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To buy trip insurance or not. That is the question.
If you buy it, you’re spending even more money on the trip. If you don’t insure your trip, you risk not being compensated at all for delayed or canceled travel plans.There are some good reasons you may need it if you’re concerned about an expensive trip you’re taking.
This article will trip insurance in a very detailed way, including why you should consider buying it for some types of travel.
What is trip insurance, you say, and why is it important as ever right now? This article is going to cover all that and then some.
Trip insurance: What You Need To Know Before You Travel
If you’ve book a cheap flight out of Atlanta or another city, the COVID vaccination rates will play a large role on not only where you can go, but if the country will accept you.
What Is Trip Insurance?
Because insurance companies are in the business of making money, trip insurance pays up to 75% of your travel costs.
That means you will lose 25%, but if you didn’t have any kind of trip insurance, you would lose 100% of your money!
Data-wise, about 30-40% of travelers buy insurance, per industry stats, and claims get filed for maybe 1 in 100 trips. Peace of mind’s the real kicker—studies show people who buy it stress less, especially older travelers or those with health issues.
Look at your risk tolerance, trip cost, and destination. Cheap domestic jaunt? Skip it. Two-week safari with a sketchy airline? Probably worth the 4-10% of your trip cost that insurance typically runs. What’s your specific plan—any details on where or how long you’re going? That’d narrow it down.
3 Reasons Why You Should Buy Trip Insurance
Anyway, here are three reasons why you need to buy trip insurance right after you’ve booked your travel.
1. You Can Cover Yourself Late
Trip insurance is viable as long as you purchase it before your flight or disembarkation.
Trip Insurance can be purchased as late as the day before you travel. That means you could theoretically wait things out to see if they get better. Just don’t wait too late!
2. Cover Your Medical Expenses
If you have an accident or scary medical situation in another country, your bill may be sky high because your insurance doesn’t travel with you. You’ll be subject to the laws of the land.
The only way you can ensure that emergency medical assistance is covered is if you have trip insurance.
3. Have Peace Of Mind
Another reason you should purchase trip insurance is for peace of mind. Having a missed flight or cancellation can worry you to no end, if you let it. With trip insurance, you can rest easy knowing that you’re covered.
If there’s an earthquake, terrorist attack or you’re robbed or even lose your passport, trip insurance can protect you like no other.
On the flip side, if you’re just road-tripping an hour away with minimal risk or cost, it’s probably overkill. Most policies cover things like trip cancellation, delays, lost baggage, and medical evacuations, but they don’t pay out if you just change your mind or the weather’s meh. Check what your existing health insurance or credit card already covers—some cards offer decent trip protection for free if you book with them.
Last Words
As a warning, one thing you don’t want to do is buy trip insurance from the airline, cruise line or tour operator you’re traveling with.
The reason is because those insurance plans are the worst. You need to buy from an independent trip insurer so that you’ll be impartially protected.
Happy trails and safe travels!
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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Another day, another discount retailer closing its doors. This time, it’s Dollar General, the cheap shopper’s #1 resource across America. The company recently announced that it will shut the doors on nearly 100 store locations.
The store closures will be a mix of Dollar General and pOpshelf locations, which will happen soon. As of now, 96 Dollar General stores and 45 pOpshelf locations will shut down in the first quarter of 2025, the company disclosed in a March 19 announcement.
Dollar General To Close Stores ‘Challenging’ To Operate
The company announced these closures in its latest earnings report on March 13, 2025, following a “store portfolio optimization review” that evaluated individual store performance, expected future performance, and operating conditions.
CEO Todd Vasos noted that many of the stores targeted for closure, particularly the 96 Dollar General locations, are in urban areas that have become “increasingly challenging to successfully operate,” though no precise cities or addresses have been disclosed yet.
In recent comments, Vasos also noted that consumers are hurting, which hurting store sales. He said, “Many of our customers report they only have enough money for basic essentials, with some noting that they have had to sacrifice even on the necessities.”
The 45 pOpshelf closures represent about 22% of that brand’s footprint, but similarly, no specific sites have been named.
Additionally, six pOpshelf stores will be converted into Dollar General stores.
These closures represent less than 1% of the company’s total store base, which exceeds 20,000 locations across the U.S. Despite these closures, Dollar General is also planning to open approximately 575 new stores and remodel around 2,000 existing ones throughout 2025, indicating a net growth in its overall store count by the end of the year.
