Federal Judge Upholds Georgia Election Integrity Practices, Deals Blow to Stacey Abrams

A federal judge ruled Friday that Georgia’s election integrity practices requiring voter ID and citizenship checks are legal and constitutional, rejecting arguments of racism and voter suppression from the state’s Democrat nominee for governor, Stacey Abrams, just weeks before Election Day.

U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones, an Obama appointee, issued the ruling, after a lengthy trial, handing a major victory to Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who aggressively defended the state’s election integrity laws from a legal assault by Abrams voter group Fair Fight Inc. and other liberals.

Read the full story

Georgia’s K-12 Education Spending Increases as Enrollment Grows at a Higher Rate

Georgia’s spending per pupil has grown over the past two decades, but its enrollment has increased at a higher rate, a new analysis found.

According to the Reason Foundation’s 2022 K-12 Education Spending Spotlight, Georgia’s inflation-adjusted per-pupil K-12 revenues grew by 6.2% — or $803 per student — between 2002 and 2020. During that same period, enrollment increased by 18%.

Read the full story

Brian Kemp Accuses Stacey Abrams of Flip-Flopping on Key Issues

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) took his opponent, Stacey Abrams(D), to task, when he called her out for her inability to stick to a stance on political issues in a statement released on Tuesday. 

“Stacey Abrams opposed suspending the gas tax and returning $1 billion to taxpayers, but now she’s on my record. She can’t have it both ways. Abrams has embraced the policies of Joe Biden that have led to disaster at the border, high gas prices, and empty grocery shelves,” Governor Kemp said. 

Read the full story

Critics Slam $350 Cash Payments to Georgia Welfare Recipients Engineered by Gov. Kemp

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is again turning to the federal government to dole out more cash to Peach State residents.

The governor has funneled more than $1 billion in money from the American Rescue Plan’s State Fiscal Recovery Fund to the state’s Department of Human Services. The agency will give up to $350 in cash to Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients in Georgia.

Read the full story

Judge Declines Request to Block Georgia’s Fetal Heartbeat Law That Bans Some Abortions

A Fulton County Superior Court judge declined a request to block Georgia’s fetal heartbeat law that bans most abortions after six weeks.

Georgia lawmakers passed House Bill 481, the Living Infants Fairness Equality Act, in 2019. However, a federal judge initially blocked the law, commonly called the “Heartbeat Bill,” because the U.S. Supreme Court had previously upheld the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.

Read the full story

Governor Kemp Announces Certified Nurse Program Grant as Healthcare Staffing Shortages Linger

Governor Brian Porter Kemp announced in a Monday press release that a grant that will award some $800,000 to 500 Georgian high school students through the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Pilot Program.

“Here in Georgia, we are committed to meeting the needs of our young people as they prepare to enter our world-class workforce following years of pandemic disruptions, and we are excited to see how this program will make a difference in their lives as it also helps us fulfill a critical workforce need,” the Republican governor said.

Read the full story

Kemp Leads GOP Gubernatorial Group in Response Against Tax Proposals

Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster led Republican governors in a response today in opposition to the $740 billion spending proposal to fix inflation.

“The Democrats’ solution to a 40-year high inflation is passing another reckless tax and spending spree to the tune of $74 billion, affecting Americans in every tax bracket,” the Republican gubernatorial coalition said in a statement Thursday.

Read the full story

Governor Kemp Extends Gas Tax Suspension, Supply Chain State of Emergency

Governor Brian Kemp (R) signed two executive orders on Wednesday that extended the gas tax suspension and renewed the state of emergency for supply chain disruptions. These executive orders will be effective through September 12th.

“I have extended the temporary suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax to alleviate the financial burden placed on Georgians due to the federal government’s gross mishandling of inflation,” Gov. Kemp said. 

Read the full story

Burt Jones Challenges Stacey Abrams on Music Midtown Cancellation

Burt Jones, Republican nominee for lieutenant governor of Georgia, took exception to the assertion by Stacey Abrams that Governor Kemp is more concerned with “protecting dangerous people” than the economy of the state by affirming the right for Peach State citizens to bear arms with the signing of the constitutional carry law.

“Music Midtown is the new All Star Game. It’s still illegal for criminals to carry guns, and Georgia continues to see record voter turnout. Notice a trend? Her name is Stacey Abrams–and she’s still being dishonest with Georgia voters,” Jones tweeted on Tuesday.

Read the full story

Brian Kemp Extends Lead Over Abrams to Eight Points in Latest Poll

A poll published Friday by Beacon Research, found that Governor Brian Kemp (R) has extended his lead over Democrat nominee for Governor, Stacey Abrams, by eight points.

“I’m not surprised about his lead over Abrams. I know for a fact a lot of people are disgusted about the Democrat policies,” Barrow County GOP Executive Committee Rep. Laura Petcu (04) told The Georgia Star News on Friday.

Read the full story

Georgia Court Appointees Andrew Pinson and Ben Land Promoted, Sworn onto State Bench

Georgia Judiciary Appointees Andrew Pinson and Benjamin Land were sworn onto the state bench in promotional appointments made by Governor Brian Kemp (R) on Wednesday.

