The nation paused on Monday to honor those who have served our nation. My colleague, Brett Kittredge, wrote about the meaning behind Veterans Day that was exemplified in a family trip to a local Veterans Day program in Ball Ground.
Six days after a bitter presidential election marked by assassination attempts, comparisons to Hitler and divisive rhetoric that seemed to bring out the worst in everyone, Americans paused to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation on Veterans Day.
On Monday, my wife and I took our five kids to the Ball Ground Veterans Day program held outside the city hall of our northern Cherokee County town. It was a breath of fresh air, a reminder that our country is more than political campaigns and partisanship.
It is fitting that Veterans Day follows closely after federal elections. It serves as a reminder that there are things in this country far bigger than campaigns and candidates—things like duty, sacrifice and the ideals that have always made this country great. That is what we celebrate as we thank the men and women who have always answered the call to defend our nation.
We heard the solemn sounds of bagpipes and taps, and joined in the singing of the national anthem. We watched a wreath-laying ceremony and listened to speeches from local veterans. Our kids waved little flags, sat restless at times and heard names of faraway places like Normandy and Baghdad. Sitting there, I was reminded that Veterans Day is more than speeches or ceremonies.
We hope you will check out this week’s commentary on honoring our veterans. We also have the latest news and analysis from the last week, including:
- Georgia’s tax revenues dip in October
- University System of Georgia hits all-time high for student enrollment
- Loeffler tapped to serve on Trump’s inaugural committee
- Dockworkers’ union walks away from negotiations with East and Gulf Coast employers
Have a great weekend,
– Kyle Wingfield
Friday’s Freshest
How Trump won Georgia after his defeat in 2020
For the second time in as many statewide elections, Georgia voters contributed to a comeback. Beyond that headline, the similarities between Brian Kemp’s re-election in 2022 and Donald Trump’s restoration in 2024 begin to fade. Trump authored one of the most stunning political redemption stories in American history. Not only is he just the second person to win non-consecutive terms in the White House, but he did so after being presumed politically dead as of Jan. 7, 2021, and facing multiple criminal prosecutions since then.
Republicans maintain legislative majorities. What else happened on Election Day?
With most of the 2024 election coverage focused on the vote for president and control of Congress, we wanted to provide some insight into what happened at the state and local level last week. None of the statewide constitutional officers were on the ballot this year, but every member of the state legislature faced the voters – even if they didn’t face any opposition, as we detail.
The election is over. Let’s focus on policy.
After billions of dollars were spent on the 2024 elections, including a large chunk here in Georgia, it’s a welcome relief to finally have a moment to step back from the relentless political barrage. We know this past campaign season was particularly intense. But now, in Washington and in Georgia, we need to turn our attention to policy, something that wasn’t always present in the campaign. The Foundation’s Guide to the Issues provides an in-depth look at the biggest issues in Georgia.
The Electoral College still works
Every four years, we Americans reacquaint ourselves with our unique institution, the Electoral College. Although it appears Donald Trump has re-won the presidency with both an electoral and a popular majority, it’s worth reminding ourselves why this system exists. But before that, here is a brief refresher on the Electoral College.
Here’s how frivolous lawsuits against truckers hurt everybody, including you
Georgians who work in the trucking industry tell one story after another about the legal system forcing them to settle with other parties. The terms and conditions, business owners say, are outrageous. Trucking company owners say they settle under a rigged system that consistently tilts in favor of plaintiffs…no matter how frivolous the plaintiff’s claims. As a consequence, the costs to do business rise.
The Latest
Economy
Georgia’s tax revenues dip in October due to tax suspension, hurricane extensions
Georgia’s net tax collections in October amounted to $2.53 billion, a decrease of $89.7 million, or 3.4 percent, from the previous fiscal year when collections totaled $2.62 billion. Year-to-date, Georgia’s net tax collections reached almost $10.64 billion, down $61.1 million, or 0.6 percent, from October 2023’s $10.7 billion figure. The decline in revenue is largely attributed to two factors: the 2023 motor fuel tax suspension and hurricane-related tax filing and payment extensions.
