(GA. NEWS NETWORK)
*Georgia’s net tax revenue collections in May totaled $2.35 billion, for a decrease of 12.6%, compared to FY 2025, when net tax collections totaled $2.69 billion for the month. Year-to-date, net tax revenue collections for the period ending May 31 totaled $30.8 billion, for an increase of $344.6 million, or 1.1%, compared to last year’s net collection revenue through eleven months. Once again, monthly comparisons were affected by the motor fuel tax suspension that went into effect March 20,
Monthly comparisons were affected by the recent motor fuel tax suspension effective March 20, 2026. Net of motor fuel tax changes, revenues for the month of May were down 5.7% from the same month a year ago, while year-to-date collections remained up 1.8%. Monthly comparisons were also impacted by last year’s extension of the return and payment deadlines for both individual and corporate income taxes to May 1, 2025, due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. With that extension shifting some collections between months, April and May are more informative when viewed together. On a combined basis, April and May net tax collections were down 1.9% overall from the same two months in 2025 and up 2.5% net of motor fuel changes.
*The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted “Operation Safe Streets” to crack down on crime ahead of the summer months, targeting high crime areas and suspects involved in violent crimes. 13 WMAZ reports the operation resulted in 41 arrests, 26 guns seized, and drugs recovered, including fentanyl. Major Jason Batchelor emphasized the importance of prosecuting those arrested to prevent reoffending and ensure community safety.
*A road project is going to affect Atlanta traffic once again this weekend. The state Transportation Department is completely closing all lanes of I-285 north and southbound between exits 7 and 9 in Fulton County. Closure hours will be in effect from 7:00 tonight until Monday morning at 5:00. Heavy congestion should be expected the remainder of the Interstate system in the metro area and surface streets as well.
*Over 30 Democratic lawmakers are calling for an investigation into state contracts awarded to Derek Dooley’s family company, Centegix, which received millions of dollars and allegedly funneled $100,000 to Gov. Kemp’s political action committee. Kemp dismissed the accusations as “a new low for Democrats.” Kemp has endorsed Dooley in the Georgia Senate race, where Dooley will face Mike Collins in the June 16 Republican primary runoff.
*The State Election Board has approved a resolution seeking to implement hand-marked paper ballots ahead during this year’s general election, despite guidelines from the secretary of state’s office directing counties to continue using Georgia’s current voting machines. The Georgia Recorder reports the resolution, which is non-binding, was okayed on a vote of 3-1 Thursday.