The state Senate unanimously affirmed Tuesday a decision by Gov. Nathan Deal to block an increase in the state gas tax.
The bill now goes back to Deal, who is expected to sign it. The House passed the bill last week.
Deal in late June signed an executive order suspending the tax hike, which normally kicks in automatically. The tax, at 20.4 cents per gallon, would have increased 1.6 cents per gallon.
The freeze, which lasts until the end of the year, required legislative approval. KRISTINA TORRES
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Morris Brown College paid the U.S. Department of Education $500,000 to resolve the historically black college's $9.9 million debt. While an important step , this settles only part of the college's more than $30 million debt.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools revoked the college's accreditation in 2003, citing gross financial mismanagement. Morris Brown applied to regain it from a different agency and President Stanley Pritchett said paying off the debt will bolster its chances.
At its peak the college enrolled 3,000 students and offered nearly 50 majors. Today about 85 students are enrolled, taking classes in three majors. LAURA DIAMOND
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Fulton County Health Services will launch a program this week recognizing environmentally-friendly restaurants. Following a kick-off event Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Government Center's Assembly Hall, the Green Restaurant Association's environmental certification program will be available to the county's 4,700 eateries.
Those that meet certain standards can display two-, three- or four-star Certified Green Restaurant logos. Participation is voluntary. Information: 404-613-1301. JOHNNY EDWARDS
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