In this week's Lawmaker Huddle on Morning Edition, GPB’s Pamela Kirkland catches up with Lawmakers host Donna Lowry discuss how Georgia lawmakers are picking up the pace as the legislative session hits its halfway point. 

Georgia’s state senators are backing an expensive push by Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to create a child tax credit.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones

The Georgia General Assembly has reached the midway mark, with Crossover Day looming on Feb. 28. Lawmakers are working against the clock to push key legislation forward.

On this week’s Lawmakers Huddle, GPB’s Pamela Kirkland speaks with GPB Lawmakers host Donna Lowry about where things stand.

 

TRANSCRIPT:

Pamela Kirkland: This is GPB. I'm Pamela Kirkland. The Georgia legislative session has hit the halfway mark with Crossover Day fast approaching. Lawmakers are under pressure to move key bills forward. There's a lot of action under the Gold Dome this week, which means it's time for our weekly Lawmakers Huddle with the host of GPB Lawmakers, Donna Lowry. Good morning.

Donna Lowry: Good morning.

Pamela Kirkland: So I couldn't believe it: The other day we said that we were at the halfway point at Day 20 of this legislative session. So the pressure is on. How do you see that shaping the pace of action in the coming weeks?

Donna Lowry: Well, it's going to be interesting, Pamela, to see things really pick up on these bills. This is a big milestone, as you mentioned, because not only have we moved past the Day 20 of the 40 days, but we're also now only eight days away from Crossover Day, which falls on the 28th day of the General Assembly every year. And that day is so crucial because a bill needs to get through one chamber to have a shot at becoming a law. So after that time starts to run out and the session ends this year on April 4.

Pamela Kirkland: There is a lot to get done. Georgia farmers got some much-needed relief this week related to Hurricane Helene. What kind of support are they going to be receiving?

Donna Lowry: Well, they received tax relief and that — that is something they desperately need and have been asking for. Both chambers passed the bills unanimously. The House's legislation will now exempt federal disaster relief payments and crop insurance proceeds from state taxes. Meanwhile, in the Senate, it — that bill provides a temporary reprieve from taxes from timber producers on harves-  harvested timber. I'll get it. This is great news for farmers who have been struggling.

Pamela Kirkland: And another big priority heading into this session were pieces of legislation aimed at helping families, helping parents, and there was some movement on that this week. Tell us about that.

Donna Lowry: Yeah. This is an area that both sides united on across the aisle. In the Senate, it would create a state income tax credit of up to $250 for every child under the age of 7. Plus, there's an expansion of the child care tax credit that allows for an additional $300 per child.

Pamela Kirkland: Some of the bills moving through the Legislature seem to reflect what we've been seeing happening on a national level. Does it seem like Georgia lawmakers are paying attention to what's going on in Washington right now?

Donna Lowry: Absolutely. The Senate took on a bill that resembles the Trump administration's DOGE, or Department of Government Efficiency. Republicans backed that Red Tape Rollback Act, which aims to promote deregulation, which would increase oversight of state agencies. But Democrats have raised concerns that it would actually slow down services for people who really need assistance.

Pamela Kirkland: And with time running out before Crossover Day, what are some of the big issues we should be watching for next week?

Donna Lowry: Well, we can expect to see some major initiatives picking up steam, especially the governor's push to reform the state's civil litigation system and limit jury awards, the large ones. Tort reform. We expect something in the Senate today. It could be big. Also, safety measures aimed at protecting children in schools are starting to move through some of the committees, and we should see some of that come for a vote on the floors soon.

Pamela Kirkland: It sounds like you are going to be busy busy. That's a look at where things stand under the Gold Dome right now. Donna Lowry, thank you as always.

Donna Lowry: You're welcome.

Pamela Kirkland: And you can watch Donna hosting GPB's Lawmakers nightly at 7 p.m. while the Legislature is in session. This is GPB.

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