Warnock, Ossoff Secure $531 Million in Hurricane Helene Relief for Georgia Farmers

Milton Kirby | Washington, DC | March 9, 2026

Georgia farmers who suffered devastating losses during Hurricane Helene are set to receive more than $531 million in federal disaster relief, according to an announcement from U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.

The funding will be distributed through the Georgia Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program, a federal relief initiative designed to help farmers, ranchers, and foresters recover from one of the most destructive storms to hit Georgia’s agricultural economy in recent history.

The relief comes nearly two years after Hurricane Helene tore across large portions of South and East-Central Georgia, leaving widespread destruction across farms, forests, and rural infrastructure.

“This announcement is welcome news for the Georgia producers and farmers that have been forced to wait far too long for this desperately needed relief,” Warnock said. “I’m glad to see that the application for these block grants will open in the coming weeks.”

Ossoff emphasized that Congress approved disaster funding shortly after the storm but said the process of getting the money to farmers has taken longer than expected.

“Less than 90 days after Hurricane Helene devastated Georgia agriculture, Senator Warnock and I passed disaster funding for Georgia farmers,” Ossoff said. “Now, over a year late, USDA is finally getting those funds to Georgia farmers. I am glad Georgia farmers are getting the help they’ve long deserved.”

Billions in Agricultural Losses

Hurricane Helene inflicted massive damage across Georgia’s agriculture and forestry sectors.

According to state and federal estimates:

Roughly one-third of Georgia’s pecan and cotton crops were destroyed
More than 100 poultry houses were damaged or wiped out
Approximately 1.5 million acres of timber were damaged or destroyed

Altogether, the storm caused an estimated $5.5 billion in total agricultural losses, making it one of the costliest disasters in Georgia farming history.

Beyond the economic devastation, the human toll was also severe. More than 250 people lost their lives nationwide, including 37 Georgians, as the storm moved through the region.

Who Can Apply for the Relief

The block grant program will help producers recover losses across a wide range of agricultural operations.

Eligible producers may seek assistance for damages affecting:

Timber
Farm infrastructure
Poultry operations
Beef and dairy cattle
Milk and dairy feed losses
Pecans and blueberries
Citrus crops
Nursery operations
Plasticulture systems
Bare ground farming practices

Applications will be administered through the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The application window will open March 16, 2026, and remain available for six weeks, closing April 27, 2026.

Bipartisan Push for Relief

Warnock and Ossoff both credited bipartisan advocacy for helping secure the funding.

In March 2025, Warnock led a bipartisan group of lawmakers urging the United States Department of Agriculture to accelerate disaster assistance for Georgia farmers. Members of the Georgia congressional delegation joined the effort as pressure mounted from agricultural groups and rural communities still recovering from the storm.

Warnock, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee, has repeatedly pushed for stronger federal support for farmers dealing with extreme weather events.

Georgia’s agricultural sector — one of the state’s largest economic engines — continues to face increasing risks from hurricanes, drought, and other climate-driven disasters that can wipe out crops and infrastructure in a single season.

A Long Road to Recovery

For many farmers, the new funding represents a critical step toward rebuilding operations damaged during Helene.

Farmers across South Georgia reported losing entire orchards, poultry facilities, and timber stands that took decades to grow.

While the new federal relief will not fully replace the estimated billions lost, agricultural leaders say it will provide much-needed capital to help farmers stabilize their operations and prepare for future planting seasons.

For rural communities whose economies depend on agriculture and forestry, the funding could also help preserve jobs, stabilize local businesses, and keep family farms operating after one of the most damaging storms in recent memory.

SIDEBAR: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Georgia Agriculture

When Hurricane Helene swept through Georgia, it left one of the most damaging agricultural disasters in the state’s modern history.

The storm’s powerful winds, heavy rain, and flooding devastated farms, forests, and rural infrastructure across South and East-Central Georgia, regions where agriculture is the backbone of many local economies.

State and federal assessments estimate that the storm caused approximately $5.5 billion in total agricultural losses across Georgia.

Key Impacts

Crop Destruction
Helene wiped out or severely damaged large portions of Georgia’s specialty crops. Nearly one-third of the state’s pecan and cotton crops were destroyed, while blueberry and citrus growers also reported widespread losses.

Timber Losses
Georgia is the nation’s leading timber-producing state, and the storm struck some of its most heavily forested regions. Roughly 1.5 million acres of timber were damaged or destroyed, representing years — and in many cases decades — of lost growth.

Poultry Industry Damage
The storm also hit Georgia’s massive poultry sector. More than 100 poultry houses were damaged or destroyed, disrupting one of the state’s most important agricultural industries.

Farm Infrastructure
Beyond crops and livestock, farmers reported losses to irrigation systems, fencing, barns, tractors, storage buildings, and other critical infrastructure needed to operate their farms.

Long-Term Effects

Agricultural disasters can take years to recover from.
Unlike row crops that can be replanted quickly, pecan orchards and timber stands may take decades to fully recover.

The federal block grant program announced by Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff aims to help farmers rebuild operations and stabilize rural economies that depend on agriculture.

For many Georgia producers, the funding represents a critical step toward recovery after one of the most destructive storms to hit the state’s farming sector.

