike that Gov. Brian Kemp has proposed for guards could go a long way toward cutting down on turnover.”},{“_id”:”UYDA7SKQQVGJNHFUQWTXURHHTE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611158672356},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Commissioners of the Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of Corrections said they have struggled to retain officers and often cite the low pay as one reason many leave. For example, DJJ officials said during fiscal 2020, 97% of new corrections officers left the agency.”},{“_id”:”INOLSMUS5ZA7XG2VGE5CC4AJ44″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611168457723},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Juvenile Justice Commissioner Tyrone Oliver said that by not filling nearly 300 vacant positions, the agency is saving about $2.5 million, enough to cover the cost of the raise for about 840 officers without requesting additional money from the state. Department of Corrections officials will also not fill positions to pay for the raise in their agency.”},{“_id”:”YRWJGYNZEFA2NBCBLSVUN64BKI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611168457724},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I believe if we have good quality applicants and good quality employees and we pay them enough, hopefully we will be able to retain them,” Oliver told lawmakers during a budget presentation Wednesday.”},{“_id”:”4YN5QGVWB5C23DD72EYJYTKTHQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611168457725},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Oliver said during exit interviews, low pay and benefits are always listed as the top reasons officers leave the agency.”},{“_id”:”I2KXAW7TIJHTNPPO3AM2RXRG2U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611168457726},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“It speaks volumes to our employees to let them know that we’re actually listening to them,” he said. “And we know how much this means to them as well.””},{“_id”:”SF65FUKWN5GXBOOIXX4KLF5SEE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611168457727},”type”:”text”,”content”:”An entry-level corrections officer at an adult or juvenile detention center makes $27,936. With the increase, officers starting out will make $30,730.”},{“_id”:”UR7Q3ASI6JBCTIXLZULII56YNE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611168457728},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“That’s going to be a real big shot in the arm for the Georgia Department of Corrections for those well-deserving men and women who’ve been on the front line during this pandemic fighting this invisible enemy,” Corrections Commissioner Timothy Ward said.”},{“_id”:”INOLSMUS5ZA7XG2VGE5CC4AJ44″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611168457729},”type”:”text”,”content”:”If approved by the General Assembly, the raises would go into effect April 1.”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-20T22:27:02.051Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Georgia officials hope pay raise will slow corrections officer turnover”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-20T22:27:02.051Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″},{“path”:”/politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”parent”:{“default”:”/politics”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”/politics”,”name”:”Legislature”,”description”:”News of the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia Governor and State Government from the AJC, Georgia’s largest team covering the Legislature and issues that matter to taxpayers”,”_id”:”/politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”/politics”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”/politics”,”TopNav”:”/politics”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-state-legislature/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”News of the Georgia General Assembly, Georgia Governor and State Government from the AJC, Georgia’s largest team covering the Legislature and issues that matter to taxpayers”,”site_title”:”Georgia Legislature News”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Legislature”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Legislature”,”_id”:”/politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”]},”order”:{“TopNavRedesign”:2003,”TopNav”:2003,”ComposerNav”:1128}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics/georgia-state-legislature”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”brian kemp”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T22:27:02.245Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/georgia-officials-hope-pay-raise-will-slow-corrections-officer-turnover/X4ZJ56SJ4ZHBBN3KQTIZI67OME/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{},”subtitle”:”Will push to lock up Georgia gang members make prisons more violent?”,”width”:2048,”caption”:”The exterior of the Metro Reentry Facility, part of the Georgia Department of Corrections, in south DeKalb County. Entry-level guards at such facilities could see a 10% raise under the budget proposed by Gov. Brian Kemp. (ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/7ED7YTJVUENMV237UTGS2CLVWI.jpg”,”height”:1365}},”_id”:”X4ZJ56SJ4ZHBBN3KQTIZI67OME”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”ZBYPM4YTVBEC3N7WEPUMDDJJPQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520122},”type”:”text”,”content”:”WASHINGTON — Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock were sworn into the U.S. Senate on Wednesday in a heavily guarded Capitol ceremony that formally grants Democrats control of the chamber and allows President Joe Biden to pursue a more aggressive legislative agenda.”},{“_id”:”QOFIHML5B5AIPG3YZ6TV5275NM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520123},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Vice President Kamala Harris administered the oath of office to the two Democrats hours after she and Biden were inaugurated on the steps of the Capitol. Ossoff becomes the first Jewish senator in Georgia history, and Warnock becomes the state’s first-ever Black senator.”},{“_id”:”DHQGQ2FVGJGPLJFTOCJH7MPLGY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611179811985},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“This is the dawning of a new era for Georgia — a watershed moment in our state’s history,” Ossoff said in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution shortly before he was sworn in.”},{“_id”:”IWZ4NJCWJNHDPKUZJPKXN67WGU”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”64QQTVRP4VBS5K2I6ETS6NNXSQ”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/breaking-joe-biden-is-sworn-in-as-president-ending-trump-era/WKYWYAG6M5ATHGE6DAATWZHRC4/”,”content”:”Joe Biden is sworn in as president, ending Trump era”},{“_id”:”RU6LPBRGZNA25I7IJKLEWXELDA”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”BFKGLKICMBBLNAUVIK2YPIM6LY”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/how-bidens-first-100-days-will-affect-georgia/X4YSE54ESBCSLBX7XPD57MPR4M/”,”content”:”How Biden’s first 100 days will affect Georgia”},{“_id”:”JHCP26TDERHYJB3JV6IVV466JY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611180414775},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The two won their barrier-smashing victories over Republican incumbents on Jan. 5 after the most expensive Senate campaigns in the nation’s history. The Senate is now split 50-50, with Harris holding the tie-breaking vote. Ossoff won a full six-year term, while Warnock must run again in 2022.”