{"createdAt":"2026-01-15T20:41:47.157Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-23T16:19:24.263Z","title":"Politics - Main Section","primarySectionNotApplicable":true,"layout":[{"blockType":"app-content","PackageTitle":"","hidePackageTitle":false,"displayconfig":"MainArticleCardType1","ListMenuHierarchy":"","MostReadFeed":"https://experiences.mrf.io/recommenderexperience/render.json?id=AP_SzwZiHjXTpKC0Vu4fbYZkQ&canonical_url=https://www.ajc.com","MostReadNumber":5,"populateBy":"collection-content-api","mustIncludeThumbnail":false,"collectionId":"EAKWILDLOREHFDBYK5YHV63KIE","onlyIncludeThisType":"","canonicalWebsites":{"ajc":true,"uatl":false,"dawgnation":false,"access-atlanta":false},"daysBack":30,"size":1,"from":0,"includeTags":"politics.ajc","mustIncludeAllTags":"no","content":[{"canonical_url":"/politics/2026/07/heres-how-rick-jackson-spent-108-million-in-the-republican-race-for-governor/","canonical_website":"ajc","content_elements":[{"_id":"LZZHHMNPZ5E43AVWFALVQZD4KY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Republican Rick Jackson shattered records in Georgia by pumping more than $108 million of his own money into his campaign for governor.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PIM4MSEDL5FFRGED7XLKJHMJDQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"An Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis shows the executive spent roughly three-quarters of that — more than $83 million — on television and cable advertising. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWIQGUUI7NE7ZCMY2DEFP5P3HE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The spending allowed Jackson to dominate the airwaves and overcome Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ support among conservative activists and President Donald Trump’s endorsement. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LBZ6R3CWHRE4VBEX2DSVVHSZHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also offers an <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/06/keisha-lance-bottoms-is-in-for-a-very-different-race-against-rick-jackson/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/06/keisha-lance-bottoms-is-in-for-a-very-different-race-against-rick-jackson/\">early blueprint </a>for how Jackson could deploy his fortune against Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms as he begins raising money from outsider donors in earnest for the first time. He donated more than $111 million to his campaign so far, spending more than $108 million of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZJMLTHZIFC73PNJ33TX6JL76Q","content":"<iframe title=\"Rick Jackson campaign funding\" aria-label=\"Donut Chart\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-mWTrt\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mWTrt/2/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"456\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">(function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})();</script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"YEEM2VFSSNHALCEBHZZOUKJZDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The spending was extraordinary not only because of its size but because of how concentrated it was. More than $62 million in television and cable advertising flowed through Alexandria, Virginia-based Smart Media Group. Ballast,<b> </b>of Delaware, received more than $18 million. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKAF3AUKGFGFPOZPSJGHW5HC5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Together, the two firms accounted for the bulk of Jackson’s itemized television spending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4XIBRRQTJFJ7FCNFNX26TWIJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Television wasn’t the <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/06/keisha-lance-bottoms-is-in-for-a-very-different-race-against-rick-jackson/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/06/keisha-lance-bottoms-is-in-for-a-very-different-race-against-rick-jackson/\">campaign’s only weapon.</a> At least $19 million was spent on direct mail, campaign signs, billboards, radio and newspaper advertising and other get-out-the-vote efforts, according to campaign finance reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZCOQOL7LVGONNKHUXSKLSWM44","additional_properties":{},"content":"Two vendors dominated that category. GMRP received roughly $14 million, much of it for direct mail. Quiver received roughly $5.7 million, financing mailers, campaign signs and other expenses. Smart Media Group received another $750,000 for radio ads. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVU6N7HL5JAADJUEA6HXJFAIJI","content":"<iframe title=\"How Rick Jackson spent nearly $108 million\" aria-label=\"Bar Chart\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-spVhQ\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/spVhQ/2/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"409\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">(function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})();</script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"4BSGCWLJKFGB7FJUYABZTCYH54","additional_properties":{},"content":"The filings show a campaign built less around a traditional staff than a network of outside consultants, media firms and vendors to carry Jackson’s message across the state. He reported about $209,000 in staff salaries for roughly two dozen employees, some of them recent hires.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AV7KZDK5VDLRDMPRUGQVMEROY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jackson also assembled an experienced team of Republican consultants, including longtime Georgia strategist Brian Robinson, whose Robinson Republic firm received about $50,000 after joining the campaign in March. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJEXOA2RIVD2DHX3TQ6T7PXNDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Other consulting firms received larger payments, including roughly $200,000 paid to Crosby Ottenhoff Group and more than $125,000 that went to AJ Strategies. Veteran operative Michael Schrimpf received $90,000 in consulting fees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K5RARYATWVFANPL5FK5H3IXCBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The campaign spent about $2.7 million on polling and survey research and roughly $2.1 million on phone banks. Another $500,000 was spent on legal fees, mostly with Kilpatrick Townsend &amp; Stockton.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPRUWD2BIVGL7LODCKWIDDSHFI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jackson’s opponents have <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/after-costly-primary-burt-jones-plans-to-use-rick-jacksons-wealth-against-him/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/after-costly-primary-burt-jones-plans-to-use-rick-jacksons-wealth-against-him/\">long tried to turn his spending into a liability</a>, mocking his prodigious spending<b> </b>as a wasteful boondoggle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRSLLGV3GVCOBN6IJZEIAQYHME","additional_properties":{},"content":"Bottoms has cast him as just another wealthy wannabe trying to buy influence, comparing him to Georgia’s version of Elon Musk, the trillionaire with close ties to Trump. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYHAQGMYR5E6XC3B667YHMUMXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“No matter if you are a billionaire or a gazillionaire, you still get one vote,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5AIKNUUKNHZJD66POYG3GCHAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Bottoms, by comparison, spent about $2.6 million to win her party’s nomination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYJ6SJKRTJBGZHBYGJ6RFHUOGQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jones made a similar argument during the GOP runoff, airing ads accusing Jackson of trying to “buy our vote.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YIPOKVPZBE3XEWRLRZSNVB4ME","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jackson has embraced the contrast, <a href=\"https://x.com/bluestein/status/2039691992876118104?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://x.com/bluestein/status/2039691992876118104?lang=en\">proudly noting his $3 billion net worth </a>on state campaign finance disclosures with only enough room for nine digits. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOLZDR43YND2HJT7MKGXST53AQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"He’s told the AJC that self-funding frees him from relying on special interests and wealthy donors. He has also made clear he won’t hold back in the general.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBMBUMARSBC7DK6CMDM6R4E7RE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I’ll spend whatever it takes to win this race,” he said in a recent ad. 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He lives in Dunwoody with his wife and two daughters.","facebook":"https://www.facebook.com/gregbluesteinajc/","twitter":"https://twitter.com/bluestein","books":[{"title":"Flipped","url":"https://www.amazon.com/Flipped-Georgia-Turned-Monopoly-Republican/dp/0593489152","publisher":"Penguin Random House"}],"podcasts":[{"name":"Politically Georgia Podcast","url":"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politically-georgia/id1356662668","download_url":"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politically-georgia/id1356662668"}],"education":[{"name":"University of Georgia"}],"awards":[{"name":"Georgia Center for the Book Award"},{"name":"Toner Prize for Excellence in Local Political Reporting "}],"last_updated_date":"2026-06-11T14:39:20.803Z","bio_page":"/staff/greg-bluestein/","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-bluestein-7777571","instagram":"https://www.instagram.com/gregbluestein/","image":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/YXE5T3E2GVAL7HAU5EWSUOVF7A.png","type":"author","author_type":"Staff","beat":"Politics ","expertise":"11","custom_ajc_website":"ajc"}}}]},"description":{"basic":"Rick Jackson spent tens of millions of dollars on television and cable advertising, dominating the airwaves to win the Republican nomination for Georgia governor."},"display_date":"2026-07-02T09:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Here’s how Rick Jackson spent $108 million in the Republican race for governor","meta_title":"Billionaire Rick Jackson has spent $108 million so far in Georgia governor's race","mobile":"","native":"","print":"Here’s how Rick Jackson spent $108M in the GOP race for governor","table":"","tablet":"","web":""},"label":{"team":{"display":true,"text":"politics","url":""}},"subheadlines":{"basic":"The billionaire’s record-setting spending spree offers a blueprint for how he could take on Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms."},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG?auth=5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"6a3d7b073315424f2536f972","iptc_source":"Atlanta Journal-Constitution","keywords":["georgia","governor","nominee","republican","rick jackson"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"062626 Rick Jackson event 20.JPG","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG?auth=5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG?auth=5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-06-26T16:10:14Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG?auth=5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2&width=300","version":1},"address":{"locality":"Doraville","region":"GA"},"auth":{"1":"5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2"},"caption":"Republican nominee for governor Rick Jackson, center, speaks to members of the media during a campaign event at the Monterey Mexican Restaurant, Friday, June 26, 2026, in Doraville, Ga. 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He’ll be replaced by his top deputy, Steven Knittel, who was appointed executive director by the commission last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSN23PVOARBVLLYWWJPYCNGWVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emadi has led the agency since 2019. He made a splash by immediately <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/new-georgia-ethics-chief-says-will-subpoena-abrams-campaign-records/MNo5bjAdixTbI4Xmpr6wfI/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">ramping up an investigation</a> of groups linked to Democrat Stacey Abrams, who accused Emadi of conducting a “<a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/the-jolt-stacey-abram-team-alleges-political-vendetta/uMyYElT69OkcilVcsxF9PK/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">political vendetta</a>.” But a voting rights group Abrams founded ultimately  paid the <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/abrams-group-to-pay-largest-fine-for-campaign-violations-in-georgia-history/3Q3SFGNDNFEXLBIUYUB3ONDRM4/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">largest fine ever assessed</a> in Georgia for campaign violations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4VVZ6IZ2JE45OPLS22NJOCZKE","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Stacey Abrams group to pay largest fine for campaign violations in Georgia history","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/abrams-group-to-pay-largest-fine-for-campaign-violations-in-georgia-history/3Q3SFGNDNFEXLBIUYUB3ONDRM4/"},{"_id":"OOEOKIA4SNAA3M7N7MCFIHLHMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emadi and his defenders say he has pursued Republican and Democratic politicians without regard to politics.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ERHXMCBGJB2JETSKDKZW7CKHY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I think we have rehabilitated and brought credibility to the agency,” Emadi said in an interview this week. “I think there’s an understanding in the political landscape that if you try and do something intentionally wrong to circumvent the law, we’re going to get you for it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7BJJFV5TBAH5AFPHTD6AX6ETY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The State Ethics Commission is responsible for enforcing Georgia political campaign and lobbying laws. The state requires candidates, political parties and others who seek to influence elections to register and disclose their donors and expenditures. It also requires lobbyists to disclose their clients and the money they spend to influence state and local officials.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TC7MD2FLFAQLLTVQKWRXQGOMI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The agency <a href=\"https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">publishes those reports</a> on its website. The idea is to give Georgians information about who is seeking to influence their government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GF2VAOJKZZGQ3PS2VZ3HZOPG5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"When Emadi arrived, the agency was mired in scandal. Employees had accused the previous executive director of viewing pornography at work and recommending they not pursue campaign finance cases. The director resigned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SIU6WM7AABHQZH3ZKPRMX655QI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emadi was a former Douglas County prosecutor who sought to set a different tone. He said he wanted the ethics commission to hold people accountable but not be a “gotcha” agency that would “nickel and dime you.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYDGKWACSZFYJLXXWH6RYNPHLU","additional_properties":{},"content":"One of his first actions was to investigate Abrams’ committee. Emadi subpoenaed bank records for her unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial campaign and for groups that sought to get her elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRBRX45ZINDZ3CK3YQPQJW6PRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The investigation drew fierce criticism from Abrams and her supporters. They accused Emadi — a former local Republican Party officer who had given $600 to Brian Kemp’s successful campaign — of conducting a politically motivated investigation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44UXDW2YWBHHNB6VXPDIVPW3NM","additional_properties":{},"content":"That investigation took years. The agency brought no charges against Abrams. But last year a group she founded <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/abrams-group-to-pay-largest-fine-for-campaign-violations-in-georgia-history/3Q3SFGNDNFEXLBIUYUB3ONDRM4/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">admitted</a> to spending millions of dollars to support her 2018 campaign without registering with the commission or disclosing its activities. The group and an affiliate agreed to pay $300,000, the largest fine ever assessed for violating Georgia campaign finance laws.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W72OFBEZ5JF53JRIC2FQLY3UB4","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesman for Abrams did not respond to a request for comment about Emadi’s tenure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPEJO4IDZFHU7LXCE2WCMFZOE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under Emadi, the commission also has targeted <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/suspended-appeals-court-judge-agrees-to-fine-for-misusing-campaign-funds/OVKY2PFDDRCPNCO4UKI2IXDHLA/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">high-profile Republicans</a>. Most recently, it charged the <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/12/groups-tied-to-first-liberty-accused-of-campaign-finance-violations/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Georgia Republican Assembly</a> and its affiliated political action committee with dozens of violations, including failing to disclose more than $180,000 of campaign contributions as they rose to become dominant forces in state Republican politics. The case is still pending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIZE65F4RFF2BONHMC5AB2N6LA","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Suspended Georgia Appeals Court judge agrees to $25K fine over ethics accusations","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/politics/suspended-appeals-court-judge-agrees-to-fine-for-misusing-campaign-funds/OVKY2PFDDRCPNCO4UKI2IXDHLA/"},{"_id":"NE2NZ42RQVDFNGYYE7KX2OLDFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We have taken on very significant cases against Republicans and Democrats,” Emadi said. “And we’ve proven that, when we’ve made the accusations, they’ve been true.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3MZQ5EBCBFFSLAK34XBIAIHDMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under Emadi, the commission has replaced the state’s campaign finance and lobbying <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/price-tag-for-georgias-new-campaign-finance-reporting-system-71-million/37DBKIP7I5BVFJBLD3A4J6K5WA/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">reporting system</a>. The old one, launched early in Emadi’s tenure, was generally considered unusable for the public and candidates alike.