PBA Online: Public Broadcasting Atlanta
PBA newsroom
Georgia Legislature
Georgia Legislature
No binding vote on transit for Clayton County Atlanta, Ga. (2010-09-02) September 2 is the deadline for Clayton County to put a binding vote on transit on the ballot in November. Transit advocates say it's not likely to happen. Instead, Clayton County residents may vote on a non-binding referendum to authorize a penny sales tax to pay for transit. But it's unclear what will come of the vote, even if residents vote yes. Jeanne Bonner reports.
Remembering a Georgia Giant: A Conversation with State Senator George Hooks About Former State Supreme Court Justice George T. Smith Atlanta, GA (2010-08-25) He was believed to be the only person to win contested races in all three branches of state government. George T. Smith served as State House Speaker from 1963-1967; as Lieutenant Governor from 1967-1971; as a judge on the State Court of Appeals from 1976-1981; and as a State Supreme Court Justice from 1981-1991. George T. Smith died Monday, August 23rd, at the age of 93. WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with the dean of the State Senate, Sen. George Hooks (D-Americus).
Despite New School Board Ethics Law, Problems Continue: A Conversation with State House Education Committee Chairman Brooks Coleman Atlanta, GA (2010-08-10) In the last few weeks, in addition to the probe of alleged cheating in Atlanta public schools, DeKalb County school board members have faced questions from accreditors about possible nepotism and conflicts of interest; and Governor Perdue has begun the removal of 3 school board members in Warren County. All of this comes after the Legislature passed a new law, designed to prevent this sort of thing. WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with House Education Committee Chairman Brooks Coleman (R-Duluth).
New Laws Take Effect July 1 Atlanta, GA (2010-07-01) The Georgia Legislature passed several measures that went into effect July 1.WABE's Martha Dalton has more on some of the new laws.
Supreme Court Gun Ruling Could Spark New Legal Battles in Georgia: A Conversation with Advocates from Both Sides Atlanta, GA (2010-06-28) The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms is fundamental; and applies to states. But the Court also said some restrictions, in some cases, might pass muster. Earlier this year, Georgia's Legislature passed a new law, widening the list of places where holders of concealed weapons permits can carry their guns. WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with leading advocates on both sides of the issue, about the effect the Court's decision will have in Georgia.
Governor Perdue Signs One Gun Bill; Vetoes Another: Conversations with Advocates on Both Sides Atlanta, GA (2010-06-11) On June 8th, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed one hotly-debated gun bill into law; but he vetoed another. In the days that followed, WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with advocates on both sides: Alice Johnson of Georgians for Gun Safety; and Ed Stone of Georgiacarry.org.
State GOP Chair Disputes Georgia Right to Life Assessment of Gubernatorial Candidate Karen Handel Atlanta, GA (2010-06-10) Georgia Republican Party chair Sue Everhart has stepped into the battle between gubernatorial candidate Karen Handel and Georgia Right to Life. GRTL declined to include Handel on its list of endorsed candidates, saying she did not meet its definition of "pro-life." At an Atlanta Press Club forum, WABE's Denis O'Hayer discussed the controversy with Everhart and Georgia Democratic Party chair Jane Kidd.
New Transportation Funding Law Could Help Save, Transform MARTA: A Conversation with MARTA C.E.O. Dr. Beverly Scott Atlanta, GA (2010-06-03) Next week, MARTA leaders will take their new budget, with major cuts in service, before the public, in a series of four hearings. Wednesday, June 2nd, Governor Sonny Perdue signed a regional transportation funding bill, which addresses some of MARTA's money problems. In a conversation with WABE's Denis O'Hayer, MARTA C.E.O. Dr. Beverly Scott said the new law will help MARTA in the short term; but will mean major changes for the system in the future.
Governor Perdue Prepares to Sign Water Stewardship Act, As Negotiations with Florida and Alabama Slow Down Atlanta, GA (2010-05-31) On the morning of Monday, June 1st, Governor Sonny Perdue will sign the Water Stewardship Act, designed to encourage what the legislation calls "a culture of conservation" in the state. But, as WABE's Denis O'Hayer reports, the new law is also designed to send a message beyond Georgia's borders.
A Conversation with Sadie Fields, Outgoing Leader of the Georgia Christian Alliance (Part 2) Atlanta, GA (2010-05-28) WABE's Denis O'Hayer continues his conversation with Sadie Fields, who is stepping down as chair of the Georgia Christian Alliance; after some 13 years as one of the leading conservative activists in the state. In Part 2 of the interview, Fields recalls the fight that may have defined her career: the 2004 drive for a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in Georgia.