“Today, I had the honor of swearing in Andrew Pinson to the #SupremeCourtGA and Ben Land to the @AppealsCourtGA, its first judge from Columbus. They both have upheld wisdom and integrity on the bench, and they will continue to do so in the important cases that come before them,” Governor Kemp said. 

Read the full story

Georgia Students Improve on Standardized Testing, According to New Data

Students across the state of Georgia improved their scores on standardized tests, as educators seek to improve learning loss caused by lockdowns and online learning amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to new data from the Georgia Department of Education, scores remained the same or increased on 17 of 21 assessments, when compared to the results of the previous year.

Read the full story

Court Rules Georgia Heartbeat Law May Take Effect

A three-judge panel of a federal appeals court ruled unanimously Wednesday that Georgia’s 2019 Heartbeat law that bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected may take effect.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled the Georgia law (HB 481), known as the Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act may proceed to take effect after a federal judge blocked it in a decision that found the law violated the right to abortion created by the U.S. Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade in 1973.

Read the full story

Copper Foil Manufacturer to Invest $430 Million in Richmond County Facility

A high-quality electrodeposited (ED) copper foil manufacturer Denkai America announced Wednesday in a joint statement with Governor Brian Kemp that it will invest $430 million in a Richmond County-based facility that will create 250 jobs over the next five years.

“As Georgia continues to lead in the emerging electric vehicle market & next-gen jobs, I’m proud to announce that Denkai America will invest $430M & create 250 new jobs over the next five years in Richmond County through its new manufacturing facility and North American Headquarters!” Kemp said. 

Read the full story

Democrat Stacey Abrams Claims Companies Face ‘Danger’ of Residing in Georgia

Stacey Abrams, who is running to replace Republican Governor Brian Kemp, claimed that companies that choose to do business in the state and their female employees face a “danger” for the decision.

The comments follow a decision from the Supreme Court that reversed the decision in Roe v. Wade, which could allow a six-week abortion ban to be enacted in the state.

Read the full story

Georgia Republicans Hopeful That State Can Reinstitute Fetal Heartbeat Law That Restricts Abortion

Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling on abortion could allow Georgia to reinstitute its fetal heartbeat law that bars most abortions after about six weeks.

On Friday, the nation’s highest court overturned Planned Parenthood v. Casey and Roe v. Wade, a ruling that established abortion as a constitutional right. The opinion comes in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a challenge to Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban.

Read the full story

Kemp Touts 1,100-Acre Development of ‘The Middle Georgia Megasite’

Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp announced on Wednesday the purchase of a 1,100-acre economic development site that will be the location of the “Middle Georgia Megasite.”

“Even after announcing the two largest projects in the State’s history back-to-back, we remain focused on attracting key industries and investment by providing the project sites companies need,” said Governor Brian Kemp in a press release.

Read the full story

Brad Raffensperger Calls for Federal Amendment on Election Security

In a follow-up tweet that expounded on his letter penned in January on election reform, Georgia Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, reiterated his call for a federal Constitutional amendment on U.S. citizenship and election integrity.

“A citizenship amendment is a necessary security measure that will ensure that only American citizens are voting in our elections. We need an amendment now,” Raffensperger said.

Read the full story

Burt Jones States Intent to Fight Inflation with Tax Cuts for Georgia

Republican Candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Burt Jones, took to Twitter on Friday to propose a possible solution to Bidenflation, which recently peaked at a record 8.6%.

“Inflation is out of control—and it’s making virtually everything more expensive for Georgia families. As Lieutenant Governor, I’ll be focused on continuing to cut taxes, lower costs, and put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians,” the Trump-endorsed Jones said.

Read the full story

Kemp Takes Aim on Key 2022 Issues: Abrams Lied About Election Integrity, Supports the Defund the Police Movement, and Wants to Raise Taxes on Georgia Families

Governor Brian Kemp took to Twitter on Sunday to follow-up critiques of his Democrat gubernatorial opponent, Stacey Abrams, on vital 2022 political issues.

“Stacey Abrams lied about election integrity, supports the Defund the Police movement, and wants to raise taxes on Georgia families as they fight Bidenflation. I’ll keep fighting to ensure Georgia continues to be the greatest state in the country to live, work, and raise a family,” said Governor Kemp on Sunday.

Read the full story

Georgia Gov. Kemp Appoints New State Election Board Chair

Governor Brian Kemp tapped William S. Duffey, Jr. to be the next Chair of the State Elections Board.

“I announced the appointment of Judge William Duffey as Chair of the State Elections Board. With vast experience & as someone who upholds the highest ethical standards, he will help to ensure our elections continue to be secure, accessible, & fair,” said Kemp in a tweet on Friday.

William S. Duffey Jr, was a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia before his retirement in 2018. Before he received a post on the federal bench, Duffey was the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

Read the full story

Georgia to Create Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams to Improve School Safety

Georgia is working to create Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams throughout the state as a part of a broader school safety effort.

