As temperatures climb into the 90s across Northwest Georgia this week, many Georgia Power customers could see their electric bills rise as air conditioners work harder to keep homes cool.
Health care advocacy groups and some Georgia lawmakers are pushing state leaders to pursue broader Medicaid waiver authority and expansion efforts to increase access to health coverage for low-income residents. The calls come amid ongoing debate over the state’s current Medicaid “Pathways to Coverage” waiver program and efforts to close the coverage gap that leaves hundreds of thousands uninsured in Georgia — one of the states that has not adopted full Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Supporters argue that expanded waivers and coverage would help more Georgians gain essential care, while critics caution about potential costs and administrative challenges under existing waivers that include work requirements and narrow eligibility criteria.
A major income tax cut plan approved by the Georgia Senate is being praised by supporters as “relief” for taxpayers — but critics on the left say the measure could end up harming the very people it claims to help: low-income residents and the lower working class.
Across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, many residents say steadily rising Georgia Power bills are placing increased pressure on household budgets, particularly for low- to moderate-income families and seniors on fixed incomes.