},{“_id”:”HWLLHL5C6FB4PCRCSD7B4BYWVM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520125},”type”:”text”,”content”:”They defeated former U.S Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, who centered their campaigns on their loyalty to then-President Donald Trump, even echoing his calls to invalidate Georgia’s election despite state and federal officials forcefully debunking the false claims of widespread voter fraud.”},{“_id”:”E7GXXQT435CONJJRV5VNLXNUEE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520126},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The twin victories give Biden a better shot at fulfilling ambitious campaign promises that could have been stymied by a Republican-controlled Senate: a more robust coronavirus relief package, new efforts to curb climate change, legislation to expand voting rights and an immigration overhaul.”},{“_id”:”V3KTXVAHSZHCZABJTAOVNJ4V3A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611184676591},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Both Ossoff and Warnock said they were eager to get to work fulfilling campaign promises, such as improving access to and the affordability of health care, and providing economic relief to American families.”},{“_id”:”YODDRB7YUZFGNGYIBWA65MSCX4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611184676592},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We have a lot of work to do around COVID-19 relief,” Warnock said after his swearing-in. “That work is urgent, and I look forward to being a part of that conversation.””},{“_id”:”V64I3GEFFZAI3CZBEJLSZMP76U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611184676593},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Ossoff and Warnock took their oaths of office alongside California’s Alex Padilla, who replaces Harris. Immediately after, they signed paperwork and bumped elbows with colleagues offering congratulations. Because Ossoff comes before Warnock in alphabetical order, he is considered Georgia’s senior senator.”},{“_id”:”RQHZBICHGZBYFENT56NNJT6AWE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611186760871},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The two participated in their first Senate votes Wednesday evening, joining with an overwhelming majority to confirm Biden’s pick for director of national intelligence, Avril Haines.”},{“_id”:”5XQSD7ZJGJHCBNNRJSJ4OAZPIM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611184676594},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Newly minted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had earlier vowed to tackle big issues quickly.”},{“_id”:”WTZR2VTQARFXDFG67EK3GXKBFY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611183504958},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“As the majority changes in the Senate, the Senate will do business differently,” he said.”},{“_id”:”RQHZBICHGZBYFENT56NNJT6AWE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611186760874},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Warnock and Ossoff also allow Democrats to lead an impeachment trial of Trump on charges that he incited a deadly riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, the day after the Georgia runoffs. Schumer has pledged to move forward with the trial even though Wednesday was Trump’s final day in office. Conviction would require agreement by two-thirds of the Senate — that means if all Democrats are in favor, 17 Republicans would still need to join them. The Senate could also vote to bar Trump from seeking public office again.”},{“_id”:”PTHPF4YE25FI3JCAZ6BMMYTE3A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520128},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The Democratic victories in Georgia were powered by soaring turnout from Black voters, including many who typically don’t participate in statewide runoffs, along with a continuing leftward shift in Atlanta’s suburbs.”},{“_id”:”LZSIY4EZ7NEUTERAQU6R6IYYCI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520129},”type”:”text”,”content”:”During the swearing-in ceremony, Virginia U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine escorted in Warnock. Ossoff was led in by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat and one of the leading voices for a criminal justice overhaul that Ossoff and Warnock have endorsed.”},{“_id”:”JWJD5Z3BE5GLXJVEAMEPUZPJX4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520130},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Ossoff took the oath on Hebrew Scripture once owned by Jacob Rothschild, the legendary leader of Atlanta’s historic Temple congregation whose opposition to segregation helped unite the Jewish community. “},{“_id”:”RMT6ZF55HRBV5OB65WZQNLM5CQ”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”M7MXQJOXWZEG3IHVXU3C2WCMKQ”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/ossoff-in-the-senate-i-cant-waste-a-minute-thats-available-to-do-good/IDIJGMLXEVF73KLO3K7F35ABAE/”,”content”:”Ossoff in the Senate: ‘I can’t waste a minute that’s available to do good.’”},{“_id”:”YBBEDANVNRDARCPJDCASXE6TWA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611186466088},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“That book isn’t just about the synagogue and my Jewish background,” said Ossoff, who earned his bar mitzvah at the Temple. “It’s also about the necessity of reanimating the spirit of the civil rights movement and build alliances to pass landmark civil rights legislation.””},{“_id”:”BQTYTWCR4BDFZIJILDRFJLGIYU”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”7DHOUM2RQVHEJHNX3TJZBPZF3U”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/news/photos-inauguration-day-in-america-jan-20-2021/Z3XA5NVJ25EG7FS7EHTVPNV6SE/”,”content”:”PHOTOS: Inauguration Day in America, Jan. 20, 2021″},{“_id”:”APVJU5YGBJHTNA7K6ENDQP6JAE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520131},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Ossoff, 33, is the youngest member of the Senate since 1981. His path to office began in earnest four years ago, when he launched a campaign for an open U.S. House seat in Atlanta’s northern suburbs that attracted national attention and record-setting spending.”},{“_id”:”YIWKN2SETNCTVCI3ZMX5INM5YQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520132},”type”:”text”,”content”:”After narrowly losing that 2017 bid to Republican Karen Handel, he marshaled the endorsements of civil rights hero John Lewis and other Democrats to mount a challenge against Perdue. He forced the former Fortune 500 chief executive into a runoff in November before defeating him by about 55,000 votes.”},{“_id”:”YLKWUYSFGRE6PF7NOUQPE33BDA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520133},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The route that Warnock, 51, took to the Senate differed from Ossoff’s. The pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, the historic Atlanta congregation where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached, long aimed to run for public office but didn’t enter the fray until shortly after Loeffler was appointed to the seat by Gov. Brian Kemp.”},{“_id”:”J3Q2X5RESBATDGJ3DPB5JWUUIU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611184676606},”type”:”text”,”content”:”With support from Stacey Abrams and top national figures, Warnock scared other leading Democrats from entering the 20-candidate special election to emerge with Loeffler as the top two finishers in the November race. He beat Loeffler, a former financial executive, by roughly 93,000 ballots.”