A Conversation with Sadie Fields, Outgoing Leader of the Georgia Christian Alliance (Part 1) Atlanta, GA (2010-05-27) After 13 years as one of the most influential and controversial women in Georgia politics, Sadie Fields is stepping down as head of the Georgia Christian Alliance. In part 1 of a conversation with WABE's Denis O'Hayer, Fields talked about how she helped expand the influence of Christian conservatives, and helped shape the agenda of the state's Republican Party; just at the time it won control of the Georgia Legislature.
The Search for a State School Superintendent; Universities and Immigration; and Guns in Airports: A Conversation with Gov. Sonny Perdue Atlanta, GA (2010-05-25) On Tuesday, May 25th, Gov. Sonny Perdue (R-GA) signed a bill to let the state step in when local school systems failed. Afterward, he spoke with WABE's Denis O'Hayer and other reporters about his search for a new state school superintendent; the drive to require state colleges and universities to check the citizenship of students who apply; and legislation to allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry guns in airports.
New Federal Bill Banning Guns in Airports Could Trump State Legislation: A Conversation with GSU Law Professor Lynn Hogue Atlanta, GA (2010-05-14) Gov. Sonny Perdue (R-GA)is considering a newly-passed bill to allow licensed gun owners to carry their weapons into parts of airports, including Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson. In response, Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced Federal legislation that would ban anyone from carrying a gun into an airport. Exceptions would include unloaded guns in checked bags. If there's a constitutional showdown over the two bills, who will win? WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with GSU law professor Lynn Hogue.
Dueling Press Events from Barnes and Baker Atlanta (2010-05-06) Georgia's top two Democratic candidates for Governor held dueling press conferences at the same time today. Former Governor Roy Barnes made a lengthy ethics disclosure. WABE's John Sepulvado will have more on that in a moment. But first, WABE's Charles Edwards reports Attorney General Thurbert Baker rolled out a major job growth initiative.
Texting Ban Nears Final Approval: A Conversation with Sally Sorohan, Who Lobbied for the Ban in Her Grandson's Memory Atlanta, GA (2010-04-27) In December, 2009, Caleb Sorohan, a young man from Morgan County, was killed in a car wreck; because he was texting while driving. Instead of withdrawing, his family began lobbying for a bill to ban texting while driving in Georgia. On Tuesday, April 27th, the House passed the bill; while the Senate passed a companion bill banning drivers 18 and under from using any wireless device, including cellphones. WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with Caleb's grandmother, Sally Sorohan.
Lawmakers Work on Transportation Funding Compromise; Atlanta Chamber President Says Now is the Time Atlanta, GA (2010-04-20) With time running out on yet another session of the Legislature, House and Senate negotiators keep working for a transportation funding compromise that would pay for projects to relieve gridlock in metro Atlanta and elsewhere in Georgia. In each of the past 2 years, a transportation bill has failed in the final hours of the session. WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce President Sam Williams, who is again pushing for passage of a funding plan.
MARTA C.E.O. to House Speaker: Enough Studying; MARTA Needs Help Now Atlanta, GA (2010-04-16) In a WABE interview aired on Monday, April 12th, Georgia House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) said he wanted to study the origins of MARTA's financial crisis, before deciding how, or if, the state should address it. On Friday, April 16th, in an interview with WABE's Denis O'Hayer, MARTA C.E.O. Beverly Scott responded by calling for immediate help in the final days of the this year's Legislature.
Reed Prepares For Weekend Events; Threatens Legal Action Against Freaknik Atlanta, GA (2010-04-14) On one hand, the Mayor is excited about the events like the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. On the other hand, Reed says he will not tolerate Freaknik.
Georgia Becomes 19th To Sue Feds Over Health Care Law Atlanta, GA (2010-04-13) Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue tapped a special attorney general to join a class action lawsuit.
Georgia Budget Battle Continues: A Conversation with the State Senate's Chief Budget Writer Atlanta, GA (2010-04-13) It appears the battle over how to solve the state's budget crisis will go down to the final hours of this year's Legislature. Governor Sonny Perdue has proposed a tax on hospitals, on the revenue they make from patients. WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack Hill (R-Reidsville). Hill favors a plan endorsed by Senate leaders, to add a delayed tax cut for insurance companies to the Governor's plan. Perdue strongly opposes it.