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Late-Night Votes and Narrow Defeats: How Georgia’s Crossover Day Reshaped Taxes, Elections, and Public Safety

Georgia lawmakers passed property tax, data center, and stand-your-ground legislation on Crossover Day while voting down election changes and advancing new campaign finance rules.

Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | March 8, 2026

Inside the Georgia Capitol, the final hours before midnight on Friday looked exactly like what longtime observers expect from Crossover Day: crowded chambers, hurried negotiations, and lawmakers racing the clock to keep their legislation alive.

By the time the gavel fell, Georgia lawmakers had advanced bills affecting property taxes, data centers, self-defense law, campaign finance rules, and oversight of local prosecutors, while several high-profile proposals — including a plan to overhaul the state’s voting system — failed to survive the deadline.

Crossover Day marks the most consequential point in Georgia’s 40-day legislative session. Bills must pass out of their chamber of origin — the House or Senate — to remain eligible for final passage. Measures that fail to cross over are typically considered dead for the year unless revived through amendments attached to surviving legislation.

This year’s deadline produced a mix of major policy decisions, contentious debate, and unfinished business, with potential consequences for homeowners, voters, prosecutors, businesses, and electricity customers across the state.

PROPERTY TAXES

✔ PASSED: Scaled-Back Property Tax Cap (HB 1116)
Vote: 98–68 in the House
Status: Moves to the Senate
Sponsor: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R–Bonaire)

One of the most closely watched measures of the session was House Bill 1116, a proposal aimed at limiting rising property tax bills.

Earlier in the week, lawmakers abandoned a more aggressive plan that would have eliminated homestead property taxes entirely by 2032. Critics warned that proposal could have created major funding gaps for schools and local governments.

Instead, lawmakers revived a scaled-back version on Crossover Day.

The revised bill caps annual property tax increases at the greater of 3 percent or the federal inflation rate measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Why it matters

• Homeowners could see more predictable property tax increases, particularly in fast-growing counties where assessments have surged.
• Local governments and school districts warn that caps could limit revenue needed for services and infrastructure.
• Renters may not see relief because landlords are not required to pass tax savings along.

DATA CENTERS

✔ PASSED: Repeal of New Data Center Tax Breaks (SB 410)
Vote: 32–21 in the Senate
Status: Moves to the House

The Senate also addressed the rapid expansion of data centers, which power cloud computing and artificial intelligence but require enormous amounts of electricity.

Under Senate Bill 410, companies would no longer receive certain sales tax exemptions for data center equipment and would be required to pay the cost of major electrical infrastructure upgrades tied to their projects.

Old vs. New Rules Under SB 410

Issue	Old Way	New Way (SB 410)
Power upgrades	Often shared by electricity customers	Data centers pay additional costs
Equipment taxes	Sales tax exemptions	Standard sales tax applies
Existing incentives	Active	Grandfathered in

Why it matters

• Georgia has become a national hub for data center development, particularly in metro Atlanta.
• Supporters say the bill protects ratepayers from subsidizing energy infrastructure for tech companies.
• Critics argue the measure may not fully shield customers from rising electricity costs.

SELF-DEFENSE & PUBLIC SAFETY

✔ PASSED: Expanded “Stand Your Ground” Immunity (SB 572)
Vote: 30–23 in the Senate
Status: Moves to the House

One of the most controversial measures to pass Friday expands Georgia’s stand-your-ground self-defense law.

Senate Bill 572 would allow defendants to claim immunity earlier in the legal process. Charges could be dismissed unless prosecutors provide clear and convincing evidence that a crime occurred.

Why it matters

Democrats warned the bill could make violent crimes harder to prosecute.

During debate, Sen. Kim Jackson (D–Stone Mountain) referenced the 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man chased and shot while jogging in Brunswick.

“If this bill had been law, it would have made it very difficult to prosecute those who are the murderers of Ahmaud Arbery,” Jackson said.

Republicans argued the legislation strengthens the rights of Georgians to defend themselves during dangerous confrontations.

PROSECUTOR OVERSIGHT

✔ PASSED: Expanded Authority to Discipline Local Prosecutors
Vote: Passed in the Senate
Status: Moves to the House

Republican lawmakers also advanced legislation SB 605 expanding the authority of a prosecutorial oversight commission created in 2024.

The commission can investigate and discipline elected district attorneys and solicitors general.

Debate around the proposal has been influenced by the controversy surrounding Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, whose 2023 election interference case against former President Donald Trump and others was dismissed after courts ruled her office had an “appearance of impropriety.”

Why it matters

• Supporters say the measure ensures accountability for prosecutors who refuse to enforce the law.
• Critics argue it could become a political tool aimed at elected prosecutors in large urban counties.
• The bill may face tougher scrutiny in the House, which is considered less partisan than the Senate.

ELECTIONS

✘ FAILED: Hand-Marked Paper Ballots for 2026 Elections
Vote: 27–21 in the Senate (two votes short)
Status: Dead for the year

SB 568 a proposal to require hand-marked paper ballots instead of voting machines failed in the Senate after warnings it could create logistical problems ahead of the November elections.

Seven senators skipped the vote.

Why it matters

• Georgia must still comply with a two-year-old law requiring the removal of QR codes from ballots.
• Lawmakers now face pressure to find another solution for modifying Georgia’s voting system before the next election cycle.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE

✔ PASSED: Limits on Out-of-State Campaign Contributions
Vote: Passed in the Senate
Status: Moves to the House

Another Senate bill SB 423 would prohibit candidates from raising more than 50 percent of their campaign funds from donors outside Georgia.