Why Is Dollar General Facing Financial Difficulties?
Operationally, Dollar General is grappling with declining profitability. Its operating profit fell 49% year-over-year in Q4 2024, driven by lower sales volumes, shrinking gross margins (down to 30% in Q2 2024 from 31.1% the prior year), and increased costs.
These costs include higher markdowns, inventory damages, and “shrink” (losses from theft or damage), as well as rising operational expenses like rent, labor, and supply chain logistics.
The decision to close certain stores stems from an internal review aimed at optimizing performance, particularly in underperforming or challenging urban locations, while the company continues to expand elsewhere. So, while some individual stores are shutting down, Dollar General as a company is not ceasing operations and is instead adjusting its footprint.
What Other Stores Are Facing Financial Troubles?
The year has been rough not only for Dollar General, but for several U.S. retailers. Here’s a look at those that have reported issues with their bottom line.
- Target: On March 4, 2025, Target reported a sales drop for February and forecasted flat comparable sales growth for 2025, citing economic volatility and “meaningful pressure” on profits due to new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, alongside other rising costs. Profits and sales slipped in late 2024, with consumer hesitancy evident ahead of the holidays, and shares are down nearly 15% year-to-date.
- Walgreens: The pharmacy chain is in the midst of closing 1,200 stores by 2027, with 500 slated for fiscal year 2025, as part of a cost-cutting strategy amid financial strain. This follows years of challenges, including declining foot traffic and profitability in its retail pharmacy segment.
- Joann: The craft retailer has faced severe financial distress, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy twice—first in March 2024 and again in January 2025. It plans to close 500 of its roughly 850 stores nationwide as part of its restructuring, burdened by $1 billion in debt despite securing $132 million in new financing in 2024.
- Kohl’s: The department store chain announced on January 10, 2025, plans to close 27 underperforming stores by April 2025, representing less than 3% of its 1,150+ locations. This follows closures in San Diego due to unmet financial expectations, pointing to broader difficulties in maintaining profitability.
- Party City: After filing for bankruptcy in 2023, Party City continues to struggle, with reports indicating 695 store closures in 2025 alone. Private equity ownership has been blamed for loading the company with debt, exacerbating its financial woes.
- Big Lots: The discount retailer is among those hit hard, with 1,728 total store closures reported across struggling chains in 2025, including a significant number from Big Lots. Its financial difficulties stem from a weakening consumer base and operational inefficiencies.
- Forever 21: The fast-fashion chain filed for bankruptcy for the second time in six years in 2025, citing inflation, competition from online rivals like Shein and Temu, and shifting consumer preferences as key factors in its decline.
- Advanced Auto Parts: Facing a tough retail environment, the company plans to close over 700 locations by mid-2025 as part of a new three-year financial recovery plan, reflecting broader struggles in the auto parts retail sector.
- Macy’s: While undergoing a restructuring, Macy’s is consolidating its physical locations in 2025, with shares slipping 2% in early March amid long-standing difficulties. Consumer uncertainty has hit middle-market retailers like Macy’s harder than discount or luxury brands.
Other retailers like Starbucks, Dollar Tree, Office Depot, and JCPenney are also closing select underperforming locations in 2025, though their overall financial situation has not as of yet appeared to be as dire as those named earlier.
Final Word
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Spencer Strider has been added to the Atlanta Braves starting rotation and looks the part against the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
About Spencer Strider: Braves Star Pitcher
But who is Spencer Strider? Well, for starters, he is a professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on October 26, 1998, in Columbus, Ohio, Strider played college baseball for the Clemson Tigers before being selected by the Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
High School and College Career
Spencer Strider attended Christian Academy of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, for high school. During his time there, he played both baseball and football, showcasing his athletic abilities.
For college, Strider played for the Clemson Tigers at Clemson University in South Carolina. He pitched for Clemson’s baseball team for three seasons (2018–2020), where he made a name for himself as a standout pitcher.
Although his college career was affected by injuries, he showed great promise and was eventually drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.
Pro Baseball Career
Strider is known for his strong fastball, often touching triple digits, and his devastating slider. He made his MLB debut for the Braves in 2021 and quickly gained attention for his impressive strikeout ability. He became a key part of the Braves’ pitching staff, contributing significantly to their rotation and bullpen.
