Political Rewind: Kemp's State of the State focuses on violent crime, budget; Mining the Okefenokee?

Caption

Gov. Brian Kemp (right) delivers the 2023 State of the State address on Jan. 26 as Lt. Gov. Burt Jones looks on.

The panel

Amy Steigerwalt, @DrSteigerwalt, professor of political science, Georgia State University

Kevin Riley, @ajceditor, editor-in-chief, The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Leo Smith, @leosmithtweets, GOP consultant and CEO, Engaged Futures

State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D), @mmo_mary, Decatur

The breakdown

1. Gov. Brian Kemp gave his State of the State speech yesterday.

• The governor vowed to crack down on violent crime, addressing a violent protest in Atlanta over a proposed police training facility. He also noted the state's steps toward reducing gang violence and recruitment.
• He also said he'd take on district attorneys, tacking on additional penalties to certain crimes.

2. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has recused her office from any prosecutions that may arise from the officer-involved shooting at "Cop City."

• The DeKalb office will still prosecute the cases of others charged with domestic terrorism, among other charges. Boston removed her office from the specific shooting involving an unnamed state trooper and Manuel Esteban Paez Terán, citing a conflict of interest.

3. The movement to stop mining at the Okefenokee Swamp gains legislative support.

• House Bill 71 was proposed by Rep. Darlene Taylor of Thomasville in an effort to stop future mining efforts, but the Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals already have a permit under review to work.
• The state's Environmental Protection Division has opened a 60-day public comment period.

Friday on Political Rewind: A special panel on the history of Jewish Georgians and the recent resurgence of antisemitism.