},{“_id”:”J3Q2X5RESBATDGJ3DPB5JWUUIU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611184676606},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He was sworn in using a Bible given to him by Ebenezer members when he became senior pastor in 2005. His sister Valencia Warnock-King accompanied him for the day, and he noted in a press release that Wednesday would have been his father’s 104th birthday.”},{“_id”:”HKEVSBNHH5CI5AWVPOULYOPFKM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611156520134},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Warnock said the last time he had visited the U.S. Capitol complex, it was to protest alongside other pastors against GOP efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. He was arrested that day in 2017. Now he is back in an official capacity.”},{“_id”:”ORYYD35F4FAQNCAMBNAQDTSQSI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611184676609},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“The last time, I came as an activist; this time I come as a legislator,” he said. “But for me, it’s a continuation of the same work.””},{“_id”:”2FFZ2237AJHPNKOUJJJA3PDA7E”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”5CNNAG6WABHVVGY6CVW5MDKDA4″},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/photos-atlanta-reacts-to-joe-biden-inauguration/MVSEXRYBQNAZBEYJ776577BTVE/”,”content”:”PHOTOS: Atlanta reacts to Joe Biden inauguration”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-20T21:49:38.562Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”‘A new era’: Ossoff, Warnock sworn into office, giving Democrats control of U.S. Senate”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-20T21:49:38.562Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”elections-senate”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”alexa”},{“text”:”election-inauguration”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T20:04:10.923Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/a-new-era-ossoff-warnock-sworn-into-office-giving-democrats-control-of-senate/G4VMKL3ZGFH3TONBEPDF5LPMHI/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“affiliation”:[]},”subtitle”:”Warnock Ossoff Senate”,”width”:1600,”caption”:”Georgia’s Raphael Warnock, left, and Jon Ossoff, right, are sworn into the Senate along with Alex Padilla of California on Wednesday. (Video image from C-SPAN)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/ACFPZYUFRRFTDLLQ4BI37OGOTQ.jpg”,”height”:930}},”_id”:”G4VMKL3ZGFH3TONBEPDF5LPMHI”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”ZCFPZRFHE5COXNHQLKXBC3ZFYA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053454},”type”:”text”,”content”:”WASHINGTON — Joe Biden was sworn in Wednesday as the 46th president after a campaign pledging to reverse a national decline brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, strife over racial inequality and economic turmoil that has forced the nation to confront its most dire challenges in generations.”},{“_id”:”IGAZFUJ5PZGKRNPYTACQJ4BBE4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611164379841},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“America has been tested anew — and America has risen to the challenge,” Biden said, declaring that “democracy has prevailed” in an address that laid out the stark perils that will test his leadership. “My whole soul is in this: bringing the American people together, uniting our soul, uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause.””},{“_id”:”252CTZG7ZVERBLRDODXB3MWQV4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053455},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The Democrat took the oath of office surrounded by reminders of a troubled America. His socially distanced swearing-in was more sobering than celebratory, as symbols of the pandemic’s mounting death toll fluttered along a National Mall that was transformed into a flag-laden memorial for coronavirus victims.”},{“_id”:”WSWYCZFSKNCX7M5J36ENFC4XBE”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”PCOFMTVW5NAX3OVRSNPN5FCEDQ”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/how-bidens-first-100-days-will-affect-georgia/X4YSE54ESBCSLBX7XPD57MPR4M/”,”content”:” How Biden’s first 100 days will affect Georgia”},{“_id”:”LUUPKVA7AVA3TKMWVBBFJJR5AE”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”MRXKAHZ4YBDCXKCAZHJF47JZIY”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/news/photos-inauguration-day-in-america-jan-20-2021/Z3XA5NVJ25EG7FS7EHTVPNV6SE/”,”content”:”PHOTOS: Inauguration Day in America, Jan. 20, 2021″},{“_id”:”34QQOVLZBND6LKXHRMYQVWPLDI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611171449064},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The ceremony took place in the shadow of a U.S. Capitol assaulted just weeks ago by violent supporters of his predecessor, Donald Trump, who were provoked by ceaseless falsehoods that his election defeat in Georgia and other battleground states were the result of widespread voter fraud.”},{“_id”:”INTWN3PTS5DGTGPMCJY3PXSJVI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181732758},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Despite that, Biden found reason for optimism.”},{“_id”:”TTQDN7IQHZEOPHH5NTBVGOHAEM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181732759},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“This is America’s day,” the new president said. “This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve.””},{“_id”:”Y455VOAACBCE7MUGDF2MOJ57YI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053457},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden took the 35-word oath administered by Chief Justice John Roberts with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, at his side and his hand on a 5-inch-thick Bible that’s been in his family for more than a century.”},{“_id”:”DD5HOEGWMVAHRHTLOJHD7GT6QI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611181732761},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Minutes earlier, Kamala Harris became the nation’s first woman, and first woman of color, to serve as vice president when she was sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.”},{“_id”:”T6T3OCC62RFMDPMC4XIZZXV7LM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177251150},”type”:”text”,”content”:”She took the oath of office on two Bibles: One previously belonged to family friend Regina Shelton, and Harris also used it during her swearing-in as California’s attorney general and when she entered the U.S. Senate.”},{“_id”:”RZYUIRV4Z5HTRI54NMU736FZ5M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177251151},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The second Bible belonged to Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first Black person appointed to the Supreme Court. Marshall, who earned a law degree from Howard, inspired Harris to attend the historically black college in Washington.”},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president Wednesday by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband, Doug Emhoff, holds a Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Tasos Katopodis//Pool Photo via AP)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”372081aea1a743fba3e4483ad2589ed8″,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/BUJ6SAZ26XMVJ4YLZ57A7M6BRA.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Tasos Katopodis”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:6140,”_id”:”BUJ6SAZ26XMVJ4YLZ57A7M6BRA”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/WZUv2tdUQw-bipohYZpFTcZt044=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BUJ6SAZ26XMVJ4YLZ57A7M6BRA.