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWPZC4CWSJHZ3MOAAQ3OU2SNOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emadi also successfully lobbied the General Assembly for a <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-state-legislature/campaign-finance-law-rewrite-would-shield-addresses-of-georgia-public-officials-and-candidates/TLQYXVSXCREUBI4JVTYQKZPOMU/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">simplified reporting schedule</a>, which took effect this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4K5WASXTGFBYLEIXDWK4HHBT2A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Rick Thompson, vice chair of the State Ethics Commission and a former director of the agency, credits Emadi with eliminating a backlog of cases, stabilizing the agency, reducing staff turnover and hiring good people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBMNUSGP5RB6FNW5FL6EJQ6WRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The ethics commission was in complete chaos before he came,” Thompson said. “That’s saying it nicely.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDGXGOM5DVBLXM6FFYTPU7VIRM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Among the people Emadi hired was Knittel, another former prosecutor. He joined the commission as senior staff attorney in 2022 and was promoted to deputy executive director two years ago. The commission voted unanimously to name him as Emadi’s replacement last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JJFJNRK3IZFCRECST3ERBBGETM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Knittel faces his own challenges leading an agency with a $3.5 million budget and about 20 employees. Beginning next year, candidates for local office must file disclosure reports with the state instead of with local election officials. Knittel will oversee the addition of thousands of local candidates to the state system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5STESJL3FEJ3ORLRAOJVED5PU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Knittel said he also hopes to provide stability to the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7WRFMBOFFAG7JYRAIDAX5HAR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I just want to make sure this office continues to run very well,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCUAHRXCUVDO5HOHOGXAJ2JQYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Knittell will report to the five-member commission. Three of its members are appointed by the governor, with one each appointed by the state House speaker and the Senate committee on assignments.","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"david-wickert","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"David Wickert","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. 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","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDA35D7XZVDFVMOJV5U3HZNUIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be subject to a <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/education/2026/05/kemp-signs-georgia-high-school-cellphone-ban-and-literacy-expansion-bills/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">“bell-to-bell” ban</a> on cellphones, smart watches and other personal electronic devices. Next year, high school students will be subject to the same restrictions.  ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S76UOOWPUNCQ5EFSTGQUOGFPRM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Though the K-8 ban has a July 1 start date, many Georgia school districts <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/education/2025/07/georgia-school-districts-prepare-for-cellphone-ban-ahead-of-state-deadline/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/education/2025/07/georgia-school-districts-prepare-for-cellphone-ban-ahead-of-state-deadline/\">got a head start</a> by implementing creative storage solutions or policies designed to keep devices out of sight. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QADVIM3XVJCW7IOHUF7VDVYUIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"And teachers are glad for it: Recent research shows that <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/education/2026/02/teachers-parents-love-ga-cellphone-ban-now-lawmakers-turn-to-high-schools/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">teachers strongly support the bans</a>, saying students are more focused without the distraction of their cellphones. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GSLSWEJOEREF5HMAORUX7LMY6E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The ban is “life-changing,” said State Rep. Scott Hilton, R-Peachtree Corners, who sponsored both bills. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SALMGK2LBNFYVDMEIEBS3G3BYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"State lawmakers <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-bill-tracker-2026-see-what-lawmakers-are-voting-on/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">passed more than 350 bills</a> under the Gold Dome this past legislative session ranging from a vape allowance for medical cannabis to how retailers should handle the death of the penny.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3V6KMNENVFFZLGTA2U4WOT47Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Here are some of the new laws that take effect July 1: ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOCU5ZXQXJE4JGVM5YL6AJEWXA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Budget &amp; Taxes","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"NN7Y6IYK4JC2PNKMN5DGJWCXBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lawmakers approved a $38.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, which begins today. But the final product was shaped by Gov. Brian Kemp’s veto pen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2XGRBOIZ5EWRLCSKVIC5GSVRM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The budget includes a host of new spending, including $70.4 million for <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/with-end-of-session-near-georgia-lawmakers-tackle-childhood-literacy/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">literacy coaches</a> in every elementary school, $11.7 million for school enrollment growth, $213.3 million for school construction and $44.7 million in additional lottery funds for HOPE scholarships.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3U5FRLDJJBE7PBFQZ6NTJXURPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"But <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/brian-kemp-trims-300-million-from-georgias-budget/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Kemp vetoed</a> more than $300 million in spending, citing the effects of a big <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/georgia-lawmakers-approve-income-tax-cut-property-tax-relief/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">income tax cut</a> that takes effect this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHKWNZ5LKND2FF5G7CJ5YGJCUU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lawmakers voted to <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/georgia-lawmakers-approve-income-tax-cut-property-tax-relief/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/georgia-lawmakers-approve-income-tax-cut-property-tax-relief/\">continue to pare back the state’s income tax rate</a> and exempt some cash tips and overtime from taxes, making those changes retroactive to Jan. 1.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZ6YKNRCJVC4RHLT3PZO2MBQBA","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Georgia lawmakers give businesses a boost in court battles","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/06/georgia-lawmakers-give-businesses-a-boost-in-court-battles/"},{"_id":"WHBRFHYLKBAWHKQ2YE6UMKJXIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The governor cut $100 million intended to give state retirees future <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/brian-kemps-budget-ax-falls-on-raises-for-state-retirees/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">cost-of-living raises</a>. Among other things, Kemp also vetoed $30.7 million in new funding for student transportation, $5.9 million for outdoor recreation, $5.3 million for Medicaid dental care and $2.5 million to aid homeless veterans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XV6FFUIOF5FAVOLBST7B6VNBDQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kemp said the income tax cut blew a $1.3 billion hole in the 2027 budget. He’s counting on growth in state revenue to cover some of the remaining deficit caused by the tax cut. The state will use money from its $8 billion reserves to cover the rest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZVWN24X4FE3FA7P44HAAHXVGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Medical cannabis","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"6W7HIRCC5BDQPPFSZ4Y6ZSWFCY","additional_properties":{},"content":"While a <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-weighs-ban-on-synthetic-hemp-while-expanding-medical-cannabis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">federal restriction on hemp products looms</a>, Georgia’s Legislature expanded the use of medicinal cannabis. A state law will allow medical patients<b> </b>22 or older to vape their products, something advocates say provides patients with quicker relief than oil tinctures. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GE5GVEV3VZE25JA4J5FQB6XA2M","additional_properties":{},"content":"The law also lifts the cap of Georgia’s current 5% THC concentration limit for medical cannabis products and expands the conditions that qualify a person for a medical cannabis card. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6J4UJMCH5BUPN2CLQHUANCJEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lawmakers who opposed the measure warned that such changes could be abused, casting the measure as a backdoor to recreational use rather than to treat a medical condition. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSA4R4BN5ZFTDPBX4A2ON7KW7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cash rounding ","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"4HGOY5NRNFEKLOKR5VZIAHWZ7I","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the wake of <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/11/brandon-beach-heralds-end-of-the-penny-as-the-return-of-common-sense/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/11/brandon-beach-heralds-end-of-the-penny-as-the-return-of-common-sense/\">the penny’s death</a>, state lawmakers gave their two cents on how to handle the dwindling supply of 1-cent coins. A <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-grapples-with-rounding-change-after-the-demise-of-the-penny/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-grapples-with-rounding-change-after-the-demise-of-the-penny/\">new law</a> will allow retailers to round prices to the nearest nickel when making change and calculating sales taxes on cash sales. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"377IQ634HVFIZCT6AEGXRQVJWY","additional_properties":{},"content":"But those who carry cash will still be able to spend their change, as the law requires retailers to accept exact change if people have it. The cessation of the penny has spurred similar efforts in other states across the country. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"I6TZEC6LBFCRJH7HRWNM477MR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Literacy overhaul","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"GTINEEHGVNHVRDXYL44K5XUFZU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Georgia Early Literacy Act was one of the session’s biggest bipartisan initiatives and aimed at boosting literacy performance in Georgia’s public schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"47XVD33DSBAJRCYUU72GO4DJF4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The measure focuses on ensuring students can read proficiently by the third grade, a benchmark experts say is critical for academic success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUCKGNWP4JHH3ABYM2BDOMOMME","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"How a Georgia literacy bill emerged as a central fight in session’s final days","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/how-a-georgia-literacy-bill-emerged-as-a-central-fight-of-sessions-final-days/"},{"_id":"YQYGUZD4BBH4JCPFSILVAYLNQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/literacy-bill-cools-tensions-in-georgia-capitols-final-week-standoff/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/literacy-bill-cools-tensions-in-georgia-capitols-final-week-standoff/\">sweeping bill</a> provides training and support for educators, requires screening for dyslexia and other learning disabilities and mandates kindergarten attendance. Current state law requires children to start school by first grade. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HVJYP6FKOJGO5EKFNZU5DH27BE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also places a literacy coach in every elementary school in the state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EI7WXCMFVNEGTCVZA72GF53YEY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Paid maternal leave","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"M7TCQGB2ZFDGTBPHEGPNMPKBDM","additional_properties":{},"content":"State employees, including public pre-K-12 educators, currently receive <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-house-approves-increased-access-to-birth-control-more-paid-leave/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-house-approves-increased-access-to-birth-control-more-paid-leave/\">six weeks of paid maternal leave</a>. Under a new Georgia law, state employees will receive an additional 120 hours (equivalent to 3 weeks) of paid maternity leave. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAADYBNASRFK3OIIYNQDMAHN7Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The law also protects employees from retaliation for claiming leave. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDCBRGQJLJCGZATFBYHFX5ILHI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Disrupting religious services","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"BUQ6INCAOZDYLNX27ULZ47ZXVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A new Georgia law safeguarding religious freedom prohibits protests and disruptive behavior within 500 feet of a place of worship, with violations punishable as misdemeanors which can carry up to a $1,000 fine or up to one year in jail. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ADGD2KPYXNFUTESGT42QNIC7HI","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Bills awaiting Kemp’s approval could impact protests, police, religious services","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/04/bills-awaiting-kemps-approval-could-impact-protests-police-religious-services/"},{"_id":"FAZFRP5N5NA7RHSB65KVUPQL54","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under the new law, protections for places of worship start one hour before a service begins and ends one hour after it concludes. Disruption during military funerals is elevated to an aggravated misdemeanor which is punishable by up to a $5,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMHOIQODJJHNFCUFHKTXEH7NSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Service dog protections","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"UDP5GHGE5FGG5MKXUF4JMR3W5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia has increased penalties for harming service dogs and now provides restitution for owners, covering costs for veterinary treatment or replacement of harmed dogs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NHRZNBQPFBFDFODQ7ZY7MCS6UA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The new law also makes it illegal to falsely claim an animal is a service dog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDDNKOS2FVFQROKYFFJRPZXPB4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Caregiver background checks","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"ZBK74ZN2JNGDFD7J6ZGVLWR4FQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia now requires criminal background, license and registry checks for individuals who provide care to children, older adults and people with disabilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWHMWUAU2RFZLDCDXCYJROAEYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The change allows the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to submit fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Crime Information Center as part of the background checks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDVCRA33C5HLHCRPP5ETNZHSKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia’s official horse","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"OZKSBEODHZHKFFKPJ5AEVKCB5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Many of the most contentious issues spark fierce debate during the Legislature’s 40-day session. Some issues, however, are far less divisive. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDOY667S5RCUNA4YSQZ4CI7YL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"A measure that will designate the marsh tacky horse as the official Georgia heritage horse breed drew bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. ","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"cassidy-alexander","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"Cassidy Alexander","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/c72ef14d-80ac-4307-bde1-660e2a334b14.jpg","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"Cassidy Alexander covers Georgia education issues for the AJC. 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Congress should start TODAY to work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship,” the post says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQR23ONFBRHD3GFEZWNK3EWN3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Some of Georgia’s congressional Republicans indicated they would back that push. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTAH6V4QUJB4DNDMZDB6KNBIGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"U.S. Rep. Clay Fuller, R-Lookout Mountain, said justices were “prioritizing the futures of illegals over Americans” and <a href=\"https://x.com/Clay4MainStreet/status/2071978339590447125\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://x.com/Clay4MainStreet/status/2071978339590447125\">noted</a> he had previously sponsored legislation that proposed a constitutional amendment to end birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented migrants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2EUIM2VDB5GENH7TQHG4VWRCTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, did not respond to a request for comment. But early last year Collins <a href=\"https://x.com/repmikecollins/status/1882447398376730939?s=46\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://x.com/repmikecollins/status/1882447398376730939?s=46\">spoke at a news conference</a> in which he called for an end to birthright citizenship. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2AHNU4PPBDIHBEAIYZ3CLF34M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Rick Jackson, the GOP nominee for governor, declined to comment.<b> </b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUXLEAS32VA7JMCALGVPDOPP5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-St. Simons Island, said justices were “allowing our Constitution to be abused by non-American parents, including illegal immigrants, having children in the U.S. solely for that child to gain citizenship.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CGR3T7VNBRETROSQNVLJSZQJXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Meanwhile, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms said she was “thankful that the Supreme Court ruled against Trump and his relentless and unpatriotic effort to undermine the Constitution.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQOYMGFCEBDR5MA4MUFNZKNQXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The challenge to birthright citizenship, a bedrock of the United States Constitution, is indicative of the blatant disregard Donald Trump has for the diversity of this country,” she said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCG6PSQLRFG3ZEMOOMOVZMGWLE","additional_properties":{},"content":"U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office did not respond to a request for comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQDLRIXJLJEX7O2SC3E5ZCKW6Q","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections, backing Republican appeal","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/06/supreme-court-strikes-down-limits-on-party-spending-in-federal-elections-backing-republican-appeal/"},{"_id":"GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"6a2ac0ec3315424f2532b0b8","iptc_source":"The Atlanta Journal-Constitution","iptc_title":"staff","keywords":["arndrea waters king","father’s day","king family","martin luther king iii","yolanda renee king"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"061026 KING FAMILY HS07.jpg","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-06-12T11:54:14Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de&width=300","version":1,"alt_text":"","link":""},"address":{"locality":"Atlanta","region":"GA"},"auth":{"1":"95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de"},"caption":"Martin Luther King III — pictured speaking at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights earlier this month — and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, said in a joint statement about Tuesday's Supreme Court decision: “This is not simply a legal victory, but a rejection of a dangerous effort to redraw the boundaries of citizenship and belonging in America.\" (Hyosub Shin/AJC)","copyright":"Copyright 2026 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution","created_date":"2026-06-12T19:59:37Z","credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Hyosub Shin/AJC","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Hyosub Shin","type":"author"}]},"distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"46cae676-4989-4b34-bc9b-906e8e9b6d59"},"height":3592,"last_updated_date":"2026-06-12T19:59:38Z","licensable":false,"owner":{"id":"ajc"},"slug":"uatl 061026 king family","source":{"name":"AJC Freelancer","source_id":"Freelancer/061026 KING FAMILY HS07.jpg","source_type":"freelance","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"},"edit_url":"https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U","system":"AJC Freelancer"},"subtitle":"Father’s Day with the King family","taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":["6a2ac0ec3315424f2532b0b8"]},"type":"image","url":"https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de","version":"0.10.9","width":5392},{"_id":"RMVW7CNO4JHKLDHA7BDSKJXHOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Martin Luther King III, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s eldest son, and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, cheered the decision for upholding “a promise of equal belonging that is fundamental to our democracy.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWJASINN45EQFHAQXPZFB4PJHQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is not simply a legal victory, but a rejection of a dangerous effort to redraw the boundaries of citizenship and belonging in America,” they said in a joint statement. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NITH3PRPLJDHBPXUXWQTJF57UI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia impacts could have been massive ","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"DUEEQI5MGZEALHTMT4E4H5UOLQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Nationally, the decision is expected to affect more than 250,000 babies born in the U.S. each year, according to The Associated Press. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQP2ZWJBY5H4HH2J6WR62KSZD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Roughly 479,000 undocumented people lived in Georgia as of mid-2023, according to a <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/11/report-georgia-unauthorized-immigrant-population-reaches-nearly-500000/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/11/report-georgia-unauthorized-immigrant-population-reaches-nearly-500000/\">recent estimate</a> by the Migration Policy Institute. It was the nation’s sixth-largest population of unauthorized immigrants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLJOWDTTENDEJAI55J2ATEU6JE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia’s population of undocumented people increased by more than 45% since 2018, the nonpartisan think tank said. The institute estimated that more than one-third of the country’s unauthorized immigrants were born in Mexico, and a majority have lived in the U.S. for more than 15 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHHDIIUDJZE6JLWH7VETFVAMKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cynthia Neal Spence, an associate professor of sociology at Spelman College, said there could have been massive implications for Georgia’s economy had the court overturned birthright citizenship. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5","galleries":[],"ingestionMethod":"manual","keywords":[],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"bio photo.jpg","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5","restricted":false,"thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5&width=300","version":0,"template_id":594,"alt_text":"","link":""},"address":{},"auth":{"1":"11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5"},"caption":"Cynthia Neal Spence, an associate professor of sociology at Spelman College, said there could have been massive implications for Georgia’s economy had the court overturned birthright citizenship. (Courtesy of Spelman College)","created_date":"2024-09-11T17:48:54Z","credits":{"affiliation":[],"by":[{"byline":"Spelman College","name":"Spelman College","type":"author"}]},"distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019"},"height":400,"image_type":"photograph","last_updated_date":"2024-09-11T17:48:54Z","licensable":false,"owner":{"id":"ajc","sponsored":false},"source":{"name":"AJC","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"},"edit_url":"https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA","system":"photo center"},"subtitle":"Cynthia Neal Spence","taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","url":"https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5","version":"0.10.9","width":400,"syndication":{}},{"_id":"5XBN43QSBVHTJAHJYDTWOBEQC4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“If this decision had, in fact, gone the way of the president, it would have certainly placed our state economy in a vulnerable position because we are so dependent upon immigrant labor,” said Spence, adding that there would have been a “mass exodus” of Georgia’s farmworkers and that a new subclass of “stateless individuals” would have been created.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GCSQNU5JU5B4TFJKCWMJQA54PM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The consequences would have stretched far beyond the rural parts of the state, according to Charles Kuck, an Atlanta-based immigration attorney.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5SEYDRUEQBDSRAV4ZGNX4575QE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“There are vast swaths of cityfied Georgia where this is just as big an issue as it is down in the Vidalia onion fields,” Kuck said. “Just walk into any restaurant kitchen in metro Atlanta and you will see what I’m telling you is true.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZMBBPQKXWRDIBB3BILZEOXMNJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Groups representing South Asian immigrants in Georgia also applauded the ruling. The executive order, had it been upheld, <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/what-do-trumps-new-restrictions-mean-for-immigrants-in-georgia/5QDNZ54PONH6XBFSBU5W3Z72WI/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/what-do-trumps-new-restrictions-mean-for-immigrants-in-georgia/5QDNZ54PONH6XBFSBU5W3Z72WI/\">targeted holders of H-1B visas for skilled workers</a>, over 70% of whom come from India. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJ322D4SKRCF5OSMK5DTFN5IQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Indians are Georgia’s second-largest immigrant group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQTX7BBDMNGRRA7LNY37LHDB7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"The South Asian Bar Association of Georgia said it was “heartened” by the ruling and that the principle of birthright citizenship “should never have been in doubt.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUDLY263PBBWTARFMMZQRWFCTY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Over the past few decades, Georgia has become home to a rapidly growing South Asian immigrant community who have built families, careers, and lasting ties across our state,” the group said in a statement. “For many, the promise of birthright citizenship has been an essential pathway to the American Dream. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6I33HSFN4RHYVGQZTAN2UU4XVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This decision provides reassurance to members of our community and reinforces the constitutional principles that have long defined our nation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"65CFLSLOWVGLXMQQKBQUX3BCEE","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Supreme Court rules constitutional privacy protections apply to cellphone users' location history","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/06/supreme-court-rules-constitutional-privacy-protections-apply-to-cellphone-users-location-history/"},{"_id":"66ANRHR6WVAFDCNV7N42ZXW6WU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Feeling `reassured’","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"AADUEMTM25CSDIKEBWUSYHGTGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emily Espino, 20, said she feels “reassured” by Tuesday’s ruling. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6U5J7U7PJFH3OMSFXDMCWKJ3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Espino’s mother left her family and small, rural home in Mexico for Georgia at the age of 19, in search of work and better economic opportunities. Three decades later, she’s an entrepreneur who raised three daughters, with Espino now at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton with dreams of going into wildlife biology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2C53UOJXFRDTLMHO7STMUVCYCU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“As a child of an immigrant, I got birthright citizenship,” Espino said. “The way that the executive order was written, if I had been born today and that executive order still stood I wouldn’t be a citizen. That’s definitely a very scary thought because a lot of stuff is tied to citizenship, like going to college.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HIZ3PDEJL5DP3FC7NKFRAYDVS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Being roughly the same age as her mother when she ventured to the U.S., Espino said she couldn’t imagine making that trip herself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HH3XQYUAVRD6LFBXGHMKBGRT4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I’m just going to keep making the most of my life, especially with all the privileges that citizenship has given me,” said Espino, who is also an activist with the advocacy organization We Are Casa. “I’m going to get that degree, and then I’m going to keep working. When I graduate, I’m going to get a good job.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM","additional_properties":{"countryId":227,"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"DCJL103","iptc_source":"FR159526 AP","iptc_title":"FRE","keywords":["LGBTQ+","Gender","Gender in sports","General news","Courts"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"download?role=main&qt=-B4J1icfuueS&cid=4ada677da3334c91a18e1239a88a23e5&ai=a362863265ba8630e71068fe5b75bb8e","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-06-30T14:56:11Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba&width=300","version":1,"alt_text":"","link":""},"address":{"locality":"Washington","region":"DC","country_name":"USA"},"auth":{"1":"bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba"},"caption":"A group prays outside of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, ahead of the court's ruling on whether transgender girls and women can play on school athletic teams. Tuesday was the last day of the court's session, and several rulings were expected to be handed down. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)","created_date":"2026-06-30T16:21:15Z","credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Jose Luis Magana","type":"author"}]},"distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"f2a90805-7d0d-46e0-bff3-5e7060bf4d90"},"height":4000,"last_updated_date":"2026-06-30T16:21:16Z","licensable":false,"owner":{"id":"ajc"},"slug":"APTOPIX Supreme Court","source":{"name":"Associated Press","source_id":"8736d8a45b3c431eaa757b31c168c82a","source_type":"wires","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"},"edit_url":"https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM","system":"Associated Press"},"subtitle":"APTOPIX Supreme Court","taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","url":"https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba","version":"0.10.9","width":6000},{"_id":"3TUPMAFUVNBFTLREQ7YBXLKNHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alberto Feregrino, 30, grew up as an undocumented immigrant, moving to Georgia from Mexico at age 2 with his parents after the 1996 Olympics construction boom. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen at 17 under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy and is now the organizing director of We Are Casa. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOSSOMAR4JDPDAAQV6XY6DBVLY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In case birthright citizenship was not upheld, Feregrino said he and his team were prepared to operate in an “alternate reality” if birthright citizenship was not upheld. The group was already fielding questions from concerned callers about necessary documents for hospital visits, asylum seekers, work and student visas. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGGBTKPGM5C6ZDCAQHRAXSL4MA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This was a huge awakening for our immigrant community to really unite us all,” he said. “Even though the undocumented immigrant community has been the one that’s been scapegoated from day one from this administration, we know that the administration’s goals have been broader.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EWR3TD7RJFD3BECQYNMH7PX6YI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Indeed, the high court’s decision came less than a week after the court’s conservative majority handed the president two major victories on immigration policy. The justices allowed the Trump administration to turn away migrants seeking asylum along the U.S.-Mexico border and to end a program providing temporary humanitarian protections for Haitians and Syrians. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQUQHFSCJRCQNNBKMYWY56JUB4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kuck noted that much of Roberts’ opinion read like a history lesson, tracing the origins of citizenship back to British common law. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBFFPSZJIRCYBGKHFXDEEZ36FE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Roberts saw this as a moment in which you’re judged in history, and he did not want to go down as the guy that said: `People born here are not citizens,’” Kuck said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RDJK2TJVNFRLNUTYRBUC5FIEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Scott Titshaw, a professor at Mercer University School of Law, said the only thing that surprised him about the ruling was the dissenters. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"WUHZW2D42VDHBACRKMPYGE7SQI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I think it’s settled, but frankly, it was settled law since 1898,” said Titshaw, adding that it would have been “chaotic and crazy” if the decision had gone the other way.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJE27JUIOBHY3D66RYTT63ZR3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Not only would there have been a flood of litigation in response, he said, but “there would be likely millions of people who are suddenly noncitizens when they thought they were citizens their entire lives.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"IS3FK466JFFENMIWD5S7MRDRPE","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>— Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Lautaro Grinspan and The Associated Press contributed to this article. </i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"tamar-hallerman","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"Tamar Hallerman","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/72c73a5d-554d-4a0d-af40-bff0bc117901.png","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"Tamar Hallerman is an award-winning senior reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 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","type":"text"},{"_id":"FWIQGUUI7NE7ZCMY2DEFP5P3HE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The spending allowed Jackson to dominate the airwaves and overcome Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ support among conservative activists and President Donald Trump’s endorsement. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LBZ6R3CWHRE4VBEX2DSVVHSZHU","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also offers an <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/06/keisha-lance-bottoms-is-in-for-a-very-different-race-against-rick-jackson/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/06/keisha-lance-bottoms-is-in-for-a-very-different-race-against-rick-jackson/\">early blueprint </a>for how Jackson could deploy his fortune against Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms as he begins raising money from outsider donors in earnest for the first time. He donated more than $111 million to his campaign so far, spending more than $108 million of it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MZJMLTHZIFC73PNJ33TX6JL76Q","content":"<iframe title=\"Rick Jackson campaign funding\" aria-label=\"Donut Chart\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-mWTrt\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mWTrt/2/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"456\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">(function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})();</script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"YEEM2VFSSNHALCEBHZZOUKJZDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The spending was extraordinary not only because of its size but because of how concentrated it was. More than $62 million in television and cable advertising flowed through Alexandria, Virginia-based Smart Media Group. Ballast,<b> </b>of Delaware, received more than $18 million. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKAF3AUKGFGFPOZPSJGHW5HC5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Together, the two firms accounted for the bulk of Jackson’s itemized television spending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"P4XIBRRQTJFJ7FCNFNX26TWIJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Television wasn’t the <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/06/keisha-lance-bottoms-is-in-for-a-very-different-race-against-rick-jackson/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/06/keisha-lance-bottoms-is-in-for-a-very-different-race-against-rick-jackson/\">campaign’s only weapon.</a> At least $19 million was spent on direct mail, campaign signs, billboards, radio and newspaper advertising and other get-out-the-vote efforts, according to campaign finance reports.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WZCOQOL7LVGONNKHUXSKLSWM44","additional_properties":{},"content":"Two vendors dominated that category. GMRP received roughly $14 million, much of it for direct mail. Quiver received roughly $5.7 million, financing mailers, campaign signs and other expenses. Smart Media Group received another $750,000 for radio ads. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AVU6N7HL5JAADJUEA6HXJFAIJI","content":"<iframe title=\"How Rick Jackson spent nearly $108 million\" aria-label=\"Bar Chart\" id=\"datawrapper-chart-spVhQ\" src=\"https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/spVhQ/2/\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;\" height=\"409\" data-external=\"1\"></iframe><script type=\"text/javascript\">(function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})();</script>","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"4BSGCWLJKFGB7FJUYABZTCYH54","additional_properties":{},"content":"The filings show a campaign built less around a traditional staff than a network of outside consultants, media firms and vendors to carry Jackson’s message across the state. He reported about $209,000 in staff salaries for roughly two dozen employees, some of them recent hires.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7AV7KZDK5VDLRDMPRUGQVMEROY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jackson also assembled an experienced team of Republican consultants, including longtime Georgia strategist Brian Robinson, whose Robinson Republic firm received about $50,000 after joining the campaign in March. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VJEXOA2RIVD2DHX3TQ6T7PXNDI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Other consulting firms received larger payments, including roughly $200,000 paid to Crosby Ottenhoff Group and more than $125,000 that went to AJ Strategies. Veteran operative Michael Schrimpf received $90,000 in consulting fees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"K5RARYATWVFANPL5FK5H3IXCBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The campaign spent about $2.7 million on polling and survey research and roughly $2.1 million on phone banks. Another $500,000 was spent on legal fees, mostly with Kilpatrick Townsend &amp; Stockton.","type":"text"},{"_id":"VPRUWD2BIVGL7LODCKWIDDSHFI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jackson’s opponents have <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/after-costly-primary-burt-jones-plans-to-use-rick-jacksons-wealth-against-him/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/after-costly-primary-burt-jones-plans-to-use-rick-jacksons-wealth-against-him/\">long tried to turn his spending into a liability</a>, mocking his prodigious spending<b> </b>as a wasteful boondoggle.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRSLLGV3GVCOBN6IJZEIAQYHME","additional_properties":{},"content":"Bottoms has cast him as just another wealthy wannabe trying to buy influence, comparing him to Georgia’s version of Elon Musk, the trillionaire with close ties to Trump. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"JYHAQGMYR5E6XC3B667YHMUMXQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“No matter if you are a billionaire or a gazillionaire, you still get one vote,” she said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5AIKNUUKNHZJD66POYG3GCHAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Bottoms, by comparison, spent about $2.6 million to win her party’s nomination.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BYJ6SJKRTJBGZHBYGJ6RFHUOGQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jones made a similar argument during the GOP runoff, airing ads accusing Jackson of trying to “buy our vote.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"2YIPOKVPZBE3XEWRLRZSNVB4ME","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jackson has embraced the contrast, <a href=\"https://x.com/bluestein/status/2039691992876118104?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" title=\"https://x.com/bluestein/status/2039691992876118104?lang=en\">proudly noting his $3 billion net worth </a>on state campaign finance disclosures with only enough room for nine digits. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OOLZDR43YND2HJT7MKGXST53AQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"He’s told the AJC that self-funding frees him from relying on special interests and wealthy donors. He has also made clear he won’t hold back in the general.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZBMBUMARSBC7DK6CMDM6R4E7RE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I’ll spend whatever it takes to win this race,” he said in a recent ad. 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He lives in Dunwoody with his wife and two daughters.","facebook":"https://www.facebook.com/gregbluesteinajc/","twitter":"https://twitter.com/bluestein","books":[{"title":"Flipped","url":"https://www.amazon.com/Flipped-Georgia-Turned-Monopoly-Republican/dp/0593489152","publisher":"Penguin Random House"}],"podcasts":[{"name":"Politically Georgia Podcast","url":"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politically-georgia/id1356662668","download_url":"https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politically-georgia/id1356662668"}],"education":[{"name":"University of Georgia"}],"awards":[{"name":"Georgia Center for the Book Award"},{"name":"Toner Prize for Excellence in Local Political Reporting "}],"last_updated_date":"2026-06-11T14:39:20.803Z","bio_page":"/staff/greg-bluestein/","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-bluestein-7777571","instagram":"https://www.instagram.com/gregbluestein/","image":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/YXE5T3E2GVAL7HAU5EWSUOVF7A.png","type":"author","author_type":"Staff","beat":"Politics ","expertise":"11","custom_ajc_website":"ajc"}}}]},"description":{"basic":"Rick Jackson spent tens of millions of dollars on television and cable advertising, dominating the airwaves to win the Republican nomination for Georgia governor."},"display_date":"2026-07-02T09:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Here’s how Rick Jackson spent $108 million in the Republican race for governor","meta_title":"Billionaire Rick Jackson has spent $108 million so far in Georgia governor's race","mobile":"","native":"","print":"Here’s how Rick Jackson spent $108M in the GOP race for governor","table":"","tablet":"","web":""},"label":{"team":{"display":true,"text":"politics","url":""}},"subheadlines":{"basic":"The billionaire’s record-setting spending spree offers a blueprint for how he could take on Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms."},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG?auth=5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"6a3d7b073315424f2536f972","iptc_source":"Atlanta Journal-Constitution","keywords":["georgia","governor","nominee","republican","rick jackson"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"062626 Rick Jackson event 20.JPG","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG?auth=5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG?auth=5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-06-26T16:10:14Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/HMPOHTCLEJCRFGEN54KQC4YN3M.JPG?auth=5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2&width=300","version":1},"address":{"locality":"Doraville","region":"GA"},"auth":{"1":"5af590e5a28f153ae9faa052bdce3c706aa378fda82158c5febf01e20c7a12b2"},"caption":"Republican nominee for governor Rick Jackson, center, speaks to members of the media during a campaign event at the Monterey Mexican Restaurant, Friday, June 26, 2026, in Doraville, Ga. 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He’ll be replaced by his top deputy, Steven Knittel, who was appointed executive director by the commission last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSN23PVOARBVLLYWWJPYCNGWVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emadi has led the agency since 2019. He made a splash by immediately <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/new-georgia-ethics-chief-says-will-subpoena-abrams-campaign-records/MNo5bjAdixTbI4Xmpr6wfI/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">ramping up an investigation</a> of groups linked to Democrat Stacey Abrams, who accused Emadi of conducting a “<a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/the-jolt-stacey-abram-team-alleges-political-vendetta/uMyYElT69OkcilVcsxF9PK/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">political vendetta</a>.” But a voting rights group Abrams founded ultimately  paid the <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/abrams-group-to-pay-largest-fine-for-campaign-violations-in-georgia-history/3Q3SFGNDNFEXLBIUYUB3ONDRM4/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">largest fine ever assessed</a> in Georgia for campaign violations.","type":"text"},{"_id":"M4VVZ6IZ2JE45OPLS22NJOCZKE","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Stacey Abrams group to pay largest fine for campaign violations in Georgia history","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/abrams-group-to-pay-largest-fine-for-campaign-violations-in-georgia-history/3Q3SFGNDNFEXLBIUYUB3ONDRM4/"},{"_id":"OOEOKIA4SNAA3M7N7MCFIHLHMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emadi and his defenders say he has pursued Republican and Democratic politicians without regard to politics.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2ERHXMCBGJB2JETSKDKZW7CKHY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I think we have rehabilitated and brought credibility to the agency,” Emadi said in an interview this week. “I think there’s an understanding in the political landscape that if you try and do something intentionally wrong to circumvent the law, we’re going to get you for it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O7BJJFV5TBAH5AFPHTD6AX6ETY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The State Ethics Commission is responsible for enforcing Georgia political campaign and lobbying laws. The state requires candidates, political parties and others who seek to influence elections to register and disclose their donors and expenditures. It also requires lobbyists to disclose their clients and the money they spend to influence state and local officials.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4TC7MD2FLFAQLLTVQKWRXQGOMI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The agency <a href=\"https://peachfile.ethics.ga.gov/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">publishes those reports</a> on its website. The idea is to give Georgians information about who is seeking to influence their government.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GF2VAOJKZZGQ3PS2VZ3HZOPG5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"When Emadi arrived, the agency was mired in scandal. Employees had accused the previous executive director of viewing pornography at work and recommending they not pursue campaign finance cases. The director resigned.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SIU6WM7AABHQZH3ZKPRMX655QI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emadi was a former Douglas County prosecutor who sought to set a different tone. He said he wanted the ethics commission to hold people accountable but not be a “gotcha” agency that would “nickel and dime you.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SYDGKWACSZFYJLXXWH6RYNPHLU","additional_properties":{},"content":"One of his first actions was to investigate Abrams’ committee. Emadi subpoenaed bank records for her unsuccessful 2018 gubernatorial campaign and for groups that sought to get her elected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PRBRX45ZINDZ3CK3YQPQJW6PRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The investigation drew fierce criticism from Abrams and her supporters. They accused Emadi — a former local Republican Party officer who had given $600 to Brian Kemp’s successful campaign — of conducting a politically motivated investigation.","type":"text"},{"_id":"44UXDW2YWBHHNB6VXPDIVPW3NM","additional_properties":{},"content":"That investigation took years. The agency brought no charges against Abrams. But last year a group she founded <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/abrams-group-to-pay-largest-fine-for-campaign-violations-in-georgia-history/3Q3SFGNDNFEXLBIUYUB3ONDRM4/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">admitted</a> to spending millions of dollars to support her 2018 campaign without registering with the commission or disclosing its activities. The group and an affiliate agreed to pay $300,000, the largest fine ever assessed for violating Georgia campaign finance laws.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W72OFBEZ5JF53JRIC2FQLY3UB4","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesman for Abrams did not respond to a request for comment about Emadi’s tenure.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HPEJO4IDZFHU7LXCE2WCMFZOE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under Emadi, the commission also has targeted <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/suspended-appeals-court-judge-agrees-to-fine-for-misusing-campaign-funds/OVKY2PFDDRCPNCO4UKI2IXDHLA/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">high-profile Republicans</a>. Most recently, it charged the <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/12/groups-tied-to-first-liberty-accused-of-campaign-finance-violations/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Georgia Republican Assembly</a> and its affiliated political action committee with dozens of violations, including failing to disclose more than $180,000 of campaign contributions as they rose to become dominant forces in state Republican politics. The case is still pending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NIZE65F4RFF2BONHMC5AB2N6LA","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Suspended Georgia Appeals Court judge agrees to $25K fine over ethics accusations","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/politics/suspended-appeals-court-judge-agrees-to-fine-for-misusing-campaign-funds/OVKY2PFDDRCPNCO4UKI2IXDHLA/"},{"_id":"NE2NZ42RQVDFNGYYE7KX2OLDFE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We have taken on very significant cases against Republicans and Democrats,” Emadi said. “And we’ve proven that, when we’ve made the accusations, they’ve been true.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"3MZQ5EBCBFFSLAK34XBIAIHDMM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under Emadi, the commission has replaced the state’s campaign finance and lobbying <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/election/price-tag-for-georgias-new-campaign-finance-reporting-system-71-million/37DBKIP7I5BVFJBLD3A4J6K5WA/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">reporting system</a>. The old one, launched early in Emadi’s tenure, was generally considered unusable for the public and candidates alike.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AWPZC4CWSJHZ3MOAAQ3OU2SNOA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emadi also successfully lobbied the General Assembly for a <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-state-legislature/campaign-finance-law-rewrite-would-shield-addresses-of-georgia-public-officials-and-candidates/TLQYXVSXCREUBI4JVTYQKZPOMU/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">simplified reporting schedule</a>, which took effect this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4K5WASXTGFBYLEIXDWK4HHBT2A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Rick Thompson, vice chair of the State Ethics Commission and a former director of the agency, credits Emadi with eliminating a backlog of cases, stabilizing the agency, reducing staff turnover and hiring good people.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CBMNUSGP5RB6FNW5FL6EJQ6WRY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The ethics commission was in complete chaos before he came,” Thompson said. “That’s saying it nicely.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZDGXGOM5DVBLXM6FFYTPU7VIRM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Among the people Emadi hired was Knittel, another former prosecutor. He joined the commission as senior staff attorney in 2022 and was promoted to deputy executive director two years ago. The commission voted unanimously to name him as Emadi’s replacement last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JJFJNRK3IZFCRECST3ERBBGETM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Knittel faces his own challenges leading an agency with a $3.5 million budget and about 20 employees. Beginning next year, candidates for local office must file disclosure reports with the state instead of with local election officials. Knittel will oversee the addition of thousands of local candidates to the state system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"O5STESJL3FEJ3ORLRAOJVED5PU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Knittel said he also hopes to provide stability to the office.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H7WRFMBOFFAG7JYRAIDAX5HAR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I just want to make sure this office continues to run very well,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YCUAHRXCUVDO5HOHOGXAJ2JQYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Knittell will report to the five-member commission. Three of its members are appointed by the governor, with one each appointed by the state House speaker and the Senate committee on assignments.","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"david-wickert","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"David Wickert","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. 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","type":"text"},{"_id":"SDA35D7XZVDFVMOJV5U3HZNUIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Students in kindergarten through eighth grade will be subject to a <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/education/2026/05/kemp-signs-georgia-high-school-cellphone-ban-and-literacy-expansion-bills/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">“bell-to-bell” ban</a> on cellphones, smart watches and other personal electronic devices. Next year, high school students will be subject to the same restrictions.  ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S76UOOWPUNCQ5EFSTGQUOGFPRM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Though the K-8 ban has a July 1 start date, many Georgia school districts <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/education/2025/07/georgia-school-districts-prepare-for-cellphone-ban-ahead-of-state-deadline/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/education/2025/07/georgia-school-districts-prepare-for-cellphone-ban-ahead-of-state-deadline/\">got a head start</a> by implementing creative storage solutions or policies designed to keep devices out of sight. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QADVIM3XVJCW7IOHUF7VDVYUIE","additional_properties":{},"content":"And teachers are glad for it: Recent research shows that <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/education/2026/02/teachers-parents-love-ga-cellphone-ban-now-lawmakers-turn-to-high-schools/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">teachers strongly support the bans</a>, saying students are more focused without the distraction of their cellphones. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GSLSWEJOEREF5HMAORUX7LMY6E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The ban is “life-changing,” said State Rep. Scott Hilton, R-Peachtree Corners, who sponsored both bills. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SALMGK2LBNFYVDMEIEBS3G3BYM","additional_properties":{},"content":"State lawmakers <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-bill-tracker-2026-see-what-lawmakers-are-voting-on/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">passed more than 350 bills</a> under the Gold Dome this past legislative session ranging from a vape allowance for medical cannabis to how retailers should handle the death of the penny.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N3V6KMNENVFFZLGTA2U4WOT47Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Here are some of the new laws that take effect July 1: ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOCU5ZXQXJE4JGVM5YL6AJEWXA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Budget &amp; Taxes","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"NN7Y6IYK4JC2PNKMN5DGJWCXBY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lawmakers approved a $38.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, which begins today. But the final product was shaped by Gov. Brian Kemp’s veto pen.","type":"text"},{"_id":"E2XGRBOIZ5EWRLCSKVIC5GSVRM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The budget includes a host of new spending, including $70.4 million for <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/with-end-of-session-near-georgia-lawmakers-tackle-childhood-literacy/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">literacy coaches</a> in every elementary school, $11.7 million for school enrollment growth, $213.3 million for school construction and $44.7 million in additional lottery funds for HOPE scholarships.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3U5FRLDJJBE7PBFQZ6NTJXURPY","additional_properties":{},"content":"But <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/brian-kemp-trims-300-million-from-georgias-budget/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Kemp vetoed</a> more than $300 million in spending, citing the effects of a big <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/georgia-lawmakers-approve-income-tax-cut-property-tax-relief/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">income tax cut</a> that takes effect this year.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DHKWNZ5LKND2FF5G7CJ5YGJCUU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lawmakers voted to <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/georgia-lawmakers-approve-income-tax-cut-property-tax-relief/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/georgia-lawmakers-approve-income-tax-cut-property-tax-relief/\">continue to pare back the state’s income tax rate</a> and exempt some cash tips and overtime from taxes, making those changes retroactive to Jan. 1.","type":"text"},{"_id":"IZ6YKNRCJVC4RHLT3PZO2MBQBA","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Georgia lawmakers give businesses a boost in court battles","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/06/georgia-lawmakers-give-businesses-a-boost-in-court-battles/"},{"_id":"WHBRFHYLKBAWHKQ2YE6UMKJXIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The governor cut $100 million intended to give state retirees future <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/brian-kemps-budget-ax-falls-on-raises-for-state-retirees/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">cost-of-living raises</a>. Among other things, Kemp also vetoed $30.7 million in new funding for student transportation, $5.9 million for outdoor recreation, $5.3 million for Medicaid dental care and $2.5 million to aid homeless veterans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"XV6FFUIOF5FAVOLBST7B6VNBDQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kemp said the income tax cut blew a $1.3 billion hole in the 2027 budget. He’s counting on growth in state revenue to cover some of the remaining deficit caused by the tax cut. The state will use money from its $8 billion reserves to cover the rest.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NZVWN24X4FE3FA7P44HAAHXVGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Medical cannabis","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"6W7HIRCC5BDQPPFSZ4Y6ZSWFCY","additional_properties":{},"content":"While a <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-weighs-ban-on-synthetic-hemp-while-expanding-medical-cannabis/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">federal restriction on hemp products looms</a>, Georgia’s Legislature expanded the use of medicinal cannabis. A state law will allow medical patients<b> </b>22 or older to vape their products, something advocates say provides patients with quicker relief than oil tinctures. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GE5GVEV3VZE25JA4J5FQB6XA2M","additional_properties":{},"content":"The law also lifts the cap of Georgia’s current 5% THC concentration limit for medical cannabis products and expands the conditions that qualify a person for a medical cannabis card. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6J4UJMCH5BUPN2CLQHUANCJEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lawmakers who opposed the measure warned that such changes could be abused, casting the measure as a backdoor to recreational use rather than to treat a medical condition. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RSA4R4BN5ZFTDPBX4A2ON7KW7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cash rounding ","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"4HGOY5NRNFEKLOKR5VZIAHWZ7I","additional_properties":{},"content":"In the wake of <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/11/brandon-beach-heralds-end-of-the-penny-as-the-return-of-common-sense/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/11/brandon-beach-heralds-end-of-the-penny-as-the-return-of-common-sense/\">the penny’s death</a>, state lawmakers gave their two cents on how to handle the dwindling supply of 1-cent coins. A <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-grapples-with-rounding-change-after-the-demise-of-the-penny/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-grapples-with-rounding-change-after-the-demise-of-the-penny/\">new law</a> will allow retailers to round prices to the nearest nickel when making change and calculating sales taxes on cash sales. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"377IQ634HVFIZCT6AEGXRQVJWY","additional_properties":{},"content":"But those who carry cash will still be able to spend their change, as the law requires retailers to accept exact change if people have it. The cessation of the penny has spurred similar efforts in other states across the country. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"I6TZEC6LBFCRJH7HRWNM477MR4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Literacy overhaul","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"GTINEEHGVNHVRDXYL44K5XUFZU","additional_properties":{},"content":"The Georgia Early Literacy Act was one of the session’s biggest bipartisan initiatives and aimed at boosting literacy performance in Georgia’s public schools.","type":"text"},{"_id":"47XVD33DSBAJRCYUU72GO4DJF4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The measure focuses on ensuring students can read proficiently by the third grade, a benchmark experts say is critical for academic success.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CUCKGNWP4JHH3ABYM2BDOMOMME","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"How a Georgia literacy bill emerged as a central fight in session’s final days","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/how-a-georgia-literacy-bill-emerged-as-a-central-fight-of-sessions-final-days/"},{"_id":"YQYGUZD4BBH4JCPFSILVAYLNQQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/literacy-bill-cools-tensions-in-georgia-capitols-final-week-standoff/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/literacy-bill-cools-tensions-in-georgia-capitols-final-week-standoff/\">sweeping bill</a> provides training and support for educators, requires screening for dyslexia and other learning disabilities and mandates kindergarten attendance. Current state law requires children to start school by first grade. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HVJYP6FKOJGO5EKFNZU5DH27BE","additional_properties":{},"content":"It also places a literacy coach in every elementary school in the state.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EI7WXCMFVNEGTCVZA72GF53YEY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Paid maternal leave","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"M7TCQGB2ZFDGTBPHEGPNMPKBDM","additional_properties":{},"content":"State employees, including public pre-K-12 educators, currently receive <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-house-approves-increased-access-to-birth-control-more-paid-leave/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-house-approves-increased-access-to-birth-control-more-paid-leave/\">six weeks of paid maternal leave</a>. Under a new Georgia law, state employees will receive an additional 120 hours (equivalent to 3 weeks) of paid maternity leave. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EAADYBNASRFK3OIIYNQDMAHN7Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"The law also protects employees from retaliation for claiming leave. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDCBRGQJLJCGZATFBYHFX5ILHI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Disrupting religious services","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"BUQ6INCAOZDYLNX27ULZ47ZXVM","additional_properties":{},"content":"A new Georgia law safeguarding religious freedom prohibits protests and disruptive behavior within 500 feet of a place of worship, with violations punishable as misdemeanors which can carry up to a $1,000 fine or up to one year in jail. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ADGD2KPYXNFUTESGT42QNIC7HI","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Bills awaiting Kemp’s approval could impact protests, police, religious services","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/04/bills-awaiting-kemps-approval-could-impact-protests-police-religious-services/"},{"_id":"FAZFRP5N5NA7RHSB65KVUPQL54","additional_properties":{},"content":"Under the new law, protections for places of worship start one hour before a service begins and ends one hour after it concludes. Disruption during military funerals is elevated to an aggravated misdemeanor which is punishable by up to a $5,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMHOIQODJJHNFCUFHKTXEH7NSM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Service dog protections","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"UDP5GHGE5FGG5MKXUF4JMR3W5Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia has increased penalties for harming service dogs and now provides restitution for owners, covering costs for veterinary treatment or replacement of harmed dogs. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NHRZNBQPFBFDFODQ7ZY7MCS6UA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The new law also makes it illegal to falsely claim an animal is a service dog.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BDDNKOS2FVFQROKYFFJRPZXPB4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Caregiver background checks","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"ZBK74ZN2JNGDFD7J6ZGVLWR4FQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia now requires criminal background, license and registry checks for individuals who provide care to children, older adults and people with disabilities.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OWHMWUAU2RFZLDCDXCYJROAEYE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The change allows the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to submit fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Crime Information Center as part of the background checks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NDVCRA33C5HLHCRPP5ETNZHSKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia’s official horse","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"OZKSBEODHZHKFFKPJ5AEVKCB5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Many of the most contentious issues spark fierce debate during the Legislature’s 40-day session. Some issues, however, are far less divisive. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"GDOY667S5RCUNA4YSQZ4CI7YL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"A measure that will designate the marsh tacky horse as the official Georgia heritage horse breed drew bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. ","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"cassidy-alexander","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"Cassidy Alexander","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/c72ef14d-80ac-4307-bde1-660e2a334b14.jpg","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"Cassidy Alexander covers Georgia education issues for the AJC. She previously covered education for The Daytona Beach News-Journal, and was named Florida's Outstanding New Journalist of the Year.","url":"/staff/cassidy-alexander/","slug":"","social_links":[{"site":"email","url":"cassidy.alexander@ajc.com"},{"site":"twitter","url":"https://twitter.com/bycassidy"}],"socialLinks":[{"site":"email","url":"cassidy.alexander@ajc.com","deprecated":true,"deprecation_msg":"Please use social_links."},{"site":"twitter","url":"https://twitter.com/bycassidy","deprecated":true,"deprecation_msg":"Please use social_links."}],"additional_properties":{"original":{"_id":"cassidy-alexander","firstName":"Cassidy","lastName":"Alexander","byline":"Cassidy Alexander","image":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/c72ef14d-80ac-4307-bde1-660e2a334b14.jpg","email":"cassidy.alexander@ajc.com","affiliations":"The Atlanta Journal-Constitution","author_type":"Staff","education":[],"awards":[],"books":[],"podcasts":[],"bio_page":"/staff/cassidy-alexander/","bio":"Cassidy Alexander covers Georgia education issues for the AJC. 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","longBio":"Riley Bunch is a politics and policy reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She covers the everyday impacts of policy decisions made by state leaders and examines top voter issues during elections. Prior to her role on the politics team, Riley covered Atlanta City Hall for the AJC where she reported on the mayor, City Council and Atlanta's diverse neighborhoods. ","slug":"","native_app_rendering":false,"fuzzy_match":false,"contributor":false,"status":true,"expertise":"10","last_updated_date":"2026-06-11T13:53:14.869Z","twitter":"https://twitter.com/ribunchreports","author_type":"Staff","beat":"Atlanta City Hall","custom_ajc_website":"ajc","type":"author"}}},{"_id":"david-wickert","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"David Wickert","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. 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Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.","firstName":"David","lastName":"Wickert","longBio":"David Wickert has been a reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 2010. He writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Prior to arriving in Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Washington state, Illinois, Virginia and Tennessee. He lives near Lilburn with his wife Shelly and their two children.","twitter":"https://twitter.com/dwickert","custom_ajc_phone":"770-263-3062","books":[],"podcasts":[],"education":[],"awards":[],"last_updated_date":"2024-11-02T13:54:28.399Z","expertise":"11","image":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","facebook":"https://www.facebook.com/journalistdavidwickert/","beat":"Transportation and state government","type":"author","bio_page":"/staff/david-wickert/","author_type":"Staff","custom_ajc_website":"ajc"}}}]},"description":{"basic":"New Georgia laws taking effect July 1 will impact cellphones in schools, medical cannabis rules, paid maternal leave and more."},"display_date":"2026-07-01T09:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Here are the new Georgia laws set to take effect July 1","meta_title":"What new laws take effect in Georgia ","mobile":"","native":"","print":"Here are the new Georgia laws set to take effect July 1","tablet":"","web":""},"subheadlines":{"basic":"A law restricting cell phone use in schools is among the more than 350 bills that passed in this year’s legislative session that will impact Georgians."