Why it matters

• Supporters say the measure keeps Georgia elections focused on Georgia voters.
• Democrats argue it disadvantages candidates in high-profile races that attract national fundraising support.

WHAT DIDN’T MAKE IT

Several proposals stalled before reaching the floor, including:

• A ban on car booting – SB 541
• A proposal to make lemon pepper the official wing flavor of Georgia – HB 1013
• Legislation expanding access to gun silencers – HB 1324 / SB 499

THE BIG PICTURE

Crossover Day 2026 revealed sharp divides inside the Georgia General Assembly over tax policy, criminal justice, elections, and prosecutorial power.

With Sine Die scheduled for April 2, lawmakers now have less than a month to negotiate final versions of these bills as they move through the opposite chamber.

For Georgia residents, the outcome could influence property tax bills, voting procedures, prosecutorial oversight, and the pace of the state’s booming data center industry.

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Warnock Pushes Bipartisan Plan to Stop Private Equity from Buying Up Single-Family Homes

Sen. Raphael Warnock backs bipartisan legislation to limit private equity firms from buying single-family homes, aiming to restore access to homeownership for first-time buyers in Atlanta.

Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | March 6, 2026

A bipartisan housing proposal backed by Raphael Warnock could significantly reshape the housing market in Atlanta and across the nation by limiting the ability of large institutional investors to purchase single-family homes.

Warnock announced that a provision he championed has been included in the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, a sweeping federal housing package designed to address rising housing costs and limited homeownership opportunities.

The provision would prohibit institutional investors from purchasing additional single-family homes if they already own more than 350 such properties. The legislation specifically targets large private equity firms that have increasingly purchased homes in bulk and converted them into rental properties.

“In Atlanta, private equity’s greed is squeezing first-time homebuyers out of the market and pushing the American Dream further out of reach,” Warnock said in announcing the measure. “It’s time Congress did something about it. That’s why I’m proud to have helped lead the bipartisan effort to ban private equity from mass-purchasing homes. This legislation is bipartisan and common sense: let’s get it done.”

The proposal includes steep penalties for firms that violate the restriction. Institutional investors who purchase single-family homes beyond the allowed threshold would face fines of either $1 million or three times the purchase price of the home.

Funds collected through those penalties would be directed toward new housing construction and financial assistance programs for first-time homebuyers.

Why Atlanta? Ground Zero for Corporate Ownership

Atlanta’s housing market has become a focal point in the national debate over institutional home ownership. According to figures cited by Warnock’s office and regional research institutions, roughly 30 percent of Atlanta’s single-family rental homes—about 70,000 properties—are owned by institutional investors.

Much of the research tracking corporate homeownership in metro Atlanta comes from Georgia State University, where geographer Dr. Taylor Shelton has mapped institutional investor activity using property records and tax filings. His work shows that large portfolios of investor-owned homes are concentrated in several fast-growing suburban counties.

The impact is especially visible in Gwinnett, Henry, Cobb, and Clayton counties, where large investment firms have purchased thousands of homes over the past decade. In some neighborhoods in Henry County, investors have purchased nearly one out of every three homes sold in recent years.

Large institutional landlords have built enormous housing portfolios across the region. Companies such as Invitation Homes, Progress Residential, and Tricon Residential collectively own tens of thousands of single-family homes in metro Atlanta. In some suburban communities, a single company may control hundreds of houses, transforming once owner-occupied neighborhoods into large rental portfolios.

As competition for existing homes has intensified, some investors have shifted strategies. In several north metro counties, including Cherokee and Forsyth, developers are now building entire neighborhoods designed exclusively for rental housing—a model known as build-to-rent.

The surge in investor ownership accelerated during the housing boom that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2020 and 2022, institutional investors dramatically expanded their footprint in metro Atlanta, taking advantage of historically low interest rates and a wave of homes entering the market.

In some quarters during that period, investors accounted for more than 30 percent of all home purchases in the region, according to housing market analyses from firms such as Redfin and Zillow.

The Impact on the “American Dream”

Atlanta quickly became one of the nation’s most active markets for corporate homebuying. Large companies purchased homes in bulk, often making all-cash offers that individual buyers struggled to match.

For many Atlantans, the shift has been visible in everyday ways. Homes that once might have been sold to young families or first-time buyers are now part of corporate rental portfolios. In some neighborhoods, “For Rent” signs appear where “For Sale” signs once stood, a change that housing advocates say has quietly reshaped the path to homeownership across the region.

According to the Atlanta REALTORS® Association, the median home price in metro Atlanta reached roughly $411,000 in late 2025, placing homeownership further out of reach for many first-time buyers.

Housing advocates say large-scale purchasing by investment firms has contributed to rising home prices and reduced the number of starter homes available to individuals and families trying to buy their first property.

Warnock, who serves on the Senate Banking Committee, has pushed several initiatives aimed at increasing housing affordability since arriving in the Senate in 2021. The committee plays a key role in shaping federal housing policy.

The Georgia senator has also introduced legislation focused on expanding housing supply nationwide, including proposals that would help finance the construction of nearly three million additional housing units.

Warnock often links his housing advocacy to his own upbringing. Raised in public housing in Savannah, he was one of twelve children in a working-class family.