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/WZUv2tdUQw-bipohYZpFTcZt044=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BUJ6SAZ26XMVJ4YLZ57A7M6BRA.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/BUJ6SAZ26XMVJ4YLZ57A7M6BRA.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/WZUv2tdUQw-bipohYZpFTcZt044=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BUJ6SAZ26XMVJ4YLZ57A7M6BRA.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T17:16:40Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/iLYxom7PWq0OT0r_Vx8U9U1NoaA=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/BUJ6SAZ26XMVJ4YLZ57A7M6BRA.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”372081aea1a743fba3e4483ad2589ed8″,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”6ZX7LZ3XOVBZHMYTT4NT5HQQPY”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T17:16:41Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T17:16:41Z”,”height”:4096},{“_id”:”QJGWSUSR5VCVLJTPH2Z47CW44A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053458},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Rather than the jubilation of a large crowd, Biden addressed a smaller group of lawmakers, dignitaries and supporters arrayed under the watchful eye of thousands of National Guard troops and security officials who turned Washington into an armed camp. In a stirring moment, Harris was escorted by Eugene Goodman, the U.S. Capitol Police officer who baited the riotous mob away from the Senate.”},{“_id”:”T6T3OCC62RFMDPMC4XIZZXV7LM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611177251150},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden has outlined a set of directives and legislative initiatives that signal a sharp turn away from Trump, who flouted tradition by skipping his successor’s inauguration and promised at a small rally early Wednesday that “we will be back in some form.” Instead, Vice President Mike Pence was on hand to facilitate the peaceful transition of power after Trump left town.”},{“_id”:”T6IQO2ULDVGNHOPIXBGOZ2NZEE”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”EQMXH3XFMJEG7JOZVFVFPOUIWI”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/a-new-era-ossoff-warnock-sworn-into-office-giving-democrats-control-of-senate/G4VMKL3ZGFH3TONBEPDF5LPMHI/”,”content”:”‘A new era.’ Ossoff, Warnock sworn into office, giving Democrats control of Senate”},{“_id”:”EI4PW6G6W5H5FBVSSBOOEH6PII”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053460},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In his first days, Biden has pledged to reverse many of Trump’s most contentious policies, including rejoining the Paris climate accord, nixing a travel ban involving several predominantly Muslim countries and ordering new mask mandates to contain a pandemic that’s killed more than 400,000 Americans.”},{“_id”:”F44IC2UP2VARTMCIKE2JWCXD2A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053461},”type”:”text”,”content”:”With narrow congressional majorities, thanks to victories this month in Georgia by Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock that — along with the tie-breaking vote Harris will cast when necessary — gave Democrats control of the Senate, Biden will push a raft of other proposals: a $1.9 trillion relief package, an immigration overhaul to give a pathway to citizenship to millions in the country illegally, a package of electoral changes aimed at expanding voting rights.”},{“_id”:”ZOM4LQ6EN5CILGOHOVTCORR7Q4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611164379853},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I pledge this to you: I will be a president for all Americans. All Americans,” Biden said. “And I promise you, I’ll fight as hard for those that did not support me as for those who did.””},{“_id”:”MYQQY72YXNG7RFJO4ZWBI44V6U”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”ZXBCBORXSREMFPIVMTNW5O7DOI”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/live-the-inauguration-of-joe-biden/5R4UK242RNGJFOWAO4G42B2XMY/”,”content”:”LIVE UPDATES: The Inauguration of Joe Biden”},{“_id”:”IGX74VZTFNC3DM25KVSNG5FZFA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611166052714},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Even as Biden tries to make a clean break from Trump’s divisive brand of politics, he still can’t expect a cozy honeymoon period. Public polls suggest millions of Republicans question whether his election was legitimate. Ballooning federal debt threatens the nation’s economy, and the pandemic’s grisly toll is mounting daily.”},{“_id”:”IQCGQMT2MJCPDB6EEFMKN6PGEI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053463},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And the Senate is on the cusp of a second impeachment trial targeting Trump, this time over charges that he incited the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. A conviction would require 17 Republicans to join the chamber’s 50 Democrats; a second vote could then bar Trump, who is said to be considering starting his own political party, from running for public office again.”},{“_id”:”PNLL7EGOWBCXDIILH2ZYYUFGLI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611164379852},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden’s address reflected this fraught reality, acknowledging that many anxious Americans view the future with “fear and trepidation.” His call for cohesion offered a striking rebuttal to Trump’s grim warnings four years ago during his inaugural address of “American carnage.””},{“_id”:”EBGAB2CNVNDSBPQBJUU7OK3JEE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611166052717},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“To overcome these challenges to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity,” he said. “We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this — if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts.””},{“owner”:{“id”:”ajc”},”caption”:”President-elect Joe Biden greets former President Barack Obama as he arrives at the West Front of the Capitol on Wednesday in Washington ahead of the inauguration. (Caroline Brehman/Pool Photo via AP)”,”source”:{“system”:”arc i/o”,”name”:”Associated Press Photo Stream”,”source_type”:”wires”,”source_id”:”b655ac0ec86141c78410fa800d40c5ef”,”additional_properties”:{“editor”:”photo center”}},”type”:”image”,”distributor”:{“mode”:”reference”,”reference_id”:”425c44eb-5b03-4ce5-89fa-69e74b50003b”},”version”:”0.10.3″,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/PQAB7AXWKPWK353GUSEWZXAYHA.jpg”,”licensable”:false,”credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Caroline Brehman”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden Inauguration”,”width”:4024,”_id”:”PQAB7AXWKPWK353GUSEWZXAYHA”,”additional_properties”:{“fullSizeResizeUrl”:”/photo/resize/wrI1oY9x17hKqHryTQFlQ8crbH0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/PQAB7AXWKPWK353GUSEWZXAYHA.jpg”,”comments”:[],”proxyUrl”:”/photo/resize/wrI1oY9x17hKqHryTQFlQ8crbH0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/PQAB7AXWKPWK353GUSEWZXAYHA.jpg”,”originalUrl”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/PQAB7AXWKPWK353GUSEWZXAYHA.jpg”,”published”:true,”resizeUrl”:”https://thumbor-prod-us-east-1.photo.aws.arc.pub/wrI1oY9x17hKqHryTQFlQ8crbH0=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/PQAB7AXWKPWK353GUSEWZXAYHA.jpg”,”expiration_date”:”2021-02-19T17:11:18Z”,”thumbnailResizeUrl”:”/resizer/G_pH7OwF86hgQJ7bWWo6HzZyYok=/300×0/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-ajc/public/PQAB7AXWKPWK353GUSEWZXAYHA.jpg”,”version”:0,”originalName”:”b655ac0ec86141c78410fa800d40c5ef”,”mime_type”:”application/octet-stream”,”restricted”:false,”galleries”:[],”_id”:”LV33CJJ4E5CK7F2IKQO2WMB3HI”},”created_date”:”2021-01-20T17:11:19Z”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T17:11:19Z”,”height”:2683},{“_id”:”UICH5BL2WJENZKE5FN5H7QRB5I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053464},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden flipped Georgia by roughly 12,000 votes and captured other hotly contested states with a promise to bring a sense of normalcy to a nation reeling from crises — and benefited from voters exhausted from four years of Trump’s norm-shattering administration. It was the first time since 1992 that Georgia voted Democratic in a presidential election.”