(GEORGIA NEWS NETWORK)
*Two Democratic lawmakers have introduced bills to update Georgia’s funding formula, known as the QBE, to include more support for low-income districts. Rebecca Hughes with more. Georgia public schools receive nearly half of their funding from the state through the Q-B-E (Quality Basic Education) act. The proposed changes would add additional funding for students in foster care, unstable households, or receiving SNAP and/or TANF benefits. Republican House Education Chairman Chris Erwin tells ANF changes will need to go through a thorough examination. The QBE is the state’s largest budget item and had its birth during Joe Frank Harris’ time in the governor’s chair.
*Families in Georgia are still experiencing SNAP (Food Stamps) benefit theft despite a December reimbursement deadline. The ongoing issue leaves many struggling to put food on the table, with reports of fraud affecting recipients across the state. The Putnals of Macon-Bibb, who rely on SNAP benefits to feed their family, tell WMAZ that they have had their benefits stolen several times. Hours after they had received their February deposit of benefits they were wiped out, raising concerns about the security of the system. Authorities are investigating the thefts, but victims like the Putnals, and others, are left feeling neglected. They are urged to report any suspected fraud to the Georgia DHS (Department of Human Services).
*A new report finds Georgia ranks among the lowest for the best states to retire. The report put out by finance company WalletHub, finds the Peach State ranks 32 among the 50 states. The rankings evaluated states based on quality of life, affordability, and health care. One of the biggest reasons for the low ranking is the state’s health care system, ranking number 40 nationwide.
*Looks like a congressional vote on whether to create Georgia’s first national park won’t happen this year. The Macon Telegraph reports the bill to make the Ocmulgee Mounds(pictured) a national park and preserve didn’t make it into the end-of-year congressional agenda. The paper quotes Seth Clark, the executive director for Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative as saying Hurricane Helene created a pressing need for disaster relief, reducing space for other legislation.