Supporters of the measure say limiting institutional purchases could reopen the door to homeownership for many families who have been priced out of the market.

The provision is expected to move forward as part of the broader ROAD to Housing Act, which lawmakers hope will receive Senate approval in the coming months.

SIDEBAR: Where Corporate Investors Are Buying Homes in Metro Atlanta

Research from housing analysts and regional planning agencies shows several metro Atlanta areas with especially high levels of institutional investor activity.

• Gwinnett County – More than 10,000 homes owned by major corporate landlords
• Henry County – One of the highest concentrations of investor-owned homes in Georgia
• Cobb & Clayton Counties – Thousands of corporate-owned homes tied to large rental portfolios
• Old Fourth Ward & West Midtown – Urban neighborhoods targeted for high-end rental conversions near the BeltLine
• Cherokee & Forsyth Counties – Emerging “build-to-rent” subdivisions developed entirely for rental housing

Researchers say the trend accelerated after the 2008 housing crisis, when large investment firms began purchasing foreclosed homes in bulk across metro Atlanta.

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Bottoms Brings Gubernatorial Message to Madison, Emphasizes Roots, Rural Healthcare, and Affordability

Keisha Lance Bottoms campaigned in Madison, Georgia, outlining Medicaid expansion, tax reform, and free technical college as key priorities in the 2026 gubernatorial race.

By Milton Kirby | Madison, GA | February 28, 2026

On a rainy Thursday evening in Georgia, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, now a Democratic candidate for governor, made a campaign stop at Wing Nights @ Benny Paul’s in downtown Madison. The event drew a standing‑room‑only crowd, offering Bottoms an intimate setting to share her platform, her family history, and her vision for the state.

The Madison stop followed earlier appearances in Athens as part of a multi‑city swing through northeast Georgia. Bottoms opened her remarks by grounding her candidacy in deep Georgia roots, telling the audience her family could trace its history back five generations in the state. Her grandmother was from Crawfordsville; her grandfather was born in Monroe and raised in Winder; his father was from Athens.

“I’ve served in three branches of Georgia government,” she reminded the crowd — as a judge, a city council member, and as mayor of Atlanta. She noted that her mayoral tenure included “one of the toughest times,” steering the city through the COVID‑19 pandemic.

A Message Tailored to Small‑Town Georgia

Bottoms acknowledged Madison’s unique position among Georgia’s small towns. “Madison is fortunate,” she said. “Most small towns don’t look like Madison. Most small towns are struggling in this state.”

She tied those disparities to uneven access to state and federal resources. “So much of it has to do with the resources that we are getting from the federal government, also the resources that we are getting from the state government — and in this moment, the resources that we are not getting from the Federal government.”

Madison’s hospital remains open, she noted, while many rural communities have not been as fortunate. Nine rural hospitals in Georgia have closed, she said, arguing that Medicaid expansion is essential to stabilizing healthcare access statewide.

Before Congress passed what she called the “Big Ugly Bill,” Bottoms said, 300,000 Georgians lacked access to healthcare. After the bill’s passage, she argued, premiums “skyrocketed.”

Affordability, Taxes, and Education

Bottoms highlighted affordability as a central theme of her campaign. “The affordability issue is not a hoax,” she said. “We are talking about the cost of utilities, the cost of healthcare, and the cost of living in general.”

She reiterated her interest in eliminating state income taxes, particularly for teachers, but emphasized that any tax reform must be done responsibly. “If we don’t act responsibly in how we eliminate state income taxes, then local sales taxes have to go up,” she said. “Local input is exceedingly important.”

Education also featured prominently. Bottoms said she wants to create a pathway to free technical and community college, describing it as a workforce investment that would benefit the entire state.

Record as Mayor and Vision for the State

Bottoms pointed to her record in Atlanta as evidence of her ability to deliver results. During her administration, she said, the city achieved four consecutive balanced budgets, avoided raising property taxes, and created or preserved 7,000 units of affordable housing. She also cited the creation of a child savings account for all public school kindergartners and investments in workforce development.

“If we can do it in Atlanta, in the midst of a historic economic downturn, I know that we can do even better and even more across the state of Georgia,” she said.

She also highlighted an entrepreneurial training program launched during her tenure. “I saw kids who had hustle and a spirit for entrepreneurship,” she said, adding that the needs across Georgia remain “plentiful.”

A Warm Reception in Madison

The event was hosted by Brince and Emily Benford, owners of Wing Nights @ Benny Paul’s. Brince Benford said hosting the meet‑and‑greet was meaningful for his family and business. “It was great for us to participate in democracy,” he said.

Despite the steady rain voters packed the restaurant, listening with what appeared to be intense curiosity. After her remarks and a brief Q&A, Bottoms stayed to take photos with every attendee who lined up.

Several voters, who preferred to remain anonymous, told The Truth Seekers Journal they were “excited about the Bottoms campaign for governor.”

A Shifting Democratic Field

Bottoms’ visit came one week after a Democratic gubernatorial forum featuring seven candidates. The field narrowed on Thursday when State House member Ruwa Romman announced she was suspending her gubernatorial campaign to run for the open Georgia State Senate District 7 seat instead.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026, with the general election set for November 3, 2026. Voters at the Madison event said they were eager to hear more from the candidates as the race continues to take shape.