In 2022, Strider had a breakout season, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, largely due to his exceptional strikeout numbers and effectiveness on the mound. He’s often praised for his poise, work ethic, and the dominance he brings as a pitcher. His rise has been one of the more exciting stories in recent MLB seasons.
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Children’s Museum of Atlanta is inviting kids to its first Kidchella, inspired by popular music festival Coachella.
The event is taking place on Saturday, April 26 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
This high-energy event promises nonstop fun with interactive activities, creative expression and lively music.
What Can Kids Do at Kidchella?
Kids can choose from various temporary tattoo options at the art studio, design a flower crown to wear as they strut the red carpet, engineer kazoos, dance to a DJ’s beats and more.
At 6:15 p.m., Ask Deer Abby, featuring Abby the Deer and Hopper the Rabbit, will take the stage for a performance of family-favorite songs.
Those craving a gentle sensory environment can visit the Recalibration Station. Festival fashion is encouraged for little ones and their caretakers as they will snap Instagram-worthy photos at themed selfie stations to create lasting memories and experience an unforgettable evening of music, art and play!
WHAT: Kidchella at Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Families to enjoy crafts, music, special performances and more!
WHEN: Saturday, April 26
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
HOW: Tickets are $10 for members / $25 for non-members and must be purchased in advance. Tickets may increase the week of the event. For tickets, visit kidchella2025 or call 404-420-5910.
Kid-Friendly Atlanta: Where To Go
Looking for fun things for kids to do In Atlanta? The city is packed with fun, family-friendly activities that kids will love! Here are some cool options based on what’s popular and unique about the city:
Georgia Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the world, it’s a hit with kids thanks to its massive tanks, whale sharks, beluga whales, and interactive touch pools. The Ocean Voyager exhibit, with its giant underwater tunnel, feels like stepping into the sea.
Zoo Atlanta: Located in Grant Park, this zoo lets kids get up close with pandas, giraffes (you can even feed them!), and elephants. The petting zoo and playground add extra fun for younger ones.
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Bank of America Plaza in downtown Atlanta is in the midst of a major renovation that will ultimately lead to the structure being rechristened as “The South Star.”
The CP Group, a commercial real estate investment and management firm, is currently in working on a $50 million renovation of Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in the Southeastern U.S.
Acquired in 2022 in partnership with HPS Investment Partners, LLC, CP Group is revitalizing the 55-story Midtown Atlanta skyscraper into a modern, community-focused workplace experience, now rebranded as “The South Star.”
Bank of America Plaza Being Reimagined in Atlanta
With its distinctive golden spire illuminating the Atlanta skyline, Bank of America Plaza has long been a symbol of prestige. Now, CP Group is reintroducing the tower in a whole new light, transforming it into a premier destination for businesses seeking a dynamic, high-end office environment.
“We are proud to officially put shovels in the ground on this transformative repositioning,” said Chris Eachus, Partner at CP Group. “This marks a new chapter for one of Atlanta’s most recognized buildings, enhancing its offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce.”
A Visionary Redesign
CP Group has enlisted Gensler, a global architecture firm, to oversee the redesign and Holder Construction to lead the renovations. A major highlight is the complete modernization of the 20,000-square-foot lobby, paying homage to the tower’s original Art Deco revival design with a contemporary twist.
New features include:
- An upscale, barista-operated café offering specialty coffee, light bites, and cocktails.
- A versatile huddle-and-focus workspace for guests and tenants seeking a change of scenery.
- A curated art gallery showcasing rotating exhibits from local institutions.
- Plans for a high-end restaurant and a renovated 55th-floor event space and tenant lounge with panoramic city views.
“Our design reconnects the tower to the city, bringing its ‘golden glow’ from the spire to the ground level, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for tenants and visitors,” said Kevin Songer, Co-Managing Director for Gensler Atlanta.
Enhancing Workplace Flexibility
As part of the renovations, CP Group recently delivered 100,000 square feet of move-in-ready spec suites under its worCPlaces flexible workspace program. These 13 new suites cater to businesses of all sizes, offering premium office solutions within an iconic setting.
A Top Destination for Leading Companies
The transformation of Bank of America Plaza has already attracted major tenants. Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP, a global law firm, has signed a 94,000-square-foot lease, relocating its Atlanta office to the tower.
