Q: When was the first driver’s license issued in Georgia, and who was the U.S. president at that time?
-- Rick Brewer, Smyrna
A: Before July 1, 1937, Georgia did not have a driver's license law, except for a chauffeur's license, which could be obtained from the state Department of Revenue, Susan Sports, spokeswoman for the Department of Driver Services, told Q&A on the News. The Georgia Legislature passed Act 220 in 1937, which created the Department of Public Safety to administer the licensing of motor vehicle operators and chauffeurs. In 1941, the Legislature amended the act to include a "Family Driver's License," which was known as a "wife's and minor's license," she wrote in an e-mail. Under this law, the head of the family, if holding a valid license, could obtain an operator's license for family members -- a wife's license (for 50 cents) and a license for minor dependent children living at the same address (for 25 cents). Franklin D. Roosevelt was president in 1937.
Q: How much of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ medical bills have been paid with taxpayer money?
-- Pete Joyce, Suwanee
A: Her bills are being covered through the federal employees' compensation program, media outlets have reported. The federal employees' compensation act covers any injury or death sustained in the performance of duty, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's website.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
About the Author