Retail supply servicer will open $144 million facility in Butts County and bring 300 jobs
Gov. Brian Kemp announced that a large retail supply servicer will invest $144 million in a new distribution facility in Butts County. The company, GreenBox Systems LLC, is described as “an innovative company that provides automated warehouse services to businesses of all sizes.” The project will create more than 300 new jobs in Butts County.
Education
University system sets enrollment record
The University System of Georgia has hit an all-time high for student enrollment this fall. Nearly 365,000 students are enrolled at the system’s 26 public colleges and universities, an increase of more than 20,000, or 5.9%, compared to last fall, Angela Bell, the system’s vice chancellor for research and policy analysis, told the Board of Regents this week.
Berry College names new president
One of North Georgia’s largest private colleges will soon have a new president. Berry College announced this week that Sandeep Mazumder, dean of Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, will become its next president in July. The current president, Stephen Briggs, is retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Briggs has been Berry’s president since 2006.
Energy
First Georgia Power battery storage project enters commercial operation
Georgia Power’s first “grid-connected” battery energy storage system (BESS) has gone into commercial operation, the Atlanta-based utility announced last week. The Mossy Branch Battery facility in west-central Georgia’s Talbot County will generate 65 megawatts of battery storage that can be deployed back to the grid during a four-hour period.
Trump vows to unleash US energy, undo key Biden rules in 2nd term
President Donald Trump spent much of his time on the 2024 campaign trail pledging to restore U.S. energy dominance through bolstering oil and gas production, expanding fracking and lifting a pause on liquefied natural gas exports. This represents a sharp contrast with his predecessor and prompts new questions over how he will move to enact some of these sweeping changes.
Government accountability
‘Safest, most secure’ election, county results to be certified
Georgia counties had record voter turnout, both in early voting and on Election Day. Of the state’s nearly 7.3 million voters, 5.3 million voted (72.7% turnout) in the general election. At a press conference on Tuesday, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said Georgia has the “most secure, free, fair and fast elections in the United States.”
Study committee continuing to look at private water system regulation
A Georgia House of Representatives study committee will hold another meeting this week on the possible regulation of the state’s private water systems. Rep. Trey Rhodes, R-Greensboro, sponsored a bill during the 2024 session of the General Assembly that would give the Public Service Commission the authority to oversee private water systems.
Bonus
Former Georgia senator Kelly Loeffler to serve on Trump’s inaugural committee
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that his inaugural committee will be led by former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia. In a statement, the Trump campaign said that the committee, which will plan inaugural events, will be co-chaired by Loeffler and Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate investor.
Georgia House Republicans retain leadership team
The Georgia House Republican Caucus voted this week to reelect the entire GOP leadership team to serve in those roles during the two-year term starting in January. Rep. Chuck Efstration, R-Mulberry, will return as House majority leader, while Rep. James Burchett, R-Waycross, will continue as majority whip. House Republicans also renominated Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, to retain the gavel, and chose Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones, R-Milton, to continue in that role.
Dockworkers’ union walks away from negotiations with East and Gulf Coast employers
The union representing dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast ports walked away from the negotiating table with port employers this week over concerns about automation as the two sides face a mid-January deadline to finalize a deal and prevent the resumption of a strike, FOX Business has learned.
Quotes of Note
“Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us. That is our duty. They have never let America down. We will not let them down.” – President Ronald Reagan, 1986
“On Veterans Day, we acknowledge, humbly, that we can never serve our veterans in quite the same (way) that they served us. But we can try. We can practice kindness. We can pay it forward. We can volunteer. We can serve. We can respect one another. We can always get each other’s backs. That is what Veterans Day asks all of us to think about.” – President Barack Obama, 2016
“Georgia had the most secure, free, fair and fast elections in the United States. Over the last six years, we have made many improvements to increase security and accessibility for voters, while at the same time, improve the voter experience with short lines and fast results.” – Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger