Bill to place MLK statue at Capitol moves forward

A House committee on Wednesday gave key approval to legislation that could lead to the placement of a statue of the late Martin Luther King Jr. on Capitol grounds.

House Bill 1080, by Rep. Calvin Smyre, D-Columbus, was unanimously approved by the State Properties Committee. The bill, which includes House Majority Leader Larry O'Neal, R-Bonaire, as a co-sponsor, could reach the House floor Monday.

The bill would allow for the creation of the statue as long enough private funds are raised to pay for it.

About the Author

Aaron Gould Sheinin

Can Michael Thurmond be Georgia Democrats’ fixer?

Thurmond is running for governor of Georgia, hoping his brand of pragmatism and bipartisanship will help Democrats win the governor’s race for the first time in 28 years.

Why the PSC election next month is an early test for Democratic momentum

Early voting numbers in Democratic strongholds are far outpacing those in GOP-friendly counties, and some Republicans worry about closing the gap by Election Day on Nov. 4.

Georgia Supreme Court curbed its power. The state election board is testing its limits.

The State Election Board advanced a rule that could allow it to eliminate Georgia’s voting touchscreens and approved recommendations to end no-excuse absentee voting.

The Latest

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

OPINION

Can Michael Thurmond be Georgia Democrats’ fixer?

Why the PSC election next month is an early test for Democratic momentum

OPINION

Stuck in a shutdown, the work piles up on Capitol Hill

Featured

Credit: Ben Hendren

Metro Atlantans sour on housing affordability, pessimism is growing, poll says

The economy ranked as the top issue facing metro Atlanta last year, supplanting crime for the number one spot. This is the first year housing affordability has been an option.

DeKalb schools superintendent pleads not guilty to federal charges

Devon Horton has resigned from his role as DeKalb County superintendent, He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges stemming from his previous job in Illinois.

See video police say shows ex-PSC candidate Durand take Georgia Power secrets

Patty Durand has long criticized Georgia Power for concealing information under the cloak of trade secret about various initiatives and requests of state regulators.