},{“_id”:”HSLTEZY6FNATXHDTATREKXQ2QY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053465},”type”:”text”,”content”:”What followed was months of escalating attempts from Trump to interfere in Georgia’s election. The Republican repeatedly urged Gov. Brian Kemp to illegally overturn the election outcome and pressured Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” enough votes to reverse his defeat.”},{“_id”:”LL7YTLKTB5B7ZJPQS52GMB5ZYQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611153053466},”type”:”text”,”content”:”First elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, Biden honed a reputation over decades of public office as a pillar of Washington who seeks consensus more than conflict. At 78, he becomes the oldest president inaugurated, joined by Harris, who will become the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in U.S. government.”},{“_id”:”H3GT4MFKYVEU5FYQTO3QWHKQGQ”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”SRUBXKGPHBBHZFB5RXHCCSWZSY”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/photos-atlanta-reacts-to-joe-biden-inauguration/MVSEXRYBQNAZBEYJ776577BTVE/”,”content”:”PHOTOS: Atlanta reacts to Joe Biden inauguration”},{“_id”:”SBTRW7XTRBDMFHUSPAKBKFH4UA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154230074},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden’s campaign, his third bid for the presidency, focused more on rallying voters behind his promise to restore normalcy and decency to the White House rather than pursuing the more strident left-leaning policies of his Democratic rivals.”},{“_id”:”42TO4EW57BFNRBSYJKLPIR2QY4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611164379859},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The theme of his speech, “America United,” struck a similar message of American cohesion during a cavalcade of crises. In his first act in office, he poignantly asked Americans for a moment of silent prayer for the victims of the pandemic. And he outlined a vision of a national story of “hope, not fear; unity, not division; light, not darkness.””},{“_id”:”5KAKBPCX2VCFNAUBC64FJ5QSFQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611164379860},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real. But I also know that they are not new,” he said, invoking a list of earlier challenges that strained the republic’s foundation. “This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge. And unity is the path forward.””}],”display_date”:”2021-01-20T19:37:40.797Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Joe Biden is sworn in as president, ending Trump era “},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-20T16:48:47.701Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”presidentialrace”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”elections-president”},{“text”:”donald trump”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”election-inauguration”},{“text”:”alexa”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T20:03:11.630Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/breaking-joe-biden-is-sworn-in-as-president-ending-trump-era/WKYWYAG6M5ATHGE6DAATWZHRC4/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“promo_image”:{“url”:”https://d1fegwn2wjh0cs.cloudfront.net/01-20-2021/t_46606c01fe094d6caa200ea11d8c3d63_name_b83dd9358b0f49a3800efc4fa9a8a1e3″},”credits”:{},”headlines”:{“basic”:”Joe Biden is sworn in as 46th president of the United States.”},”type”:”video”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“caption”:”Joe Biden Is Sworn in as 46th President of the US”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://d1fegwn2wjh0cs.cloudfront.net/01-20-2021/t_46606c01fe094d6caa200ea11d8c3d63_name_b83dd9358b0f49a3800efc4fa9a8a1e3″}}}},”_id”:”WKYWYAG6M5ATHGE6DAATWZHRC4″},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”5ECKLAE5YVDNTOZLKQTH3V7F3M”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1594834065278},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Georgia election officials say they found no evidence that the Public Service Commission race was left off some ballots, and Democrat Daniel Blackman acknowledged Wednesday that he had lost to Republican Lauren “Bubba” McDonald.”},{“_id”:”5VOBBLGGNNAO3LEVKEZU4FERBY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611170440131},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Blackman had alleged that voters in 38 counties reported they didn’t see the PSC race or his name listed on their ballots in the Jan. 5 runoff election.”},{“_id”:”UXMK6UEOD5DAREUU4W45HX7RUY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611170440132},”type”:”text”,”content”:”But after reviewing ballot styles and printed records, the secretary of state’s office said Blackman’s claim was unsubstantiated.”},{“_id”:”L5NJYKIUJVH6LOO2CE665MDUME”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611170440133},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“We have learned from 2018 to now — from Stacey Abrams to Donald Trump — that false claims and disinformation that an election has been stolen is dangerous to our democracy,” said Walter Jones, a spokesman for the secretary of state’s office.”},{“_id”:”33XJRLVPBVCYRECXCQSCPYSXSA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611170440134},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Blackman never alleged the PSC election was stolen, saying he wanted to make sure that every vote was counted.”},{“_id”:”DET5QZULZVEWLI3LVE7M7LNTX4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611170440135},”type”:”text”,”content”:”“While I do accept these election results, we have to make sure we don’t turn the page on the issues we have seen affecting the process,” Blackman said. “Our focus is to make sure that every single voter was able to exercise their right to vote.””},{“_id”:”OSASPQ2UV5BHTJTPRV6OYH77HM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611170440136},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Blackman suggested that election officials might have inadvertently mailed absentee ballots to some voters that contained only U.S. Senate races. Ballots that only include federal races are created for U.S. citizens who permanently live overseas.”},{“_id”:”UU7SILDOYZAO5AR6BNGGLH3G2A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611170440137},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger certified the election results Tuesday. McDonald won by 33,727 votes over Blackman.”