Robb Pitts Delivers 2026 State of the County: “We’ve Got It All”

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 24, 2026

Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts delivered a confident and at times defiant message Tuesday morning, declaring that Fulton County is “stronger than ever” during his 2026 State of the County address.

Hosted by the Council for Quality Growth at The Eastern, the breakfast event drew hundreds of business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders under the theme: “We’ve Got It All.”

From senior services and infrastructure to jail reform and election security, Pitts outlined what he described as a year of major investments and bold decisions.

Seniors and Community Investment

Pitts began by highlighting expanded services for seniors across the county.

Thanks to Fulton County’s transportation program, seniors took more than 276,000 trips last year to grocery stores, medical appointments, pharmacies, and senior centers. More than 167,000 meals were delivered to seniors at home or served at neighborhood senior centers.

The county also launched a new initiative to protect seniors from online scams and hosted its first Senior Olympics, drawing more than 500 participants in what Pitts called “an amazing event” built on community and competition. He promised the 2026 games would be even larger.

Infrastructure Investment: Water, Airports, and the Beltline

Photo by Milton Kirby State of Fulton County

The chairman emphasized more than $1 billion in water infrastructure investments across North and South Fulton to meet the demands of a growing population.

“Our infrastructure is stronger,” Pitts said, pointing to environmental protections tied to the upgrades.

He also celebrated progress at Fulton County Executive Airport, formerly known as Charlie Brown Airport. A planned customs facility will soon allow for international travel, and with runway expansion already underway, Pitts said nonstop flights to Europe will become possible.

“That’s a big deal,” he told the audience.

Beyond aviation, Pitts noted that 85 percent of the Atlanta BeltLine is expected to be complete by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further cementing the county’s economic and tourism profile.

Jail Renovation and Mental Health Services

One of the most significant announcements was a landmark, long-term renovation plan for the Fulton County Jail on Rice Street. Pitts described a billion-dollar overhaul designed to address deteriorating conditions and improve safety.

As part of broader justice reform efforts, the county will add a new medical unit focused specifically on inmate mental health services an acknowledgment of the growing mental health crisis within correctional facilities.

The plan aims to modernize the jail while improving care and accountability.

Economic Strength

Pitts also highlighted Fulton County’s financial health, noting that the county continues to maintain a coveted AAA credit rating. He pointed out that Fulton ranks fourth in the nation for the number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered within its borders.

Those metrics, he said, reflect both stability and opportunity.

“We are proud to be the largest county in the state of Georgia,” Pitts said. “Proud to be a top county in these United States of America.”

Defending Elections After FBI Raid

The most forceful portion of Pitts’ address centered on election security.

Referencing the January 28, 2026 FBI raid on the Fulton County election office, Pitts spoke with visible resolve.

“Our elections are safe. Fulton County elections are fair. Fulton County elections are lawful. Fulton County elections are transparent. And every legal vote that is cast is counted,” he said.

He criticized what he described as threats to nationalize local elections and warned that Fulton County would resist any attempt to take control of its election operations.

“We will fight any effort to take over our election with every resource that we have available,” Pitts said. “That’s today. That’s tomorrow. And as long as it takes to protect democracy and your right to vote.”

He urged residents to mobilize for the 2026 and 2028 election cycles, telling attendees that “talk is cheap” and encouraging them to ensure their friends, families, and neighbors vote.

“Stronger Than Ever”

Closing on an optimistic note, Pitts praised residents, workers, students, and families who call Fulton County home.

“Fulton County is stronger than ever,” he said. “And it is because of each and every one of you.”

The event concluded with remarks thanking sponsors, staff, and partners, as attendees lingered at The Eastern to continue conversations about the county’s future.

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Seven Visions for Georgia: Inside the Democratic Gubernatorial Field

Seven Democrats outline competing visions for Georgia governor at the DeKalb forum, debating Medicaid expansion, childcare, wages, housing, and economic reform ahead of 2026.

Milton Kirby | Chamblee, Georgia | February 23, 2026

On a cool February evening inside the auditorium at Chamblee High School, seven Democratic candidates stepped onto the stage with one shared promise: to reshape the future of a state at a political crossroads. Their styles varied some polished, some fiery, some pastoral but the urgency in the room was unmistakable. Georgia is changing, and each candidate came prepared to argue that they are the one who understands that change best. What emerged from the forum, and from their published platforms, is a portrait of a party wrestling with both its identity and its opportunity. The candidates agree on the broad strokes expanding Medicaid, lowering the cost of living, strengthening education but diverge sharply on how bold Georgia must be to meet the moment.

A Shared Foundation: Medicaid, Wages, and Affordability

All seven candidates support expanding Medicaid. All speak about lowering the cost of living. All frame education as central to Georgia’s economic future.

But the similarities begin to diverge once the details surface.

Keisha Lance Bottoms: Crisis-Tested Leadership

Bottoms leans heavily on her executive experience as Atlanta’s mayor during COVID-19 and the 2020 protests. She describes herself as “crisis-tested.”

Her platform calls for:

Medicaid expansion
Eliminating the state income tax for teachers
Cracking down on corporate landlords
Free technical and community college

Her pitch blends practical governance with moral urgency. She frequently frames her candidacy as restoring stability in uncertain times.