Eight regional Homeland Security Coordinators, all sworn law enforcement officers, will lead the teams and respond to threats or concerning behavior that may be considered a pathway to violence. The BTATs will provide help and guidance to local schools and communities to mitigate potential threats.

Read the full story

Republican Governor’s Association Launches Attack Ad Against Abrams After Kemp Wins Primary

The Republican Governor’s Association (RGA) Wednesday released an attack ad on Democrat gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, who will square off for a rematch against Gov. Brian Kemp (R) in the Peach State’s November election.

“Typical Stacey Abrams. She believes only she knows what’s best,” the ad opens after quoting Abrams, who once said that she thinks people need to be told what to do. 

Read the full story

Kemp Takes Aim at Abrams over ‘Worst State’ Comments

Stacey Abrams’ comment that “[Georgia] is the worst state in the country to live’ drew a response from incumbent Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp, on Monday when he tweeted a different sentiment.

“Stacey Abrams may think differently, but I believe Georgia is the best state to live, work, and raise a family. And Marty, the girls, and I will work hard every day from now until November to keep it that way for four more years!” said Kemp. 

Read the full story

Stacey Abrams Says of Georgia: ‘We Are the Worst State in the Country to Live’

Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams made waves with her statement on Saturday at the Gwinnett County Democratic dinner when she stated, “I am tired of being told that we are the best state in the country to do business when we are the worst state in the country to live.”

Abrams is running unopposed for Georgia’s Democratic primary for governor. She will face the eventual winner of the Republican primary election which will be decided on Tuesday. Abrams’ statement received criticism from Republicans.

Read the full story

Georgia Bill Requires Superior Court Judge to Grant Bail in Human Trafficking Cases

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation to keep defendants facing human trafficking charges from immediately returning to the streets after their arrest.

Senate Bill 461 adds human trafficking to the list of violent and sexual offenses that require a Superior Court judge to grant bail. The list also includes treason, rape, murder and aircraft hijacking.

Read the full story

Perdue Campaign Says ‘MAGA Surge Keeping Kemp Below the Threshold to Avoid a Runoff’

The Trump-endorsed David Perdue for Georgia Governor campaign issued a statement on Wednesday that says Perdue is surging and Trump voters are turning out in an unprecedented way.

“Our Trump-endorsed campaign is experiencing a surge in early-voting MAGA voters that the public polls aren’t picking up. Our internal models show this MAGA surge keeping Kemp below the threshold to avoid a runoff, and our position is strengthening with each day of early voting,” said the campaign.

Read the full story

In Georgia Governor’s Race, Perdue Hits Kemp for $1.5 Billion to Soros-Linked Company

A scandal is brewing in Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial primary, with candidate and former Sen. David Perdue accusing incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp of engaging in shady backroom deals and lining the pockets of liberal megadonor George Soros as part of a massive new economic development project in the Peach State.

“This may be the worst deal I’ve seen in my business career, honestly,” Perdue told the “Just the News, Not Noise” television program on Friday. “This was just done the wrong way. And I’ve called the governor out on that, and we’ve had no response.”

Read the full story

Mike Lindell Calls Kemp, Raffensperger, and Carr the ‘Triple Crown of Crime’

Minnesotan entrepreneur, conservative politico, and CEO of My Pillow, Mike Lindell, spoke to The Georgia Star News on Saturday at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he criticized the three most infamous election integrity antagonists in the Peach State when he declared, “you guys have the Triple Crown of Crime down here with Kemp, Raffensperger and Carr and all of them need to go.”

Lindell continued, “I mean, this is our country. Of all the stuff I’ve been out there fighting for with the election crimes. And then you have Republicans, the Republicans have turned on, not just Georgia, but on our country. I mean, you’ve got to get new people and we got to get people that have the people’s back.”

Read the full story

Arizona GOP Gubernatorial Primary Leader Kari Lake Denounces Georgia RINOs, Lauds Dinesh D’Souza’s 2020 Election Ballot-Trafficking Film 2000 Mules

Former Phoenix news anchor and mother of two, Kari Lake, gave high praise to filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza’s documentary film, “2000 Mules”, which highlights the ballot-stuffing operations that occurred across multiples states during the 2020 presidential election.

“We just saw Dinesh D’Souza’s movie. It’s outrageous. It’s called 2000 Mules. I think every man and woman in this country should see it,” Lake declared Friday at a campaign stop to support David Perdue’s run against Georgia Governor Brian Kemp at the Appalachian Gun & Range.

Read the full story

Perdue Slams Kemp and Calls for Special Legislative Session to Ban Abortion in Georgia

Former U.S. Senator David Perdue slammed opponent Governor Brian Kemp’s lack of current action on abortion in Georgia in the wake of the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

“I was extremely disappointed by the governor’s bureaucratic response to the news that the Supreme Court may soon overturn Roe v. Wade,” said Perdue on Thursday. “Georgia voters deserve to know where their governor stands on this issue. I’m calling on Brian Kemp to join me in calling for an immediate special session of the legislature to ban abortion in Georgia after Roe v. Wade is overturned. You are either going to fight for the sanctity of life or you’re not.”

Read the full story