},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"CUFDV63WEZCANCAMYL5RILAOOM","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/CUFDV63WEZCANCAMYL5RILAOOM.JPG?auth=be8587062d93e7d155999f2b99885d84ebeff223a868413a416f3dc4a1ae0e3c","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"6a2ff32f3315424f2533aeda","iptc_source":"Atlanta Journal-Constitution","keywords":["dome","generic","georgia state capitol","gold","judicial center","justice","supreme"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"061626 supreme court pics 047.JPG","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/CUFDV63WEZCANCAMYL5RILAOOM.JPG","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/CUFDV63WEZCANCAMYL5RILAOOM.JPG?auth=be8587062d93e7d155999f2b99885d84ebeff223a868413a416f3dc4a1ae0e3c","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/CUFDV63WEZCANCAMYL5RILAOOM.JPG?auth=be8587062d93e7d155999f2b99885d84ebeff223a868413a416f3dc4a1ae0e3c","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-06-17T17:08:29Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/CUFDV63WEZCANCAMYL5RILAOOM.JPG?auth=be8587062d93e7d155999f2b99885d84ebeff223a868413a416f3dc4a1ae0e3c&width=300","version":2,"focal_point":{"max":[2698,1372],"min":[2698,1372]}},"address":{"locality":"Atlanta","region":"GA"},"auth":{"1":"be8587062d93e7d155999f2b99885d84ebeff223a868413a416f3dc4a1ae0e3c"},"caption":"The Georgia State Capitol dome is shown through the windows of the Nathan Deal Judicial Center on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Atlanta. 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Congress should start TODAY to work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship,” the post says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQR23ONFBRHD3GFEZWNK3EWN3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Some of Georgia’s congressional Republicans indicated they would back that push. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YTAH6V4QUJB4DNDMZDB6KNBIGA","additional_properties":{},"content":"U.S. Rep. Clay Fuller, R-Lookout Mountain, said justices were “prioritizing the futures of illegals over Americans” and <a href=\"https://x.com/Clay4MainStreet/status/2071978339590447125\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://x.com/Clay4MainStreet/status/2071978339590447125\">noted</a> he had previously sponsored legislation that proposed a constitutional amendment to end birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented migrants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2EUIM2VDB5GENH7TQHG4VWRCTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, did not respond to a request for comment. But early last year Collins <a href=\"https://x.com/repmikecollins/status/1882447398376730939?s=46\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://x.com/repmikecollins/status/1882447398376730939?s=46\">spoke at a news conference</a> in which he called for an end to birthright citizenship. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2AHNU4PPBDIHBEAIYZ3CLF34M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Rick Jackson, the GOP nominee for governor, declined to comment.<b> </b>","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZUXLEAS32VA7JMCALGVPDOPP5M","additional_properties":{},"content":"U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-St. Simons Island, said justices were “allowing our Constitution to be abused by non-American parents, including illegal immigrants, having children in the U.S. solely for that child to gain citizenship.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CGR3T7VNBRETROSQNVLJSZQJXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Meanwhile, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms said she was “thankful that the Supreme Court ruled against Trump and his relentless and unpatriotic effort to undermine the Constitution.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"RQOYMGFCEBDR5MA4MUFNZKNQXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The challenge to birthright citizenship, a bedrock of the United States Constitution, is indicative of the blatant disregard Donald Trump has for the diversity of this country,” she said. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"CCG6PSQLRFG3ZEMOOMOVZMGWLE","additional_properties":{},"content":"U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office did not respond to a request for comment.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HQDLRIXJLJEX7O2SC3E5ZCKW6Q","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections, backing Republican appeal","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/06/supreme-court-strikes-down-limits-on-party-spending-in-federal-elections-backing-republican-appeal/"},{"_id":"GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"6a2ac0ec3315424f2532b0b8","iptc_source":"The Atlanta Journal-Constitution","iptc_title":"staff","keywords":["arndrea waters king","father’s day","king family","martin luther king iii","yolanda renee king"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"061026 KING FAMILY HS07.jpg","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-06-12T11:54:14Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de&width=300","version":1,"alt_text":"","link":""},"address":{"locality":"Atlanta","region":"GA"},"auth":{"1":"95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de"},"caption":"Martin Luther King III — pictured speaking at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights earlier this month — and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, said in a joint statement about Tuesday's Supreme Court decision: “This is not simply a legal victory, but a rejection of a dangerous effort to redraw the boundaries of citizenship and belonging in America.\" (Hyosub Shin/AJC)","copyright":"Copyright 2026 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution","created_date":"2026-06-12T19:59:37Z","credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Hyosub Shin/AJC","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Hyosub Shin","type":"author"}]},"distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"46cae676-4989-4b34-bc9b-906e8e9b6d59"},"height":3592,"last_updated_date":"2026-06-12T19:59:38Z","licensable":false,"owner":{"id":"ajc"},"slug":"uatl 061026 king family","source":{"name":"AJC Freelancer","source_id":"Freelancer/061026 KING FAMILY HS07.jpg","source_type":"freelance","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"},"edit_url":"https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U","system":"AJC Freelancer"},"subtitle":"Father’s Day with the King family","taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":["6a2ac0ec3315424f2532b0b8"]},"type":"image","url":"https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/GR5FGIEYN5E6PHTXHHI35BOO2U.jpg?auth=95a797c0231d634315460cb3ffc2b7a826e7d812eab0d6a1d693db1818beb8de","version":"0.10.9","width":5392},{"_id":"RMVW7CNO4JHKLDHA7BDSKJXHOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Martin Luther King III, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s eldest son, and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, cheered the decision for upholding “a promise of equal belonging that is fundamental to our democracy.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HWJASINN45EQFHAQXPZFB4PJHQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This is not simply a legal victory, but a rejection of a dangerous effort to redraw the boundaries of citizenship and belonging in America,” they said in a joint statement. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"NITH3PRPLJDHBPXUXWQTJF57UI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia impacts could have been massive ","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"DUEEQI5MGZEALHTMT4E4H5UOLQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Nationally, the decision is expected to affect more than 250,000 babies born in the U.S. each year, according to The Associated Press. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BQP2ZWJBY5H4HH2J6WR62KSZD4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Roughly 479,000 undocumented people lived in Georgia as of mid-2023, according to a <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/11/report-georgia-unauthorized-immigrant-population-reaches-nearly-500000/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/11/report-georgia-unauthorized-immigrant-population-reaches-nearly-500000/\">recent estimate</a> by the Migration Policy Institute. It was the nation’s sixth-largest population of unauthorized immigrants. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"TLJOWDTTENDEJAI55J2ATEU6JE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia’s population of undocumented people increased by more than 45% since 2018, the nonpartisan think tank said. The institute estimated that more than one-third of the country’s unauthorized immigrants were born in Mexico, and a majority have lived in the U.S. for more than 15 years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JHHDIIUDJZE6JLWH7VETFVAMKU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cynthia Neal Spence, an associate professor of sociology at Spelman College, said there could have been massive implications for Georgia’s economy had the court overturned birthright citizenship. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5","galleries":[],"ingestionMethod":"manual","keywords":[],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"bio photo.jpg","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5","restricted":false,"thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5&width=300","version":0,"template_id":594,"alt_text":"","link":""},"address":{},"auth":{"1":"11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5"},"caption":"Cynthia Neal Spence, an associate professor of sociology at Spelman College, said there could have been massive implications for Georgia’s economy had the court overturned birthright citizenship. (Courtesy of Spelman College)","created_date":"2024-09-11T17:48:54Z","credits":{"affiliation":[],"by":[{"byline":"Spelman College","name":"Spelman College","type":"author"}]},"distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"8aec2b8c-455c-4816-903d-79fc8fdf8019"},"height":400,"image_type":"photograph","last_updated_date":"2024-09-11T17:48:54Z","licensable":false,"owner":{"id":"ajc","sponsored":false},"source":{"name":"AJC","source_type":"staff","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"},"edit_url":"https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA","system":"photo center"},"subtitle":"Cynthia Neal Spence","taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","url":"https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/YJWR5YGGJFDIPCL7366X6AL4IA.jpg?auth=11c1fa1fa8ff3a40517fc3a37f2daeaf49fe847c8e94f7d5cab155f919931fa5","version":"0.10.9","width":400,"syndication":{}},{"_id":"5XBN43QSBVHTJAHJYDTWOBEQC4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“If this decision had, in fact, gone the way of the president, it would have certainly placed our state economy in a vulnerable position because we are so dependent upon immigrant labor,” said Spence, adding that there would have been a “mass exodus” of Georgia’s farmworkers and that a new subclass of “stateless individuals” would have been created.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GCSQNU5JU5B4TFJKCWMJQA54PM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The consequences would have stretched far beyond the rural parts of the state, according to Charles Kuck, an Atlanta-based immigration attorney.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5SEYDRUEQBDSRAV4ZGNX4575QE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“There are vast swaths of cityfied Georgia where this is just as big an issue as it is down in the Vidalia onion fields,” Kuck said. “Just walk into any restaurant kitchen in metro Atlanta and you will see what I’m telling you is true.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZMBBPQKXWRDIBB3BILZEOXMNJ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Groups representing South Asian immigrants in Georgia also applauded the ruling. The executive order, had it been upheld, <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/what-do-trumps-new-restrictions-mean-for-immigrants-in-georgia/5QDNZ54PONH6XBFSBU5W3Z72WI/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-news/what-do-trumps-new-restrictions-mean-for-immigrants-in-georgia/5QDNZ54PONH6XBFSBU5W3Z72WI/\">targeted holders of H-1B visas for skilled workers</a>, over 70% of whom come from India. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"SJ322D4SKRCF5OSMK5DTFN5IQ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Indians are Georgia’s second-largest immigrant group.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CQTX7BBDMNGRRA7LNY37LHDB7M","additional_properties":{},"content":"The South Asian Bar Association of Georgia said it was “heartened” by the ruling and that the principle of birthright citizenship “should never have been in doubt.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"EUDLY263PBBWTARFMMZQRWFCTY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Over the past few decades, Georgia has become home to a rapidly growing South Asian immigrant community who have built families, careers, and lasting ties across our state,” the group said in a statement. “For many, the promise of birthright citizenship has been an essential pathway to the American Dream. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6I33HSFN4RHYVGQZTAN2UU4XVA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This decision provides reassurance to members of our community and reinforces the constitutional principles that have long defined our nation.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"65CFLSLOWVGLXMQQKBQUX3BCEE","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Supreme Court rules constitutional privacy protections apply to cellphone users' location history","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/06/supreme-court-rules-constitutional-privacy-protections-apply-to-cellphone-users-location-history/"},{"_id":"66ANRHR6WVAFDCNV7N42ZXW6WU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Feeling `reassured’","level":2,"type":"header"},{"_id":"AADUEMTM25CSDIKEBWUSYHGTGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Emily Espino, 20, said she feels “reassured” by Tuesday’s ruling. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6U5J7U7PJFH3OMSFXDMCWKJ3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Espino’s mother left her family and small, rural home in Mexico for Georgia at the age of 19, in search of work and better economic opportunities. Three decades later, she’s an entrepreneur who raised three daughters, with Espino now at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton with dreams of going into wildlife biology.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2C53UOJXFRDTLMHO7STMUVCYCU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“As a child of an immigrant, I got birthright citizenship,” Espino said. “The way that the executive order was written, if I had been born today and that executive order still stood I wouldn’t be a citizen. That’s definitely a very scary thought because a lot of stuff is tied to citizenship, like going to college.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"HIZ3PDEJL5DP3FC7NKFRAYDVS4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Being roughly the same age as her mother when she ventured to the U.S., Espino said she couldn’t imagine making that trip herself.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HH3XQYUAVRD6LFBXGHMKBGRT4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I’m just going to keep making the most of my life, especially with all the privileges that citizenship has given me,” said Espino, who is also an activist with the advocacy organization We Are Casa. “I’m going to get that degree, and then I’m going to keep working. When I graduate, I’m going to get a good job.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM","additional_properties":{"countryId":227,"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"DCJL103","iptc_source":"FR159526 AP","iptc_title":"FRE","keywords":["LGBTQ+","Gender","Gender in sports","General news","Courts"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"download?role=main&qt=-B4J1icfuueS&cid=4ada677da3334c91a18e1239a88a23e5&ai=a362863265ba8630e71068fe5b75bb8e","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-06-30T14:56:11Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba&width=300","version":1,"alt_text":"","link":""},"address":{"locality":"Washington","region":"DC","country_name":"USA"},"auth":{"1":"bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba"},"caption":"A group prays outside of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, ahead of the court's ruling on whether transgender girls and women can play on school athletic teams. Tuesday was the last day of the court's session, and several rulings were expected to be handed down. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)","created_date":"2026-06-30T16:21:15Z","credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Jose Luis Magana","type":"author"}]},"distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"f2a90805-7d0d-46e0-bff3-5e7060bf4d90"},"height":4000,"last_updated_date":"2026-06-30T16:21:16Z","licensable":false,"owner":{"id":"ajc"},"slug":"APTOPIX Supreme Court","source":{"name":"Associated Press","source_id":"8736d8a45b3c431eaa757b31c168c82a","source_type":"wires","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"},"edit_url":"https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM","system":"Associated Press"},"subtitle":"APTOPIX Supreme Court","taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":[]},"type":"image","url":"https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/SFNILPME5NFYDLUS73N4KKCZMM.jpg?auth=bf1441a1ea0ebeeec94a788c90c2eaa71d3899a78128c6be598c6947278f99ba","version":"0.10.9","width":6000},{"_id":"3TUPMAFUVNBFTLREQ7YBXLKNHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Alberto Feregrino, 30, grew up as an undocumented immigrant, moving to Georgia from Mexico at age 2 with his parents after the 1996 Olympics construction boom. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen at 17 under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy and is now the organizing director of We Are Casa. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UOSSOMAR4JDPDAAQV6XY6DBVLY","additional_properties":{},"content":"In case birthright citizenship was not upheld, Feregrino said he and his team were prepared to operate in an “alternate reality” if birthright citizenship was not upheld. The group was already fielding questions from concerned callers about necessary documents for hospital visits, asylum seekers, work and student visas. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"BGGBTKPGM5C6ZDCAQHRAXSL4MA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“This was a huge awakening for our immigrant community to really unite us all,” he said. “Even though the undocumented immigrant community has been the one that’s been scapegoated from day one from this administration, we know that the administration’s goals have been broader.