Olu Brown: Values-Driven Governance

Brown, a former pastor, frames policy through faith and community values. He speaks often about compassion and responsibility.

His priorities include:

Healthcare access as economic stability
Strong reproductive rights protections
Raising educator wages
Strengthening rural outreach

At the DeKalb forum, Brown said Georgia students must be trained to “compete with the rest of the world,” not simply prepared to be citizens of Georgia.

Geoff Duncan: The Party Switch and the Moderation Case

Duncan’s candidacy is the most unconventional. A former Republican lieutenant governor, he switched parties in August 2025 and now runs as a Democrat, framing his campaign as a rejection of political extremism.

His platform emphasizes:

Lower childcare costs
Rural hospital stabilization
Bipartisan economic moderation
Lower overall cost of living

Duncan often references moral language, urging voters to reject division and rediscover a politics grounded in “love thy neighbor.”

Jason Esteves: The Education Governor

Esteves officially launched his “Education Governor” platform just days before the forum.

His plan includes:

Universal childcare for 3- and 4-year-olds
Major K–12 investments
Medicaid expansion
Renter protections
A small business loan fund targeting Black-owned businesses

Esteves frames childcare as economic policy. In his view, if families cannot afford care, they cannot fully participate in the workforce.

Derrick Jackson: A $20 Minimum Wage

Jackson is the only candidate explicitly calling for a $20 minimum wage.

He pairs that with:

Tax exemptions for teachers, nurses, seniors, and veterans
Medicaid expansion
Support for Black farmers and small businesses
Rural hospital protection

Jackson frequently emphasizes his 42 years of leadership experience in the military and legislature. His campaign message centers on working-class uplift.

Ruwa Romman: The Progressive Disruptor

Romman offers the most explicitly progressive platform in the field.

Her proposals include:

Raising the minimum wage
Taking homes back from corporate landlords
Reopening rural hospitals
Creating a research hub to fund healthcare systems
Pressing pause on data centers to lower utility costs

Her campaign is rooted in organizing and structural reform. She presents herself as an outsider prepared to challenge entrenched systems.

Mike Thurmond: The Steady Hand

Thurmond’s candidacy rests on long public service and a reputation for turning around struggling institutions, from the state Labor Department to DeKalb County government.

His platform emphasizes:

Rethinking Georgia’s regressive sales tax structure
Lower grocery, rent, and healthcare costs
Statewide healthcare equity
Unity over ideology

Rather than positioning himself as the most progressive or the most moderate, Thurmond leans into competence and experience.

The Real Debate: How Bold Should Georgia Be?

The forum revealed less disagreement about direction and more disagreement about scale.

Should Georgia move incrementally or structurally?
Should reform be targeted or sweeping?
Should Democrats lean into progressive energy or moderate appeal?

Together, the seven candidates offer voters a rare thing: a competitive primary where experience, ideology, and identity collide in meaningful ways.

The question for Democrats is not whether they have options.

It is which vision best matches the Georgia they believe is emerging.

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Robb Pitts to Deliver 2026 State of Fulton County Address Feb. 24

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts will deliver the 2026 State of the County Address February 24 at The Eastern, outlining priorities, projects, and economic outlook.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 18, 2026

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts will deliver the 2026 State of Fulton County Address next week before an audience of business and civic leaders. The annual breakfast program will take place Tuesday, February 24, from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. at The Eastern, with more than 400 elected officials, business leaders, county staff, residents, and regional partners expected to attend.

The event is hosted by the Council for Quality Growth in partnership with Fulton County Government. This year’s State of Fulton is presented by Amazon, Develop Fulton, and the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority.

Pitts’ address will highlight achievements and major projects from the past two years while outlining his priorities and vision for 2026. This will be his fifth State of the County address since becoming chairman in 2017, and his second of the current term.

A veteran public servant, Pitts previously served 13 years on the Fulton County Commission and 20 years on the Atlanta City Council. His tenure has spanned periods of rapid population growth, economic expansion, and significant infrastructure investment across the county.

Michael Paris, President and CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, said Fulton County continues to play a central role in the region’s economic strength.
“Fulton County remains a driving force in our region’s economic vitality,” Paris said. “We value our strong partnership with Fulton County and look forward to Chairman Pitts’ insights on the county’s priorities and the path ahead for its communities.”

The program will also include remarks from 2026 Council Chair Gerald McDowell, Executive Director of the ATL Airport Community Improvement Districts, and Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis.

Presenting sponsors will offer updates as well. Scheduled speakers include Terreta Rodgers of Amazon’s Georgia Region; Sarah-Elizabeth Langford; and Jevon Gibson.

Danny Johnson, Managing Director of the Natural Resources Department at the Atlanta Regional Commission, will provide an update on behalf of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, offering insight into water resources and regional planning initiatives.

The Council for Quality Growth’s State of the County and Agency Series includes similar annual events across eight metro Atlanta counties and two major agencies, including MARTA and the Atlanta BeltLine. The series is designed to connect the business community with local government leadership and provide a forward-looking assessment of policy, infrastructure, and development priorities.

5 Things to Know About Robb Pitts

1. Longest‑Serving Metro Atlanta Public Official
Pitts has held elected office for more than four decades, including 20 years on the Atlanta City Council and over a decade on the Fulton County Commission.