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-20T19:14:44.607Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Georgia election officials: Ballots didn’t omit PSC race”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-20T19:14:44.607Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”legislature”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”elections-voting”},{“text”:”alexa”},{“text”:”elections-state”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-21T10:30:21.215Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/ballots-werent-missing-psc-race-say-georgia-election-officials/ZXNXUKB7PZHDVMKOOKLEQGSAYQ/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Michael Holahan”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Senate Georgia”,”width”:4380,”caption”:”Daniel Blackman, a Democratic candidate for Georgia’s Public Service Commission, speaks during a rally earlier this month in Augusta. Blackman had alleged that voters in 38 counties reported they didn’t see the PSC race or his name listed on their ballots for this month’s runoff elections. The secretary of state’s office found that the ballots had not omitted the PSC race or his name. Republican Lauren “Bubba” McDonald was declared the winner. (Michael Holahan/The Augusta Chronicle via AP)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/B56LFG6LT3DUIHUOFFL6ETR5XI.jpg”,”height”:2820}},”_id”:”ZXNXUKB7PZHDVMKOOKLEQGSAYQ”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”O3CLHMNWRBF25GMAG2E72PIMIQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1600444891366},”type”:”text”,”content”:”WASHINGTON — Kamala Harris broke many barriers today when she was sworn in as vice president of the United States. She is the first female vice president. The first Black vice president. The first vice president of Asian descent.”},{“_id”:”WX2NTRG3I5BKPCZRCCFEQMWQ5A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[{“pos”:0,”comment”:”Her inauguration speech was to nod at the historic nature of her ascent even as she pledged to represent all Americans.”}],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154096965},”type”:”text”,”content”:””},{“_id”:”IYM5BJFBQVAN5O2M3HBVETBBAM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154096966},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The California native, Howard University graduate and proud “Momala” in a blended family took the oath of office at roughly noon. Her husband, Doug Emhoff, stood by her side.”},{“_id”:”RBJ6DV7D3ZEKJOHKTDJVMUGCTU”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”FWAF2YQSUZHH7NCFMX35EHO5GE”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/news/photos-inauguration-day-in-america-jan-20-2021/Z3XA5NVJ25EG7FS7EHTVPNV6SE/”,”content”:”PHOTOS: Inauguration Day in America, Jan. 20, 2021″},{“_id”:”A3DQNGJD4ZF2ZDHRY6TZQMICYQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154096967},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Harris was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to serve on the high court. She took the oath of office on two Bibles: One previously belonged to family friend Regina Shelton, and Harris also used it during her swearing-in as California’s attorney general and when she entered the U.S. Senate.”},{“_id”:”5EWJD6QJQZEE7NGVCGAUD24PRE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154096968},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The second Bible belonged to Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first Black person appointed to the Supreme Court. Marshall, who earned a law degree from Howard, inspired Harris to attend the historically black college in Washington.”},{“_id”:”MK2CEH2Y2JDYJG2A3LFE6767Y4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154096969},”type”:”text”,”content”:”As vice president, Harris serves as presiding officer of the U.S. Senate. Later Wednesday, she will swear in two other barrier-breakers: the Rev. Raphael Warnock, Georgia’s first Black senator, and Jon Ossoff, the first Jewish person to be elected to the Senate from Georgia.”},{“_id”:”ZEAPD7P24FAI3DEJH55MBBA5GE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154096970},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Moving forward, Harris will also serve as the Senate’s tie-breaking vote when needed. Ossoff and Warnock taking office means that Republicans and Democrats each hold 50 seats.”},{“_id”:”AYEL7GCDGZGCDLENZPF7D6HBTU”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”WSK62343HNCJ3BL2B7USEU6NYM”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/live-the-inauguration-of-joe-biden/5R4UK242RNGJFOWAO4G42B2XMY/”,”content”:”LIVE UPDATES: The Inauguration of Joe Biden”},{“_id”:”PZZPHY5DZBCUTCCQPOSWXBRKSI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611154096971},”type”:”text”,”content”:”
“}],”display_date”:”2021-01-20T16:41:34.761Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”Inauguration Day: Kamala Harris sworn in as vice president, achieving many ‘firsts’”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-20T16:41:34.761Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia 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AJC”,”site_title”:”Election News”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Election 2020″},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Election 2020″,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics/election”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”,”/politics”]},”order”:{“TopNavRedesign”:2004,”TopNav”:2005,”ComposerNav”:1125}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics/election”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”presidentialrace”},{“text”:”election-inauguration”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”elections-president”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”government and 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AP)”,”type”:”image”,”url”:”https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/44ZHUSFS6ID6EB732NCCKWTHUE.jpg”,”height”:3045}},”_id”:”WZ742UA6CJGU5JISJN5HY7TGCA”},{“content_elements”:[{“_id”:”7DNFS2XHOFEENBKURBETUHC57A”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726101},”type”:”text”,”content”:”President-elect Joe Biden plans to issue a sweep of executive orders and push an expansive legislative agenda after he takes office Wednesday, wielding narrow Democratic majorities in Congress thanks to Georgia’s U.S. Senate runoffs as he races to reverse Republican Donald Trump’s policies.”},{“_id”:”VT6ME6PH5ZA4VGYY34JJ3TPRHE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726102},”type”:”text”,”content”:”In the opening days of his administration, Biden intends to immediately roll back some of Trump’s most divisive decisions with directives to rejoin the Paris climate accord that his predecessor broke, enforce a mask mandate on federal property and nix a travel ban involving a handful of majority-Muslim countries.”},{“_id”:”EQF56KHSSNCNVGFNKINWWL2VEY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726103},”type”:”text”,”content”:”With the help of Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, whose victories this month flipped control of the U.S. Senate, Biden also aims to pass a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, expand voting rights rules under a measure named for John Lewis and secure his confirmations for Cabinet positions.”