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January 28, 2026

Rep. Eddie Lumsden – Week 2 Legislative Report: Highlights Georgia “Budget Week,” Kemp Proposals, and Weather Preparations

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State Rep. Eddie Lumsden, a Republican from Armuchee, who represents Chattooga County and part of Floyd County, says the second week of the Georgia legislative session focused on “budget week,” as lawmakers reviewed Gov. Brian Kemp’s proposals for the amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Lumsden highlighted a proposed one-time $1 billion tax rebate, a $2,000 supplement for state employees and school personnel, investments in rural economic development and timber industry recovery, increased funding for higher education and HOPE scholarships, and the creation of the state’s first need-based aid program through the DREAMS scholarship. He also noted funding for behavioral health housing support, public safety, transportation projects, and workforce development, along with updates on Georgia’s revenue outlook and preparations for winter weather, including a statewide State of Emergency. Lumsden said budget subcommittees will continue their work in the coming weeks and encouraged constituents to stay informed and engaged. See his complete report below:

January 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Rep. Eddie Lumsden Recaps Week One Under the Gold Dome as 2026 Session Begins

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State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R–Armuchee) says the Georgia House returned to Atlanta on January 12 to open the 2026 legislative session, beginning the second regular session of the 158th General Assembly. Lumsden noted the week included recognition of the newly restored House Chamber and adoption of the session calendar, with the 40-day session scheduled to end April 2, known as Sine Die. He also highlighted Governor Brian Kemp’s priorities shared at the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast, including transportation spending proposals, a one-time natural gas infrastructure fund, and a Homeless Response Grant tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta. Lumsden said Kemp’s final State of the State Address focused on tax relief, cost-of-living issues, education and workforce training, school safety, and public safety priorities, including efforts to combat human trafficking and gang-related crime. The week concluded with a Celebration of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Lumsden said lawmakers returned after the holiday for “budget week,” when agencies outline funding needs to appropriations committees. You can see the complete legislative report below:

January 20, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Kemp Proposes $1.8 Billion Expansion of I-75 Toll Lanes to Ease Metro Atlanta Gridlock

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Gov. Brian Kemp says Georgia should invest $1.8 billion to relieve one of metro Atlanta’s most notorious traffic choke points by expanding toll express lanes on Interstate 75 in the southern suburbs. The proposal would add a lane in each direction along a heavily congested stretch in Henry and Clayton counties, where 12 miles of reversible express lanes already operate, and Kemp argues the change could boost traffic throughput on I-75 by as much as 70% as congestion surges back after the pandemic-era lull.

Kemp pitched the plan during the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs & Issues event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as part of a broader request for $2.4 billion in additional infrastructure spending, funded through an amendment to the current year’s budget using Georgia’s surplus cash. The package also includes $200 million to continue upgrades along Georgia 316, $250 million for local road improvements, $100 million aimed at bridges and rural communities, and $35 million to extend natural gas lines in rural areas.

January 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Kemp at Eggs & Issues: Affordability First, Big Transportation Spending, Energy Reliability, Workforce Pathways, and a New Homelessness Grant

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Governor Brian Kemp delivered the closing address at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs & Issues event earlier this week, outlining what he described as his top legislative and budget priorities for the 2026 General Assembly session.

December 30, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Gas Prices Slide Again to Close Out 2025, Giving Drivers a Little Extra Holiday Breathing Room

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Georgia motorists are wrapping up the year with another bit of relief at the pump, as the statewide average has dipped to about $2.68 per gallon as of Monday (Dec. 29), even though small day-to-day swings are still possible.

December 28, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Workforce: About 9,000 in the Labor Force as Long Commutes Remain Common

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For many families in Chattooga County, holding a steady job often means getting on the road and driving to it.

December 7, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Port Trade Helps Support Hundreds of Jobs in Chattooga County

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New economic data shows that jobs in Chattooga County are closely tied to trade moving through Georgia’s ports, even though those ports are hours away from Northwest Georgia.