2. Current Chairman Since 2017
He was elected Fulton County Chairman at the end of 2017 and has since led the county through major growth, infrastructure expansion, and regional coordination.

3. Champion of Economic Development
Pitts has been a key figure in strengthening Fulton’s role as the economic engine of Georgia, working closely with business, civic, and regional partners.

4. Advocate for Modernized County Services
Under his leadership, Fulton has invested in public safety, justice system improvements, health services, and major capital projects.

5. Regional Voice on Policy and Infrastructure
Pitts is a consistent presence in regional planning conversations, collaborating with agencies such as the Atlanta Regional Commission, MARTA, and the ATL Airport CIDs.

More details and registration information are available through the Council for Quality Growth’s official event page.

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Rev. Jesse Jackson, Civil Rights Leader and Political Trailblazer, Dies at 84

Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights icon and presidential candidate, dies at 84, leaving a legacy of justice, hope, HBCU pride, and athlete equity reform.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 17, 2026

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the modern Civil Rights Movement and two‑time presidential candidate who reshaped American politics, has died at the age of 84. Jackson passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago, surrounded by family, according to his daughter Santita Jackson. The family has not released a cause of death, though Jackson publicly disclosed in 2017 that he had been battling Parkinson’s disease.

Born Jesse Louis Burns on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson later adopted the surname of his stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson, at age 15. From humble beginnings in the segregated South, he rose to become one of the most recognizable moral voices in America.

A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Jackson returned to his alma mater as commencement speaker in May 1984, just months after mounting a historic presidential campaign that energized millions. I was among the graduating seniors that day, watching him fuse faith, politics, and possibility in a message that was not simply celebratory but urgent and instructive. His words carried the cadence of a movement and the clarity of a mandate.

Jackson stood beside Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis when King was assassinated in 1968. In the aftermath, he carried forward the unfinished work of economic justice, voting rights, and dignity for the poor. Through Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) and later the Rainbow Coalition now the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Jackson pressured corporations to open their boardrooms to minorities and women and demanded that public policy reflect the needs of the marginalized.

His fiery oratory and signature phrases “Keep Hope Alive” and “I Am Somebody” became rallying cries. For many young Americans watching from public housing and underfunded schools, his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 signaled that national leadership was within reach. His efforts helped widen the political pathway later walked by Barack Obama and other leaders of a new generation.

Jackson’s influence extended far beyond electoral politics. Decades before today’s debates over athlete compensation, he questioned the economic structure of college sports, criticizing universities for generating millions from football and basketball programs while players many of them young Black men saw none of the revenue beyond scholarships. His argument, once controversial, laid intellectual groundwork for what would later become Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) reforms, allowing college athletes to profit from their own brands.

On the global stage, Jackson negotiated the release of hostages abroad, including Americans held in Syria and Cuba, and engaged world leaders in diplomatic efforts rooted in human rights. His ministry blended spiritual conviction with political activism, bringing poetry and prophetic power into the public square.

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock said, “America has lost one of its great moral voices… As a kid growing up in public housing while watching him run for President, Rev. Jesse Jackson gave me a glimpse of what is possible and taught me to say, ‘I am somebody!’”

Tributes echoed across political and generational lines. President Donald Trump called him “a force of nature like few others before him.” Al Sharpton described him as his mentor and “a movement unto himself.” Bernice King posted a photo of Jackson beside her father with the words, “Both now ancestors.”

Jackson’s life was not without controversy. He publicly acknowledged fathering a child outside his marriage, a revelation that tested his public image. Yet even amid personal trials, he remained a relentless advocate for justice.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jacqueline Brown, and their five children: Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, and Jacqueline.

From Greenville to Memphis, from Chicago to Greensboro, Jesse Jackson spent more than half a century urging America to expand its moral imagination. He did not simply preach hope. He organized it. He demanded it. And for more than fifty years, he kept it alive.

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Charter School Funding and Tax Relief Dominate Pre-Crossover Debate

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | February 16, 2026

With Crossover Day approaching and the legislative calendar tightening, Georgia lawmakers accelerated activity beneath the Gold Dome last week, advancing a slate of tax, education, and regulatory reform bills that are shaping the policy direction of the 2026 session.

The flurry of movement includes sweeping income tax proposals, early literacy initiatives, and structural changes to how state agencies interpret and implement Georgia law.

Tax Cut Proposals Move at Unusual Speed

Two major tax cut bills—Senate Bill 476 and Senate Bill 477—introduced just last week by Senate Appropriations Chair Blake Tillery, advanced rapidly through the Senate. The Senate Finance Committee approved both measures Tuesday, and the full Senate passed them Thursday.

SB 476, titled the Income Tax Reduction Act of 2026, would effectively eliminate the first $50,000 of taxable income for single filers and $100,000 for joint filers. The measure proposes offsetting revenue losses by phasing out corporate tax credits by 2032.

SB 477 would gradually reduce Georgia’s personal income tax rate to 3.99% by 2028.

The House is pursuing its own tax reduction path. House Bill 880, introduced by Rep. Shaw Blackmon, also aims to lower the income tax rate to 3.99% and would allow a portion of undesignated surplus funds to be used for tax relief. After carrying over from the 2025 session, HB 880 cleared the House Ways and Means Committee this week.

