Gov. Nathan Deal announced Wednesday he signed the state's new congressional map, which lawmakers redrew last month during a special session.
The new map increases to 14 the number of congressional districts in Georgia, reflecting the state's population growth in the 2010 census. It also could boost the state GOP margin in the U.S. House to 10-4, up from the current 8-5 advantage. That's because both it and new maps drawn for the 180 state House districts and 56 state Senate districts reflect Georgia's Republican majority, which controlled with map-making process.
Deal said in a statement he will work "in the coming weeks" with state Attorney General Sam Olens and legislative leaders to decide how to submit the maps for federal approval. The deadline for submission is Oct. 1. The Voting Rights Act requires Georgia and eight other states to get approval from the U.S. Justice Department or federal courts for all changes to voting and election laws. KRISTINA TORRES
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Doctors, hospitals and other health care professionals can now sign up for the Georgia Department of Community Health’s new incentive program aimed at encouraging providers to adopt electronic health record technology.
Medical providers nationwide are moving toward electronic records that help improve the quality, efficiency and coordination of patient care. The state estimates it will issue more than $400 million in incentive payments over the next decade. An eligible professional who treats Medicaid patients could receive up to $63,750 over six years. MISTY WILLIAMS
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Tickets are available for special events at the 69th annual NAACP State Convention and Civil Rights Conference, which will be held this month in Atlanta.
The Georgia NAACP conference will run from Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. It will feature workshops, networking, training sessions, youth events, a banquet and more. Honorable Judge Greg Mathis, a TV court show celebrity, will speak at the Freedom Fund Banquet on Oct. 1.
Conference registration is $170. Some tickets can be purchased separately.
For information: www.naacpga.org. D. AILEEN DODD
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County by county
Three of a kind
It's not all asphalt out there in the big metro area. B5
Restaurant Inspections
How did your favorite restaurant rate with the county health inspector? B4
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