Governor Brian Kemp has announced new transfer agreements between the Technical College System of Georgia and Mercer University, creating smoother pathways for students to move from technical colleges into four-year degree programs while strengthening Georgia’s workforce.
Senator Bo Hatchett of Georgia’s District 50 says Senate Bill 148 is designed to help students become more well-rounded by exposing them to lessons they may not learn elsewhere, emphasizing the value of hands-on outdoor education. Supporters note that similar curriculum has been taught in Georgia schools for decades, and they say this bill reinforces the importance of outdoor learning while formalizing hunter education and outdoor classroom opportunities.
Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia dropped significantly last week compared with the week prior, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. New jobless claims—a key proxy for layoffs—fell to 6,067 for the week ending January 17, down from 11,988 the previous week.
Nationally, U.S. unemployment claims edged up slightly to 200,000, an increase of 1,000 from 199,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis. The Virgin Islands recorded the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, rising 136.4%, while Georgia posted the largest percentage decline, with new claims down 49.4%.
Georgians will soon have another way to support private school students—and receive the money back through tax credits—after Gov. Brian Kemp opted Georgia into a new federal scholarship tax credit program tied to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced Thursday that Georgia’s unemployment rate for December 2025 was 3.6%, up slightly from a revised 3.5% in November. GDOL said Georgia’s rate remained 0.8 percentage point below the national unemployment rate, and matched the state’s rate from one year ago.
Georgia Power customers may see some relief on their monthly electric bills later this year. The company’s president and CEO, Kim Greene, said this week that Georgia Power plans to file upcoming changes that would lower rates starting in June 2026.
Georgia lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would expand the state’s restrictions on student cell phone use, potentially banning personal devices in high schools statewide.
Governor Brian Kemp used his final State of the State address last week to roll out his recommendations for Georgia’s amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, calling for major investments aimed at affordability, student opportunity, workforce development, and public higher education.
The State of Georgia says net tax collections in December totaled $3.44 billion. That’s up by about $101 million, or 3 percent, compared to December of last year.
January is National Blood Donor Month, and Blood Assurance is reminding residents that winter is one of the toughest times of the year to maintain a stable blood supply. Donations often drop because of holiday travel, seasonal illnesses, and weather-related disruptions—while hospital demand remains steady and can even rise.