Blackmon is also sponsoring House Bill 1116, which received its first hearing. The proposal would authorize local governments and school systems to exempt homesteads from property taxes by shifting to local sales taxes instead. The bill includes caps on revenue growth from non-exempt properties and makes technical adjustments to education funding formulas and tax digest procedures.

Early Literacy Gains Momentum

Education policy is also advancing. Both chambers now have versions of the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026—House Bill 1193, sponsored by Rep. Chris Erwin, and Senate Bill 459, sponsored by Sen. Billy Hickman.

The House version passed out of committee Thursday. Both proposals would fund K–3 literacy coaches through Georgia’s education formula and require kindergarten attendance before first grade. Supporters say the measures are designed to strengthen foundational reading skills and improve long-term academic outcomes.

Charter School Infrastructure and Regulatory Reform

Companion bills—Senate Bill 498 and House Bill 1253 would establish a Georgia Charter School Facilities Authority. The authority would provide revolving loans and public financing assistance for charter school construction and renovation projects.

Meanwhile, regulatory reform efforts are advancing. House Bill 1247, the Georgia Bureaucratic Deference Elimination Act, would end “Chevron-style” judicial deference at the state level by directing courts not to automatically defer to agency interpretations of Georgia law.

Another measure, House Bill 903, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell, passed the House this week. The bill would expand the scope of Georgia’s Administrative Procedure Act, increasing transparency and oversight across the executive branch. HB 903 now heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

SIDEBAR: What Is Crossover Day?

Crossover Day is one of the most important deadlines in the Georgia General Assembly’s 40-day legislative session. It marks the point—typically Day 28—when a bill must pass out of its chamber of origin to remain viable for the year.

Why It Matters

A House bill must pass the House by Crossover Day to be considered by the Senate.
A Senate bill must pass the Senate to move to the House.
Bills that fail to “cross over” are effectively sidelined unless revived through procedural maneuvers or attached to other legislation.

What Happens on Crossover Day

Lawmakers often work late into the night.
Floor calendars are packed with high-profile and time-sensitive bills.
Leadership prioritizes measures with broad support or strategic importance.
Controversial bills sometimes move quickly, while others stall by design.

Why It Shapes the Session

Crossover Day forces legislators to make strategic choices:

Which bills advance
Which bills die quietly
Which issues will define the remainder of the session

For reporters and the public, it marks a clear dividing line between early-session positioning and late-session negotiation. After Crossover Day, attention shifts to reconciliation, amendments, and final passage before Sine Die.

A Compressed Timeline

With a shorter week ahead and Crossover Day looming, lawmakers are expected to intensify debate and floor action. Measures that do not pass at least one chamber by the deadline face a steeper path forward this session. As Georgia’s 2026 legislative agenda takes shape, TSJ will continue tracking the fiscal impact, education implications, and regulatory shifts emerging from the Gold Dome.

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DeKalb County’s 1.2M Shelter Investment Aims to Move Residents from Crisis to Stability

DeKalb County invests $1.2 million in a 400-bed emergency shelter on Gresham Road, launching a 90-day stabilization model to address homelessness.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | February 13, 2026

DeKalb County has committed $1.2 million to launch what leaders call a first-of-its-kind, 400-bed emergency shelter aimed at providing immediate safety and a clear pathway to housing for residents experiencing homelessness.

The new 90-day emergency shelter, located at 2582 Gresham Road, will be operated by Frontline Response, a nonprofit with years of experience serving individuals facing housing instability. County officials say the facility is part of a broader housing strategy centered on dignity, coordination, and long-term solutions.

“This investment reflects our belief that housing stability is fundamental to the health and well-being of our entire community,” said Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of DeKalb County. “By pairing emergency shelter with comprehensive services and strong partners like Frontline, we are creating real opportunities for people to stabilize, rebuild, and move forward.”

A Three-Phase Model

County leaders describe the shelter as more than a place to sleep. The program follows a coordinated three-phase approach designed to move individuals from crisis to stability.

Outreach and Rescue
County outreach teams will engage individuals living in encampments and public spaces. Teams will provide food, immediate assistance, and connections to services. The initiative also supports coordinated cleanups of encampments on public property, with an emphasis on communication and care.

Emergency Shelter with Wraparound Services
The 400-bed facility will offer temporary housing along with wraparound services. These include medical and dental care, behavioral and mental health services, substance use support, job readiness training, and access to other critical resources needed for stabilization.

90-Day Stabilization and Transition Support
Residents will receive three meals a day, access to showers and laundry facilities, behavioral health services, and intensive case management. The 90-day model is designed to prepare individuals for placement into transitional or long-term housing.

“This shelter is designed to be a bridge, not a destination,” said Dr. Alan Ferguson, DeKalb County’s Chief Housing Officer. “Our goal is to meet immediate needs while actively working toward permanent solutions.”

County officials point to transitional housing efforts such as the 500 Park Place initiative, which helps families move from extended-stay motels into stable housing, as part of that broader continuum of care.

Terry Tucker, Director at Frontline Response, said the goal is to meet people where they are.

“This shelter allows us to provide safety, structure, and services in one place, helping individuals regain stability and take the next steps toward housing and independence,” Tucker said.

The $1.2 million investment was approved by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners as part of a comprehensive housing strategy that prioritizes affordable housing development, emergency shelter, and transitional housing solutions countywide.

For more information, residents can contact Frontline Response at 404-817-3502.

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