Cool events are year-round in the city. Every Atlanta weekend has something cool to do. The city has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year.
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We all know Wayfair for those particular items not sold at your local Walmart or Target, but now the retailer is launching in the physical space. The company has picked Atlanta for the site of its second brick-and-mortar store.
This will be the second large-format retail store for Wayfair, a leading home goods e-commerce company.
When Will Wayfair Open in Atlanta?
Set to launch in 2026, the 150,000-square-foot store will be located at The District at Howell Mill, offering shoppers an extensive selection of home products in an immersive, in-person shopping experience.
The District at Howell Mill shopping center is located at 1801 Howell Mill Road NW. This site is a former Walmart location that closed in 2023 after a fire in 2022.
The expansion follows the success of Wayfair’s first large-format store in Wilmette, Illinois, which opened in May 2024 and significantly boosted regional sales.
Since its launch, Illinois sales have grown over 15% faster than the national average, reinforcing the company’s confidence in brick-and-mortar expansion. However, Wayfair’s stock has struggled, dropping more than 50% in the past year, though analysts remain optimistic about a potential rebound in profitability, per InvestingPro forecasts.
Liza Lefkowski, Wayfair’s vice president of merchandising and stores, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience by blending its vast online catalog with a hands-on retail setting.
Strategically positioned in Atlanta’s Upper Westside, the new store will offer easy access from I-75 and serve key neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, and downtown. Additionally, its proximity to Wayfair’s fulfillment center in McDonough, GA, is expected to enable faster delivery for larger items.
If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.
Read more: Best Work From Home Jobs In Atlanta, Georgia
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Southwest Airlines will begin charging most passengers for checked bags starting May 28, 2025, marking the end of its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy. However, frequent flyers, Southwest credit card holders, and Business Select fare purchasers will still receive free checked baggage.
Why is Southwest Charging For Bags Now?
The decision has sparked widespread debate, with some mourning the loss of a key competitive advantage, while others point to financial pressures from activist investors like Elliott Management as a possible factor.
This shift represents a major departure from Southwest’s traditionally customer-friendly approach, raising questions about its impact on customer loyalty and market position.
The changes come about a month after Southwest announced mass layoffs across its operations.
Southwest Airlines has long been known for its “Bags Fly Free” policy, which allowed passengers to check two bags for free—a rare perk in the airline industry. This two-bag policy applied to all passengers, regardless of ticket type, and covered standard-sized checked luggage (each bag up to 50 lbs and 62 inches in total dimensions).
Key Features of the 2-Bag Policy (Before the Change)
- Free for all passengers (no need for elite status or special credit cards).
- Applies to domestic and international flights.
- Overweight/oversized fees applied if bags exceeded the 50-lb or 62-inch limit.
This policy was a major differentiator for Southwest, setting it apart from competitors that charge for even the first checked bag. However, with Southwest announcing that it will begin charging most passengers for checked bags starting May 28, 2025, this signature benefit is coming to an end, except for frequent flyers, Southwest credit card holders, and Business Select fare purchasers who will still receive free checked bags.
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Putnam County officials have confirmed that they have recovered the body of a coach that went missing mfore than a month ago.
Sheriff Howard Sills has confirmed that Gary Jones’ body was discovered around 1 p.m. in approximately 45 feet of water, not far from where the body of his fiancée, Joycelyn Wilson, a Spelman College instructor, was found.
The gruesome discovery made Sunday, March 9, 2025, marks almost exactly one month since Gary Jones and his fiancée, Joycelyn Wilson, disappeared while boating on Lake Oconee.
Wilson’s body was recovered after they both went missing during the first week of February. The 47-year-old was a senior track-and-field instructor in the Department of Mathematics at Spelman College, where she had been since 2007.
Jones was a faculty member and varsity track-and-field coach at Westminster, a private Christian school in Atlanta.
Gary Jones: Body of Well-Like Coach Found in Lake Oconee
Gary Jones, a faculty member and varsity track-and-field coach at Westminster Schools in Atlanta, has been missing since February 8, 2025, following a boating incident on Lake Oconee. He and his fiancée, Joycelyn Nicole Wilson, a senior instructor at Spelman College, were last seen together when their unoccupied boat was discovered circling near Wallace Dam.