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"EWR3TD7RJFD3BECQYNMH7PX6YI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Indeed, the high court’s decision came less than a week after the court’s conservative majority handed the president two major victories on immigration policy. The justices allowed the Trump administration to turn away migrants seeking asylum along the U.S.-Mexico border and to end a program providing temporary humanitarian protections for Haitians and Syrians. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"YQUQHFSCJRCQNNBKMYWY56JUB4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kuck noted that much of Roberts’ opinion read like a history lesson, tracing the origins of citizenship back to British common law. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RBFFPSZJIRCYBGKHFXDEEZ36FE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Roberts saw this as a moment in which you’re judged in history, and he did not want to go down as the guy that said: `People born here are not citizens,’” Kuck said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RDJK2TJVNFRLNUTYRBUC5FIEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Scott Titshaw, a professor at Mercer University School of Law, said the only thing that surprised him about the ruling was the dissenters. 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Here’s what you need to know.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5ESULQYTWVBMJNRBJCNYXRUGA4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Why is Georgia offering refunds?</b> In the years after the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-starts-budget-season-with-165-billion-in-reserves/RVULGEGNJZDTTJTPARHOO5GADE/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-starts-budget-season-with-165-billion-in-reserves/RVULGEGNJZDTTJTPARHOO5GADE/\">accumulated $16.5 billion</a> in various savings accounts. Gov. Brian Kemp and his fellow Republicans who control the state Legislature have been giving much of this money back to taxpayers in special refunds. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"T42W4Z4X7RBK5KRSW7YFE3GNUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Earlier this year Kemp and lawmakers <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/georgia-senate-approves-tax-rebates-of-up-to-500/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">approved legislation</a> authorizing special tax refunds again this year. It’s the fourth time in five years the state <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/08/georgia-has-issued-more-than-1-billion-in-tax-refunds-more-are-on-the-way/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/08/georgia-has-issued-more-than-1-billion-in-tax-refunds-more-are-on-the-way/\">has done this</a>. The latest round is expected to reduce state reserves by more than $1 billion.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AHZGSBX2EREF5MT6VY6ZPNVP3U","additional_properties":{},"content":"These “surplus” refunds are in addition to the regular refunds many Georgians received after they filed their 2025 tax returns.","type":"text"},{"_id":"77VOYB6NHJCWPK2M3GOVVZFXMQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Who is eligible?</b> Georgia residents who filed a timely individual state income tax return for 2024 and 2025. Nonresidents and people who lived in Georgia for part of those years are eligible for partial refunds. Most people who are eligible have already received refunds. Of the roughly $1 billion available, Georgia has sent out about $950 million so far. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OC6FLJVR3FHYZBNKAXQH2HWIEM","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>Why haven’t I gotten a refund yet? </b>Many reasons. People who asked for more time to file their tax returns have not gotten refunds yet. Or you might not be eligible. People who didn’t pay state taxes will not receive a refund. For example, many retirees won’t get a refund because they don’t make enough money to owe taxes. State law exempts up to $35,000 in retirement income for people ages 62-64 and up to $65,000 in income for those age 65 and older. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LTZIYGVWHBFT5O4BCM5F7YAFUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>What’s the maximum refund?</b> Individuals or married people filing separately will get a maximum refund of $250. Heads of household will get up to $375. Married couples filing jointly will receive up to $500.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MPVVP2AAPBEPFOYFG47R3EIFGQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>My refund is less than that. Why?</b> Those who paid less in taxes than the maximum refund will receive a smaller amount. People who owe the state money — such as delinquent taxes or child support — also might receive a reduced refund.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3SJRVUWKT5EPRD3EGWUJ5D274Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>How will I receive the refund?</b> It’s based on the refund instructions you provided on your tax form.<b> </b>In previous years, more than 75% of refunds were issued via direct deposit.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TMXUT5Z3O5EZPFT57X5AGZHG3M","additional_properties":{},"content":"<b>More information:</b> For more details, visit <a href=\"https://dor.georgia.gov/georgia-surplus-tax-refund\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">https://dor.georgia.gov/georgia-surplus-tax-refund</a>. ","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"david-wickert","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"David Wickert","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. 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Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.","firstName":"David","lastName":"Wickert","longBio":"David Wickert has been a reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 2010. He writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Prior to arriving in Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Washington state, Illinois, Virginia and Tennessee. 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Brian Kemp declined to extend a suspension lawmakers approved amid soaring fuel prices during the war with Iran. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"R5HC32L65ZDRTOE2IUBV3AND2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia was the <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/brian-kemp-says-he-will-suspend-georgias-gas-tax-amid-surging-prices/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/brian-kemp-says-he-will-suspend-georgias-gas-tax-amid-surging-prices/\">first state</a> to suspend its gas tax, which also includes a 37-cents-per gallon levy on diesel. Last month, Kemp <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/business/2026/05/gov-kemp-will-extend-georgia-gas-tax-break-ahead-of-summer-driving-season/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/business/2026/05/gov-kemp-will-extend-georgia-gas-tax-break-ahead-of-summer-driving-season/\">extended that suspension</a> for another two weeks to get drivers through the busy Memorial Day weekend.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7R4ZQBEUZRFKFN4TMN5I7L4JHI","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"PSC signs off on lower bills for Georgia Power customers","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/business/2026/05/psc-signs-off-on-lower-bills-for-georgia-power-customers/"},{"_id":"HNUG326VQRHP5HSD7Z66SYG6KE","additional_properties":{},"content":"But on Monday, a spokesperson for Kemp said he would let the gas tax suspension expire at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. The spokesperson said the governor made the decision “with oil prices now holding relatively steady,” noting the state must keep “a financial eye toward any unexpected needs in the future.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"B76FZEMYNZAUZKLDXNVKK37ES4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Georgia’s gas tax pays for road maintenance and construction. Motorists collectively saved about $200 million a month while it was suspended.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2VAOORGWJJFIZGLFB6GXVAJJJE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Motorists will notice the increase at the pump over the next few days. Though the gas-tax suspension saved motorists money, it couldn’t halt the <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/kemps-gas-tax-suspension-helped-but-prices-rose-anyway/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">rise in prices</a> amid the war.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NGM6N4C465A2XOL3UCGUX7KYOE","additional_properties":{},"content":"The average price of regular gasoline in Georgia was $3.83 a gallon on Monday, <a href=\"https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=GA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=GA\">according to AAA</a>. When lawmakers suspended the tax in March the price was $3.79 a gallon — up from $2.70 in February.","type":"text"},{"_id":"T7RXNMMCEJAYVGYOHTLSI4NB6U","additional_properties":{},"content":"<i>Staff Writer Amy Wenk contributed to this story</i>","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"david-wickert","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"David Wickert","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. 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He lives near Lilburn with his wife Shelly and their two children.","twitter":"https://twitter.com/dwickert","custom_ajc_phone":"770-263-3062","books":[],"podcasts":[],"education":[],"awards":[],"last_updated_date":"2024-11-02T13:54:28.399Z","expertise":"11","image":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","facebook":"https://www.facebook.com/journalistdavidwickert/","beat":"Transportation and state government","type":"author","bio_page":"/staff/david-wickert/","author_type":"Staff","custom_ajc_website":"ajc"}}}]},"description":{"basic":"Georgia was the first state to suspend its gas tax amid soaring prices triggered by President Donald Trump's decision to go to war in Iran."},"display_date":"2026-06-01T19:38:32.229Z","headlines":{"basic":"Georgia’s 33-cent gas tax returns"},"label":{"team":{"display":true,"text":"politics","url":""}},"subheadlines":{"basic":"The state suspended the taxes in March, including 37 cents on diesel, amid rising fuel prices caused by the war in Iran."},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DINMNZSHW5GBDPZJSTY57DQLXI","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/DINMNZSHW5GBDPZJSTY57DQLXI.JPG?auth=61e5d15e344db865b89a4cd98403f002c67d28ae98a42a9021338d567e60d431","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"69d661f7062c0306ce0f462b","iptc_source":"The Atlanta Journal-Constitution","iptc_title":"Visual Journalist","keywords":["gas prices"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"aajc 041026 gas prices ABC 05.JPG","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/DINMNZSHW5GBDPZJSTY57DQLXI.JPG","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/DINMNZSHW5GBDPZJSTY57DQLXI.JPG?auth=61e5d15e344db865b89a4cd98403f002c67d28ae98a42a9021338d567e60d431","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/DINMNZSHW5GBDPZJSTY57DQLXI.JPG?auth=61e5d15e344db865b89a4cd98403f002c67d28ae98a42a9021338d567e60d431","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-04-08T15:29:21Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/DINMNZSHW5GBDPZJSTY57DQLXI.JPG?auth=61e5d15e344db865b89a4cd98403f002c67d28ae98a42a9021338d567e60d431&width=300","version":1},"address":{"locality":"Atanta","region":"GA"},"auth":{"1":"61e5d15e344db865b89a4cd98403f002c67d28ae98a42a9021338d567e60d431"},"caption":"Duncan Butler fills up his gas tank at Buddy’s gas station in Atlanta in April. 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Brian Kemp used his veto pen to trim spending in <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/brian-kemp-trims-300-million-from-georgias-budget/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/brian-kemp-trims-300-million-from-georgias-budget/\">Georgia’s new budget</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"YNPBCSCT45CQ5HICJWT3YKDPKQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"The governor cut $100 million that was supposed to guarantee more robust cost-of-living raises for retired state workers after more than a decade of stagnant benefits. While retirees will still get a 2.25% cost-of-living adjustment in July, their representatives say it won’t be enough to keep up with <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/business/2026/05/ajc-poll-georgians-concerned-about-inflation-economy-as-midterms-loom/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">inflation</a> and that future raises will be smaller than they could have been.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BKKTRTFSFJHSBOQLLPU5CEMOP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“A good chunk of the General Assembly said they wanted to help us. This year, it seemed like it was all coming to fruition,” said Chuck Freedman, legislative liaison for the Georgia State Retirees Association. “And then the door just got slammed shut in our faces.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"S2PGB2VCBVF5HE6V5RTEWOP34E","additional_properties":{},"content":"A spokesperson for Kemp noted the state has spent more than $1.1 billion over the last three years to shore up the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia. And the 2027 budget Kemp <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/brian-kemp-trims-300-million-from-georgias-budget/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/brian-kemp-trims-300-million-from-georgias-budget/\">signed last week</a> still includes $27.8 million for a one-time supplemental payment for retirees.","type":"text"},{"_id":"N7CGJZBUANE47N6IEBZK6ZVRZA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Retirees know (the governor) has fought hard for them,” Kemp communications director Andrew Isenhour wrote on social media last week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OMYZOKZV6JC7RLGV6VWJPYTEE4","additional_properties":{},"content":"The vetoed money is just part of the more than $300 million in state spending Kemp blocked to help pay for a significant <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/04/georgia-lawmakers-approve-income-tax-cut-property-tax-relief/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">income tax cut</a> lawmakers passed on the final day of the legislative session.","type":"text"},{"_id":"MTJMP5O77JDA7OH3FKHKOM6BTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kemp said that tax cut created a $1.3 billion deficit. It lowers the individual income tax rate while raising the amount of nontaxable income for everyone by 25%. It also temporarily exempts some income from overtime and tips from taxation. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"POXFD356RZCDJO4CG2VGNOOKSI","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"What to know about Georgia’s special session on redistricting, voting","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/what-to-know-about-georgias-special-session-on-redistricting-voting/"},{"_id":"E3X4T3HAHVCT5FCV6PFC72GTBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Among the other spending he cut was $30.7 million for school transportation, $12 million for school safety equipment grants, $5.3 million for Medicaid dental care and $2.5 million to aid homeless veterans.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RUJRHLUDMVB4XPCZCO2IVWOFUI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We’re taking all of this out of the budget so that Republicans can say ‘we gave you a tax cut,’” said House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley, D-Columbus. “But at what cost?”","type":"text"},{"_id":"4MIKJ22ELRCPNM5J7Y3VFAYTBI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kemp’s veto of the money for retirees has received less attention. But many of the state’s 56,000 retirees noticed. They’ve complained for years about the state’s lack of support for the retirement system.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CSFX2DIE3FAMXD4CGVDZ2H4GTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Freedman said Georgia used to provide 3% cost-of-living raises to retirees each year. He said good retirement benefits helped the state to attract employees who otherwise could make more money in the private sector.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TJMHHX7JPBFXBCNIWTRVBGITXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"But those raises disappeared following the Great Recession. Retirees received no raises for 13 years. While state retirees received some additional one-time payments in six of those years, they didn’t get another bump in their base benefits until 2023. They have since received several small increases.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BX5VSUHYA5B2ZL3YD6FEKS4VIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Like most states, Georgia’s budget has been buoyed by massive budget surpluses in the years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Kemp and the Republican-controlled state Legislature have sent a lot of that money back to taxpayers, both with one-time rebates and lowering the income tax rate.","type":"text"},{"_id":"FOPIZME2KRGNXG7ULQAEKEZH4M","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Why Georgia lawmakers keep sending you money","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/why-georgia-lawmakers-keep-sending-you-money/"},{"_id":"2EQKYNH35JFBNKI4RDUARBAGOY","additional_properties":{},"content":"They’ve also made two $500 million payments to the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia in recent years, plus another $100 million in the amended fiscal year 2026 budget they approved this year. As a result, the system’s board approved the upcoming 2.25% cost-of-living adjustment last month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PF3OL2ULFZC4NJCDDQVVLRVJRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"That will give the average retiree an extra $49 a month.","type":"text"},{"_id":"DAMGE6WTQJDG5CGDNY2RE2DZFI","additional_properties":{},"content":"The additional $100 million in the 2027 budget — about $72 million in state funding, with the rest coming from federal and other sources — was intended to boost future retiree raises on an ongoing basis.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JFI2JNWNEVFUDPZ4BRJ3AQIYQE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Freedman said he appreciates what Kemp and legislators have done to bolster retirement benefits in recent years. But he said retirees are having a hard time paying for basic expenses like food and medical care, even before the most recent bout of <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/business/2026/05/ajc-poll-georgians-concerned-about-inflation-economy-as-midterms-loom/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">inflation</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"665YZFG2ARGKLOHHK3BDQEXRC4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We’re, frankly, dismayed and saddened at the loss this represents,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"4RHOZDJKFVCD7BJGRCO3JFGTRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jim Potvin, executive director of the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia, said he’s heartened by the support that lawmakers and Kemp have given retirees in recent years. He said that bodes well for the possibility of future funding.