Moderator’s introduction

Today’s moderator: Rick Badie

Rick Badie joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as an education reporter in 1997. A South Georgia native, he’s covered the region’s immigrant communities, was a feature obituary writer and opinion columnist for the AJC’s Gwinnett edition.

»Join the discussion online today: Weigh in below with your thoughts and opinions.

State officials opposed expanding Medicaid when widening the health program became an option last summer. Today, a college professor calls that an unwise move economically, while a conservative political advocate considers it fiscally prudent.

Guest columnists:

Medicaid expansion helps economy by William S. Custer

Reject Medicaid expansion by Virginia Galloway

About the Author

Rick Badie

New Georgia Project shuts down, ending a decade of political influence in state

Founded in 2013, the organization was credited with registering tens of thousands of left-leaning voters who helped turn Georgia into a political battleground.

In TV ad blitz, ICE makes a play for Atlanta police officers

ICE spent more money on its recruitment campaign in Atlanta this month than in any other city.

Street vendors fear being sidelined by Atlanta’s World Cup permit freeze

Permits for street vendors and community gatherings are on pause downtown during FIFA activities under Mayor Dickens’ executive order issued last month.