Joycelyn Wilson’s body was recovered the next day, but despite extensive search efforts—including the use of divers, cadaver dogs, and aerial assistance—Gary Jones had not been found. The search was suspended indefinitely after 22 days, but resumed shortly after.
Authorities have noted certain peculiarities in the case, leading them to treat it as more than a routine drowning. Items such as Wilson’s fanny pack containing cash and credit cards, along with a cell phone, were found, prompting further investigation. The Secret Service began assisting in attempting to unlock Wilson’s phone for additional evidence.
Gary Jones’ family had expressed their unwavering commitment to finding him, stating, “We will not rest until he is found.”
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Fresh off a disappointing season that ended with him getting benched, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has requested a meeting with owner Arthur Blank.
According to news reports, Cousins has a desire to start for, potentially, another team this season.
Of course, we still don’t know if Blank will agree to the meeting or whether the Falcons have a desire to part with the veteran signal caller.
If the Falcons are willing to trade Cousins, what teams would make sense?
NFL Trade Scenarios: Where Could Kirk Cousins End Up?
If Kirk Cousins were to be traded from the Atlanta Falcons, there are several NFL teams where he could potentially land, based on current team needs and quarterback situations. Here are five possible destinations:
Cleveland Browns
With uncertainty around their quarterback situation, the Browns could look for a veteran presence like Cousins to stabilize their offense.
Tennessee Titans
As they seek to rejuvenate their roster, the Titans might consider Cousins as an upgrade to their quarterback position, especially if they are looking towards a more balanced offensive strategy.
Indianapolis Colts
With their current struggles at the quarterback position, the Colts could view Cousins as a reliable option who can help them compete in the division.
New York Jets
The Jets have been searching for consistent quarterback play, and bringing in a seasoned player like Cousins could provide them with the experience and leadership they need.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers might be interested in Cousins if they decide to move on from their current quarterback situation, looking for a player who can create a more effective and stable offense.
These potential landing spots are based on each team’s current roster needs and future ambitions, with Cousins recognized as a capable quarterback who could contribute positively to a new team’s success.
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The Georgia General Assembly is in the midst of its 2025 legislative session, which began in January and is expected to conclude by late March or early April.
As of this writing, a slew of bills have already passed both legislative bodies in Georgia and have been signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp.
What Bills Are Due To Take Effect in Georgia This Year?
Bills passed during this session that are signed will typically take effect on July 1, 2025, unless specified otherwise in the legislation.
However, since the session is ongoing and the governor has 40 days after the session ends to sign or veto bills, it’s not yet fully determined which bills will officially become law in 2025.
Below is an overview of notable bills that have either already taken effect on January 1, 2025, or are currently advancing through the legislative process with a strong chance of becoming law by July 1, 2025, based on available information and legislative progress.
Bills Already in Effect as of January 1, 2025
Several laws passed in previous sessions took effect at the start of 2025, such as these:
- Amendment 1 (HB 581): Approved by 62.92% of voters in November 2024, this constitutional amendment limits property tax increases by adjusting the statewide homestead exemption. Local governments can opt out via a specific process. It includes broader property tax changes outlined in HB 581.
- Amendment 2: Passed with 51.89% voter approval, this establishes the Georgia Tax Court to handle tax disputes, moving jurisdiction from the Department of Revenue to the judicial branch. Administrative setup begins January 1, 2025, with the court fully operational by August 1, 2026.
- HB 1072: Provides tax exemptions for donating drugs to a state drug repository program, effective January 1, 2025.
- SB 19: Requires superior court clerks and probate judges to disclose passport fee collections quarterly to county governments, addressing past concerns about clerks retaining these fees.
- SB 232: Updates probate court fees for various filings, including legal documents, weapons carry licenses, and marriage licenses.
- HB 1339: Includes a tax credit provision for rural hospital organizations, effective January 1, 2025.
- HB 880: Allows spouses of military servicemembers stationed in Georgia to practice their occupations without a state-specific license.
- SB 341: Amends legislative privilege rules for General Assembly staff communications with the Office of Legislative Counsel, aligning them with existing member privileges.
- SB 366: Reforms the process for introducing and formalizing the state budget (general appropriations bill).