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6SI6CK7DDVFPJCC6VNWYDSAHVQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“I go into the next session with a sense of optimism,” Potvin said.","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"david-wickert","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"David Wickert","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. 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Brian Kemp signed on Monday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GJSWTRINLBHODGZZBK2HID4PP4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Now, state and local officials must figure out how to pay for it.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WE5WJZGTY5DOZPGBSSU2SNRSA4","additional_properties":{},"content":"<a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-legislative-navigator/#bills/HB/463\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">House Bill 463</a> cuts the state income tax rate, raises the standard deduction and temporarily excludes a portion of tips and overtime earnings from taxation. <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/georgia-legislative-navigator/#bills/SB/33\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Senate Bill 33</a> caps tax assessments on individual properties and allows cities and counties to raise sales taxes to grant additional property tax relief to homeowners.","type":"text"},{"_id":"X7GTGEID2BCA7N2FRYH6S656WY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Kemp signed both bills at the Georgia Capitol<b> </b>while surrounded by state lawmakers. He said cutting taxes is a hallmark of conservative budgeting and leadership.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SIVAVFROSJGNZFCGZIK22NBVHY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“While other states like California and Maryland are raising taxes, here in Georgia we’re giving money back to the people,” he said.","type":"text"},{"_id":"QIC73AWCYJEV7GU76PL2F3V4GA","additional_properties":{},"content":"But the governor also suggested the income tax cut could have consequences for the state budget that he is expected to sign into law on Tuesday. He could wield his veto power to trim some spending.","type":"text"},{"_id":"B43ABP3Q4ZELJAVDCJ4QO5ZWBE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Critics — including most Democrats — say the tax cuts will play havoc with state and local government finances, forcing governments to raise sales taxes that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income Georgians.","type":"text"},{"_id":"LT4ECDQCQVGSHMWJHITU7X3F2Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“As we’ve said all year, this fake populism tries to distract voters from the truth — these bills are just more GOP giveaways to the wealthy on the back of our middle class,” Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II, D-Augusta, said in a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.","type":"text"},{"_id":"BETT6B4TNRDH3PP4DCFDRPT5PA","additional_properties":{},"content":"In signing the laws, Kemp has given Republican leaders a partial victory in an election year dominated by <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/01/affordability-is-the-political-buzzword-of-2026/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">affordability issues</a>.","type":"text"},{"_id":"A5MVCDGYJVCUZO2QGC4H35GINI","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/A5MVCDGYJVCUZO2QGC4H35GINI.jpg?auth=0e190ce905af394f69d7aa4a5b77ef069024cc2731cec5ffe33bd16646080b46","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"69fdf646062c0306ce18dd0b","iptc_title":"Multimedia Journalist","keywords":["burt jones","georgia state capitol","house bill 463. brian kemp","jon burns","tax relief"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"AAJC051126HB463-5.jpg","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/A5MVCDGYJVCUZO2QGC4H35GINI.jpg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/A5MVCDGYJVCUZO2QGC4H35GINI.jpg?auth=0e190ce905af394f69d7aa4a5b77ef069024cc2731cec5ffe33bd16646080b46","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/A5MVCDGYJVCUZO2QGC4H35GINI.jpg?auth=0e190ce905af394f69d7aa4a5b77ef069024cc2731cec5ffe33bd16646080b46","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-05-11T17:08:44Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/A5MVCDGYJVCUZO2QGC4H35GINI.jpg?auth=0e190ce905af394f69d7aa4a5b77ef069024cc2731cec5ffe33bd16646080b46&width=300","version":1,"alt_text":"","link":""},"address":{"street_address":"Georgia State Capitol building","locality":"Atlanta","region":"Georgia"},"auth":{"1":"0e190ce905af394f69d7aa4a5b77ef069024cc2731cec5ffe33bd16646080b46"},"caption":"Lt. Gov. Burt Jones speaks inside the Georgia Capitol on Monday. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)","copyright":"Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2026","created_date":"2026-05-11T16:32:35Z","credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Ben Hendren","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Ben Hendren","type":"author"}]},"distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"46cae676-4989-4b34-bc9b-906e8e9b6d59"},"height":3816,"last_updated_date":"2026-05-11T16:32:35Z","licensable":false,"owner":{"id":"ajc"},"slug":"aajc051126","source":{"name":"AJC Freelancer","source_id":"Freelancer/AAJC051126HB463-5.jpg","source_type":"freelance","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"},"edit_url":"https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/A5MVCDGYJVCUZO2QGC4H35GINI","system":"AJC Freelancer"},"subtitle":"Governor Brain Kemp signs multiple bills ","taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":["69fdf646062c0306ce18dd0b"]},"type":"image","url":"https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/A5MVCDGYJVCUZO2QGC4H35GINI.jpg?auth=0e190ce905af394f69d7aa4a5b77ef069024cc2731cec5ffe33bd16646080b46","version":"0.10.9","width":5724},{"_id":"NXEH6E2HG5FS7ILJAIN4XN6EAI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is running for governor, wanted to <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/01/senate-republicans-release-plan-to-end-georgia-state-income-tax-by-2032/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">eliminate the individual income</a> tax by 2032. But that didn’t happen, mostly because the tax is the state’s largest source of revenue, generating nearly $16 billion annually.","type":"text"},{"_id":"45AY3AO2FNABJD77ANFKZJBBJQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"In February<b>,</b> Jones <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/02/jones-plan-would-eliminate-tax-breaks-to-cut-georgia-income-tax/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">unveiled a plan</a> that constituted<b> </b>a down payment on that promise. It would have nearly quadrupled the standard deduction — essentially eliminating the income tax for two-thirds of Georgians. To help pay for it, the bill would have eliminated hundreds of millions of dollars of sales and income tax breaks.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HJT4AVM25JGBTERTDVA3SHXWQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"The scaled-back law Kemp signed raises the standard deduction by 25%. It raises the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly from $24,000 to $30,000 next year and the deduction for other filers from $12,000 to $15,000. It raises the deduction for each dependent from $4,000 to $5,000, and it would exempt up to $1,750 in cash tips and $1,750 in overtime income from taxation through 2028.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NYNX6Q4M7FBV5DI4KQEDZNYPVY","additional_properties":{},"content":"The bill also reduces the income tax rate from 5.19% to 4.99% this year. If the state meets certain revenue targets, the rate would be further reduced to 3.99% over eight years.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6S56ENRORND25FNJBCZOVM6JUQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"On Monday, Georgia<b> </b>House Speaker Jon Burns said the bill will return $2.9 billion a year to taxpayers. That also means $2.9 billion less in state revenue. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"VC7RA3KHFVDD3LOBUQO2O5UNF4","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/VC7RA3KHFVDD3LOBUQO2O5UNF4.jpg?auth=ae3ff75347dd12af16aa9f96b4bccf3d7e1a7caa1b6fb8a685644d446012eaad","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"69fdf646062c0306ce18dd0b","iptc_title":"Multimedia Journalist","keywords":["burt jones","georgia state capitol","house bill 463. brian kemp","jon burns","tax relief"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"AAJC051126HB463-6.jpg","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/VC7RA3KHFVDD3LOBUQO2O5UNF4.jpg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/VC7RA3KHFVDD3LOBUQO2O5UNF4.jpg?auth=ae3ff75347dd12af16aa9f96b4bccf3d7e1a7caa1b6fb8a685644d446012eaad","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/VC7RA3KHFVDD3LOBUQO2O5UNF4.jpg?auth=ae3ff75347dd12af16aa9f96b4bccf3d7e1a7caa1b6fb8a685644d446012eaad","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-05-11T17:10:46Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/VC7RA3KHFVDD3LOBUQO2O5UNF4.jpg?auth=ae3ff75347dd12af16aa9f96b4bccf3d7e1a7caa1b6fb8a685644d446012eaad&width=300","version":1,"alt_text":"","link":""},"address":{"street_address":"Georgia State Capitol building","locality":"Atlanta","region":"Georgia"},"auth":{"1":"ae3ff75347dd12af16aa9f96b4bccf3d7e1a7caa1b6fb8a685644d446012eaad"},"caption":"Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns speaks inside the Georgia Capitol on Monday. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)","copyright":"Atlanta Journal-Constitution 2026","created_date":"2026-05-11T16:32:59Z","credits":{"affiliation":[{"name":"Ben Hendren","type":"author"}],"by":[{"name":"Ben Hendren","type":"author"}]},"distributor":{"mode":"reference","reference_id":"46cae676-4989-4b34-bc9b-906e8e9b6d59"},"height":3704,"last_updated_date":"2026-05-11T16:33:00Z","licensable":false,"owner":{"id":"ajc"},"slug":"aajc051126","source":{"name":"AJC Freelancer","source_id":"Freelancer/AAJC051126HB463-6.jpg","source_type":"freelance","additional_properties":{"editor":"photo center"},"edit_url":"https://ajc.arcpublishing.com/photo/VC7RA3KHFVDD3LOBUQO2O5UNF4","system":"AJC Freelancer"},"subtitle":"Governor Brain Kemp signs multiple bills ","taxonomy":{"associated_tasks":["69fdf646062c0306ce18dd0b"]},"type":"image","url":"https://images.ajc.com/resizer/v2/VC7RA3KHFVDD3LOBUQO2O5UNF4.jpg?auth=ae3ff75347dd12af16aa9f96b4bccf3d7e1a7caa1b6fb8a685644d446012eaad","version":"0.10.9","width":5556},{"_id":"SO6Q7WW6LNG7RGBUVRPTPRHS2M","additional_properties":{},"content":"Meanwhile, the handful of tax breaks the law eliminates<b> </b>will only raise about $107.4 million over five years, an <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/05/georgia-lawmakers-vowed-to-cut-tax-breaks-they-approved-more-instead/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\">Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis</a> found.","type":"text"},{"_id":"CWKZTP4GTZHSFDAOXOV7SNXQZE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Though Georgia has accumulated sizable budget reserves in recent years, legislators have been quickly spending that money. They have cut the income tax rate, suspended the gas tax and, most prominently, they have sent up to $500 checks to most taxpayers for the fourth time in five years. This year, lawmakers also agreed to use $850 million of the surplus to <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/why-georgia-lawmakers-keep-sending-you-money/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/why-georgia-lawmakers-keep-sending-you-money/\">send similar payments</a> to most homeowners. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"67SPRRANC5DH5DHWOQNXPSBYFA","additional_properties":{"nofollow":false,"openInNewTab":true,"selectedStory":false,"sponsored":false},"content":"Why Georgia lawmakers keep sending you money","type":"interstitial_link","url":"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/03/why-georgia-lawmakers-keep-sending-you-money/"},{"_id":"PTDJS3P2JVEPFAJAEFANBQQG5Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"That could be one reason why Kemp on Monday suggested he may trim spending when he signs the 2027 budget on Tuesday.","type":"text"},{"_id":"HYUJUTBBWVD7ZDTI57MZSBJE6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We’ve got a budget that I’ve still got to sign,” Kemp told reporters. “We’re going to make sure that we’re good fiscal stewards of our resources. And we’ll have more to say about that tomorrow.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"PV6CTPZKCVAEDC2PAKE6JN7W2A","additional_properties":{},"content":"While Jones focused on reducing the income tax, Burns’ top priorities included lowering property taxes. He wanted to <a href=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/01/burns-unveils-plan-to-eliminate-property-taxes-on-georgia-homes/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"\" title=\"https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/01/burns-unveils-plan-to-eliminate-property-taxes-on-georgia-homes/\">eliminate the tax</a> on “homestead” properties, or residents’ primary single-family homes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"R6ZZL7JO5ZDY5GVJHNPYJUCD4E","additional_properties":{},"content":"The scaled-back SB 33 caps property tax assessments on properties at the rate of inflation. It also allows cities and counties — but not school districts — to either raise sales taxes or use existing sales tax revenue to reduce property taxes for homeowners. Plus,<b> </b>if a local government completely eliminates taxes on homesteads, the law would let them lower property taxes on other types of properties. The maximum total sales tax in most places remains 9%.","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7HTJJ3WLNDEHDOBETXJNO4MSI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Democrats say the law will force local governments to raise sales taxes.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GQZFO3MZCVEJZG4IUVPD36JGHY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“You see explicit authorization for higher taxes on gas, groceries, and alcohol — all to pay for rich people’s tax cuts,” said Harold Jones II, the minority leader.","type":"text"},{"_id":"2AWS5PVSTJGDXD24K2PC7TRMGU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Burns said lawmakers will work with local schools and governments to ensure they can provide essential services. But he said Georgians are crying for property tax relief.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3ZNAXG5PZNH2XMI5QICPO73JBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“We believe that we can do something in this state, especially when it comes to homestead property taxes,” Burns said. “It needs to be addressed.”","type":"text"}],"credits":{"by":[{"_id":"david-wickert","type":"author","version":"0.5.8","name":"David Wickert","image":{"url":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","version":"0.5.8"},"description":"David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.","url":"/staff/david-wickert/","social_links":[{"site":"email","url":"dwickert@ajc.com"},{"site":"facebook","url":"https://www.facebook.com/journalistdavidwickert/"},{"site":"twitter","url":"https://twitter.com/dwickert"}],"socialLinks":[{"site":"email","url":"dwickert@ajc.com","deprecated":true,"deprecation_msg":"Please use social_links."},{"site":"facebook","url":"https://www.facebook.com/journalistdavidwickert/","deprecated":true,"deprecation_msg":"Please use social_links."},{"site":"twitter","url":"https://twitter.com/dwickert","deprecated":true,"deprecation_msg":"Please use social_links."}],"additional_properties":{"original":{"_id":"david-wickert","byline":"David Wickert","org":"ajc","email":"dwickert@ajc.com","affiliations":"The Atlanta Journal-Constitution","role":"Reporter","status":true,"bio":"David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.","firstName":"David","lastName":"Wickert","longBio":"David Wickert has been a reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 2010. He writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Prior to arriving in Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Washington state, Illinois, Virginia and Tennessee. He lives near Lilburn with his wife Shelly and their two children.","twitter":"https://twitter.com/dwickert","custom_ajc_phone":"770-263-3062","books":[],"podcasts":[],"education":[],"awards":[],"last_updated_date":"2024-11-02T13:54:28.399Z","expertise":"11","image":"https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/ajc/86822855-3666-4f7d-8eac-7db534540ea3.png","facebook":"https://www.facebook.com/journalistdavidwickert/","beat":"Transportation and state government","type":"author","bio_page":"/staff/david-wickert/","author_type":"Staff","custom_ajc_website":"ajc"}}}]},"description":{"basic":"The laws will collectively send $2.9 billion back to taxpayers. The governor hinted at potential spending cuts to help pay for it."},"display_date":"2026-05-11T17:45:13.712Z","headlines":{"basic":"Brian Kemp signs Georgia income, property tax cuts. Now comes the hard part.","meta_title":"Georgia governor signs Georgia income, property tax cuts. 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The governor hinted at spending cuts to help pay for it."},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"WPNDEK7G2NG5REOOSFIKHBH55M","additional_properties":{"fullSizeResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/WPNDEK7G2NG5REOOSFIKHBH55M.jpg?auth=f3eb3cd9ed04804292968476a4252374a73cc733f27c48e402be646c3695e8bd","galleries":[],"iptc_job_identifier":"69fdf646062c0306ce18dd0b","iptc_title":"Multimedia Journalist","keywords":["burt jones","georgia state capitol","house bill 463. brian kemp","jon burns","tax relief"],"mime_type":"image/jpeg","originalName":"AAJC051126HB463-14.jpg","originalUrl":"https://cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/ajc/WPNDEK7G2NG5REOOSFIKHBH55M.jpg","proxyUrl":"/resizer/v2/WPNDEK7G2NG5REOOSFIKHBH55M.jpg?auth=f3eb3cd9ed04804292968476a4252374a73cc733f27c48e402be646c3695e8bd","published":true,"resizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/WPNDEK7G2NG5REOOSFIKHBH55M.jpg?auth=f3eb3cd9ed04804292968476a4252374a73cc733f27c48e402be646c3695e8bd","restricted":false,"takenOn":"2026-05-11T17:27:50Z","thumbnailResizeUrl":"/resizer/v2/WPNDEK7G2NG5REOOSFIKHBH55M.jpg?auth=f3eb3cd9ed04804292968476a4252374a73cc733f27c48e402be646c3695e8bd&width=300","version":1,"focal_point":{"max":[2736,1403],"min":[2736,1403]}},"address":{"street_address":"Georgia State Capitol building","locality":"Atlanta","region":"Georgia"},"auth":{"1":"f3eb3cd9ed04804292968476a4252374a73cc733f27c48e402be646c3695e8bd"},"caption":"Gov. 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