‘Kia’ bill to bypass bidding process heads to governor

State agencies would be able to buy cars made in Georgia without going through the competitive bid process under legislation given final passage Friday by the Senate.

House Bill 259, sponsored by Rep. Terry Rogers, R-Clarkesville, now heads to Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature. That's likely, given Deal has supported the bill as a way for state agencies to support in-state businesses.

Kia Motors is Georgia’s only major auto manufacturer, and thousands of employees work at its West Point-based plant and a string of nearby suppliers.

The state’s usual competitive bidding process is outlined in a series of state regulations that require sealed proposals, public advertising of many contracts and other restrictions.

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Kristina Torres

Volunteers provide food amid uncertainty over SNAP benefits

Advocates for the hungry across metro Atlanta told similar stories this week as the Trump administration prepared to freeze SNAP benefits amid a federal government shutdown.

OPINION

The most hated people in the latest AJC poll? Congress.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution latest polls show there’s one thing Georgians largely agree on, the very bad job they think Congress is doing.

Georgia Republicans in Congress weigh in on the shutdown’s effects

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has been outspoken during the shutdown and willing to disagree with Republican leaders.

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Credit: Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal

Volunteers provide food amid uncertainty over SNAP benefits

Georgia Republicans in Congress weigh in on the shutdown’s effects

OPINION

The most hated people in the latest AJC poll? Congress.

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Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

MARTA and Beltline rail two big transportation items on mayor’s agenda

While reaffirming his commitment to building light rail along the Beltline, Mayor Dickens says the first segment should go where transportation needs are greatest: SW Atlanta.

Georgia women face geographic gaps in prenatal care

Fewer than half of Georgia's counties have a full-time OB-GYN, according to data analyzed by the AJC, and many women lack the time and money to make regular prenatal visits.

Ex-Stonecrest mayor accused of lying about prison time to run for City Council

Jason Lary, who spent more than two years in prison after he admitted pocketing COVID relief money, allegedly claimed he was not a convicted felon in pre-election paperwork.