},{“_id”:”TJMUSBH6UFEGVJSYF27HJQGQ7Y”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”O2CDXDZ2IBCK5MJC7P5W2D3E5A”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/breaking-joe-biden-is-sworn-in-as-president-ending-trump-era/WKYWYAG6M5ATHGE6DAATWZHRC4/”,”content”:”Joe Biden is sworn in as president, ending Trump era”},{“_id”:”KOMWWIZOMRFW3MK5WO3W7BW5AE”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”DEZF2K76HBGUDP24Z7VTCCNSMY”},”type”:”interstitial_link”,”url”:”https://www.ajc.com/news/photos-inauguration-day-in-america-jan-20-2021/Z3XA5NVJ25EG7FS7EHTVPNV6SE/”,”content”:”PHOTOS: Inauguration Day in America”},{“_id”:”4YZ4WJ7TOJBP5BWIZ2JTDAB7WA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[]},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And Biden will launch his first 100 days in office even as the Senate still grapples with his predecessor. The Senate, split 50-50 once Ossoff and Warnock are sworn in Wednesday, plans to conduct a second impeachment trial of Trump on charges he incited the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.”},{“_id”:”FEKW73XXU5GVLI65FMPAU43GRU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726105},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Facing a still-raging pandemic and ongoing economic turmoil, Biden won’t have much wiggle room. Washington has been transformed into a fortress amid the threat of domestic attacks, and state and federal officials have struggled to effectively distribute the coronavirus vaccine.”},{“_id”:”5Q3MMZEYXJHTBLLLGXPQ3SW4BI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726106},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden will also have to thread narrow Democratic majorities in both chambers of Congress, and sidelined, fractious Republicans are eager to unite against any hints that Biden and his allies are overplaying their political hands.”},{“_id”:”TLJJPN2ZZ5FLHDKTTESUY5ZI54″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726107},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The incoming president aims to move with urgency to “reverse the gravest damages of the Trump administration,” his top aide, Ron Klain, said in a memo that laid out a blueprint for executive and congressional action in the first 100 days of the administration.”},{“_id”:”UD26GCS4WREZXIM6442RX4JFJM”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726108},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Here’s a look at what to expect:”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”GKYIUV2NBRGD5HSUM4DQMYL6JI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:”VNSQTD3CFVDENC26QJ5WF7464Q”},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Coronavirus”},{“_id”:”6IWXFG3GKRDPJOVORW2NCCGE3Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726110},”type”:”text”,”content”:”After months of demanding a more robust stimulus package, Biden last week proposed a $1.9 trillion plan that Democrats had been clamoring to pass. He talked of a “crisis of deep human suffering in plain sight,” adding “there is no time to waste.””},{“_id”:”HYHESESXU5F6HLTORCW2ZOL6M4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726111},”type”:”text”,”content”:”He also plans to issue a mask mandate for federal property and interstate travel, such as airplanes, and set a goal of administering 100 million vaccine shots in the first 100 days of his presidency.”},{“_id”:”PAE6R2EEYZHH5AEVP6W2ACINFY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726112},”type”:”text”,”content”:”More than 11,000 Georgians have died from the disease contracted by hundreds of thousands in the state.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”E3H2H4HRTNBDZAFIBBLQW2NLS4″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:”K4HHGE6MKJGMZMGR3R64SKGFTU”},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Economy”},{“_id”:”L345WRTLZBDARPU4TNU2FDONFI”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:”XXCFQB4N4NDABKVWQSECUTPN2Y”},”type”:”text”,”content”:”As part of Biden’s plan to reverse the economic downturn, his coronavirus relief package includes additional direct payments of $1,400 to most Americans and a revival of a $400 weekly boost in unemployment benefits. He’s also calling for $350 billion to help states and local governments cover funding shortfalls and $35 billion in small-business lending programs.”},{“_id”:”Y4G6IUQT4RCJPNSQDBXBAKOAKY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726115},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And during the general election, he promised a “Build Back Better” platform that would spend trillions of dollars on infrastructure projects and bolstering the nation’s health care network. He also called for increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.”},{“_id”:”WFJ2WL2IUJB3BPEZTRFQINX6ZU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611093441258},”type”:”text”,”content”:”To finance the spending, Biden said he would roll back the 2017 tax cuts signed into law by Trump and raise taxes on wealthier Americans.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”NRYQWSRS3FHARASVBOE4LP6H4E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:”PXN7IS27NVB37DEZQXQ2N7RRB4″},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Voting rights”},{“_id”:”WMGHHJ6UC5HZ3M7D6ILV66HLEY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726117},”type”:”text”,”content”:”With a new majority in place, Senate Democrats have already signaled they will move quickly to pass new voting measures. Similar legislation was approved in the House during the last congressional session, only to be blocked from the Senate floor by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.”},{“_id”:”O7PXPE4FEREE3PUSWK3IY2MTHA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611096195237},”type”:”text”,”content”:”These are the types of new voter protections that Biden had pledged to support. The package is likely to be named after Georgia Congressman John Lewis, the civil rights icon who died in July.”},{“_id”:”KWZNKUV62NDIZE7L7J5IMIKQEU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611096195238},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden as a candidate also pledged to offer incentives to states to automatically restore voting rights for people with felony records once they completed their sentences, and he said he would empower the Department of Justice to act as a protector of voting rights.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”Y6EUMO5XKNHZRDFRRJR5X7L3FE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611096195239},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Immigration”},{“_id”:”WMGHHJ6UC5HZ3M7D6ILV66HLEY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726119},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden plans to unveil legislation Wednesday that offers a path to citizenship for about 11 million immigrants now living in the U.S. without legal status, which could also include a fast track for so-called “Dreamers” who have lived in the country since they were children.”},{“_id”:”AI27EE2Z2BCXTCP5I3SX45CD4E”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726120},”type”:”text”,”content”:”More than 21,000 Georgians have participated in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program established during the Obama administration, according to federal officials, and many have no memories of the country in which they were born.”},{“_id”:”A3Z4ZPBXR5CULL6F2YE6WFJIOE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726121},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The legislation is also expected to promote new foreign aid for Central American countries that are the source of much of the migration, as well as new penalties for those smuggling people and drugs across the U.S. border.