Bills Advancing in the 2025 Legislative Session
The following bills are currently under consideration in the 2025 session and have either passed one chamber or are gaining traction. Their fate depends on passage by both the House and Senate and the governor’s approval:
- Tort Reform Package (Announced January 29, 2025): Governor Kemp unveiled a package to stabilize insurance costs and reform litigation. Key provisions include:
- Limiting premises liability to what property owners directly control.
- Requiring medical damages in personal injury cases to reflect actual costs paid, not inflated amounts.
- Allowing bifurcated trials (separating liability and damages phases).
- Permitting evidence of seatbelt non-use in auto accident cases.
- Banning double recovery of attorney fees and reforming third-party litigation funding to exclude hostile foreign entities.
- SB 65: Mandates kindergarten attendance, under consideration in the Senate.
- HB 566 and HB 556: Address AI and deepfakes—HB 566 protects artists’ likenesses, while HB 556 curbs AI misuse. Both are being reviewed in the House.
- SB 303 and HB 215: Aim to protect voter roll integrity and election processes, highlighted as critical by some observers on X.
- Transgender Athletes Ban: A bill to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ school sports has been advancing, per StateAffairsGA.
- Gun Safety and Death Penalty Reforms: Bills on gun safety and banning the death penalty for intellectually disabled individuals are moving forward, as noted by GeorgiaRecorder.
- SB 233 (School Voucher Law): Already passed in a prior session, this law expands in 2025, offering $6,000 vouchers to students in the bottom 25% of schools under Georgia’s academic ratings.
- SB 189: Changes voting registration for homeless individuals, requiring them to use county election offices for mail, effective in 2025.
The Georgia Assembly 2025 Legislative Session
- Crossover Day: March 6, 2025, is Crossover Day, the deadline for bills to pass one chamber to remain viable this session. Bills not passing by this date may still be revived via attachment to other legislation.
- Budget: Lawmakers are crafting a $40.5 billion state budget, the largest in Georgia history, which must be finalized and signed into law.
- Past Session Insight: In 2024, Kemp signed over 700 bills, suggesting a high volume of legislation could again become law in 2025.
Kemp Signs Amended Budget
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed an amended budget that includes some key initiatives for the state. Here’s what they entail:
n addition to investments in healthcare, public safety, education, and returning $1 billion to taxpayers through a third one-time special tax refund, the amended budget includes investments and allocations for:
- Hurricane Helene Relief: More then $867 million for response costs and relief, including but not limited to, one-time grants to public rural and critical access hospitals included in the major disaster declaration area to assist in financial stabilization and recovery efforts, disaster relief assistance to impacted farmers and timber producers, and grants to non-profits for Hurricane Helene rebuilding and recovery efforts.
- Education and Workforce Development: $140 million in additional allocations to fully fund QBE and support our local school systems to help us build an unrivaled workforce as we work to make Georgia the Top State for Talent.
- Public Safety and Corrections: More than $434 million in new funding for the Department of Corrections to fortify state facilities, invest in Corrections Officers, and equip them with the tools they need to be effective and efficient.
- Fighting Human Trafficking: $3.5 million to design a recovery center for victims of human trafficking – an effort championed by First Lady Marty Kemp – and over $187,000 to expand the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit to the Macon and Augusta regions.
- School Security: An additional $50 million in one-time funds for another round of security grants to all K-12 public schools.
- Coastal Water Infrastructure: $501.7 million in funding for the development and construction of water infrastructure in Georgia’s coastal region to meet the growing demand due to historic economic development.
- Local Water and Sewer Infrastructure: Over $266 million in funding for the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to support water and sewer infrastructure development projects across Georgia.
- Local Road Infrastructure: $265 million into the local maintenance and improvement grant program and $46 million to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank’s grant and loan program.
- Combating Wildfires: $4.7 million for the Forestry Commission to purchase a new fire suppression helicopter
Since the legislative session is ongoing, the final list of laws effective July 1, 2025, will only be confirmed after the session ends (likely late March) and the governor acts by mid-May.
Final Word
Atlanta is filled with things to do, including dining options, from fine dining to trendy cafes, and some of the city’s best rooftop bars with skyline views.Boutique shops, unique galleries, and retail options add to Midtown Atlanta’s charm for those looking to shop local or find unique items.Downtown Atlanta is a hub for tech companies, startups, and corporate offices, giving it an energetic, innovative vibe.