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”UPWN2PFZ7REJNBVUA4IOP6TSTE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:”73NNMPIFIVB43DU4OPNOM5CLQI”},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Environment”},{“_id”:”7BJWUKL2YBAM3D5AUPT23NZFJU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611092726123},”type”:”text”,”content”:”One of Trump’s first acts in office was to pull out of the Paris climate accord, an international agreement that aims to curb climate change. One of Biden’s first moves when he’s sworn into the presidency is to rejoin the pact, which was signed with support from then-Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and other local leaders.”},{“_id”:”RX3VCNXNBZA7BNV6VUL7NDIJSY”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611093441267},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Biden also plans to organize a “world summit” devoted to slowing climate change and to pressure China to eliminate subsidies on coal and other fossil fuels. And he’s set to terminate the controversial Keystone XL pipeline that stretches from the prairies of Canada to Texas.”},{“_id”:”A3C4ZYWFPFBFRHALKAVRYFBXQU”,”additional_properties”:{“comments”:[],”_id”:”NZCDKPH5JRC2VIMNUPJLUGCMEY”},”type”:”divider”},{“level”:2,”_id”:”GWGNMJNLZZFLROGLJ5VA22ZONQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611096195247},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Biden’s inauguration gets a Georgia touch”},{“_id”:”VWASKY2XZRBHFO2FHCS4ESNADU”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611096195248},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Cities across Georgia, including Atlanta, will light their buildings Tuesday night to honor those who died of COVID-19 as part of a ceremony leading into Joe Biden’s swearing in. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said both City Hall and the canopy at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport will be lit up amber.”},{“_id”:”UH7UW4OZZZAEXJVCO6G6INAJYE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611096195249},”type”:”text”,”content”:”South Fulton firefighter Andrea Hall will lead the Pledge of Allegiance during Wednesday’s swearing-in. Hall, the first Black woman to make the rank of captain in her department, is also president of the local union.”},{“_id”:”NQG3NQUCMBH6XBTM4RVWCHVM3Q”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611096195250},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Later in the afternoon, there will be a virtual “Parade Across America” that features a 12-year-old trumpeter from Decatur. Jason Zgonc gained notoriety this summer when he played his instrument for hospital workers during the coronavirus pandemic. His performance will include a virtual duet with the trumpeter from the New York Philharmonic who inspired his outreach.”},{“level”:1,”_id”:”TPFG7HF22NC5NFVQ2QWGNU727U”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611099193456},”type”:”header”,”content”:”Guide to the AJC’s inauguration coverage”},{“_id”:”AARYFGYCMNA2LJPV47JKOYXVGQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611099193457},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Joseph R. Biden Jr. will be inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday.”},{“_id”:”O74DNHPSIRFURPYYALB5G54YNA”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611099193458},”type”:”text”,”content”:”The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has two reporters on the ground in Washington to document the events of this historic weekend, including the swearing-in of Georgia’s newest U.S. senators: Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. Four years ago, we had eight staffers in Washington for the inauguration of Donald Trump, but the unprecedented lockdown of the U.S. Capitol and the coronavirus pandemic have greatly limited access and the inaugural events themselves.”},{“_id”:”6K2GAHXARRGJHKJZ5V3KPMBK64″,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611099193459},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Still, our Washington correspondent, Tia Mitchell, and senior political reporter Greg Bluestein will be there to bring you live coverage, with an emphasis on Georgia connections. In Atlanta, Patricia Murphy and others will be following Georgians who are marking the day.”},{“_id”:”KCTHXRPHQJEZRIH7UDUIFLBDAE”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611099193460},”type”:”text”,”content”:”Check ajc.com for updates.”},{“_id”:”LR2LUAEMA5EK7I4E3YLYAZ6X7I”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611099193461},”type”:”text”,”content”:”You can follow Mitchell on Facebook and on Twitter at @ajconwashington, Bluestein on Facebook and on Twitter at @bluestein, and Murphy at @1PatriciaMurphy .”},{“_id”:”BS4LCDU76ZBEHNYB6O6ZKRXVSQ”,”additional_properties”:{“inline_comments”:[],”comments”:[],”_id”:1611099193462},”type”:”text”,”content”:”And if you are hosting or attending virtual events or celebrating in other ways, please let us know. Please send photos, videos or your thoughts on the inauguration to patricia.murphy@ajc.com”}],”display_date”:”2021-01-19T23:29:13.716Z”,”headlines”:{“basic”:”How Biden’s first 100 days will affect Georgia”},”first_publish_date”:”2021-01-19T23:29:13.716Z”,”taxonomy”:{“sections”:[{“path”:”/politics”,”parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”_website”:”ajc”,”parent_id”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”name”:”Politics”,”description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”_id”:”/politics”,”additional_properties”:{“original”:{“parent”:{“default”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”BottomNav”:null,”TopNavRedesign”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”TopNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”,”ComposerNav”:”https://www.ajc.com/”},”site”:{“site_url”:”https://www.ajc.com/politics/”,”section_comments_enabled”:”Yes”,”site_description”:”Political news with a Georgia focus, including the Georgia Legislature, Congress, White House, presidential elections and Georgia Congressional Districts.”,”site_title”:”AJC Georgia Politics | What’s really going on in politics”},”navigation”:{“nav_title”:”Politics”},”inactive”:false,”node_type”:”section”,”_website”:”ajc”,”name”:”Politics”,”Sponsor”:{“sponsor_url_open_new_tab”:”true”,”sponsor_desktop_banner”:””,”sponsor_mobile_banner”:””,”sponsor_url”:””},”_id”:”/politics”,”ancestors”:{“TopNavRedesign”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”],”TopNav”:[“https://www.ajc.com/”]},”order”:{“default”:1022,”TopNavRedesign”:1002,”TopNav”:1002,”ComposerNav”:1124}}},”_website_section_id”:”ajc./politics”,”type”:”section”,”version”:”0.6.0″}],”tags”:[{“text”:”politics.ajc”},{“text”:”presidentialrace”},{“text”:”elections”},{“text”:”elections-state”},{“text”:”georgia news”},{“text”:”georgia-news.ajc”},{“text”:”government and politics”},{“text”:”ga-government.ajc”},{“text”:”alexa”},{“text”:”no_politics”},{“text”:”elections-president”}],”primary_section”:{“path”:”/politics”,”name”:”Politics”}},”type”:”story”,”last_updated_date”:”2021-01-20T19:05:11.760Z”,”canonical_url”:”/politics/how-bidens-first-100-days-will-affect-georgia/X4YSE54ESBCSLBX7XPD57MPR4M/”,”promo_items”:{“basic”:{“credits”:{“by”:[{“name”:”Evan Vucci”,”type”:”author”}]},”subtitle”:”Biden”,”width”:3768,”caption”:”President-elect Joe Biden plans to use executive orders to immediately roll back some of President Donald Trump’s most divisive decisions, including rejoining the Paris climate accord and eliminating a travel ban involving a handful of majority-Muslim countries. 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