Georgia

For Misdemeanor Poverty, Georgia Would Assign Mandatory Cash Bail – Filter

Published

5 months ago

February 29, 2024

For Misdemeanor Poverty, Georgia Would Assign Mandatory Cash Bail – Filter

February 29 is Crossover Day in the Georgia General Assembly, with lawmakers clambering over each other to advance their bills of choice before the legislative session comes to a close. Except Senator Randy Robertson (R), sponsor of the proposal to dramatically expand cash bail, which was one of the only major bills to already sail onward to the governor’s desk. Nothing brings lawmakers together quite like punishing the poor.

There are currently 14 charges for which the state of Georgia requires cash bail. Senate Bill 63 would add 30 new ones, then forbid people accused of those charges from receiving almost any assistance from charities or nonprofits, or even loved ones. If they can’t pay their assigned bail, they will languish in the death traps that are Georgia’s overcrowded jails. Most of the 30 charges are misdemeanors, and wouldn’t be punishable by incarceration if the person were actually convicted.

“I think if the individual honestly conveyed to the judge that they were basically destitute, then I think there are ways for the individual to make bond,” Robertson stated at a Committee on Public Safety hearing earlier in February, in defense of his bill to legally abolish most ways for destitute individuals to make bond.

“The criminal trespass may have been vagrancy, in order to break into an abandoned house that belonged to someone else in order to stay in it, and in cases like that most likely the charge would be dismissed,” he continued, in a tone concerningly devoid of sarcasm. “But in Georgia being broke is not a viable defense for committing a crime.”

Many groups and individual humans out there post bond for people who can’t afford it on their own, but SB 63 would cap their efforts at three recipients each per year. Defendants who can’t afford bail must deal only with approved bail bondsmen. Except defendants who are undocumented, whom even the bail bondsmen are forbidden from helping.

More than going after people for shoplifting and squatting, SB 63 is after people who have shoplifted and squatted before.

SB 63 would undo many judicial reforms enacted under former Governor Nathan Deal (R). ACLU Georgia has vowed to sue if Governor Brian Kemp (R) signs the bill into law, stating that “[no]t only is SB 63 bad policy, it is illegal. It unconstitutionally criminalizes poverty and restricts conduct protected by the First Amendment.”

The legislature obviously doesn’t expect defendants to be able to personally produce thousands of dollars at the ready, or SB 63 wouldn’t be aimed specifically at people who do not have money. Many of the 30 new bail-restricted charges describe activities people engage in entirely because they have been chronically without money. “Theft by taking, [on] the person’s second or subsequent offense”; “criminal trespass, [on] the person’s second or subsequent offense.”

More than going after people for shoplifting and squatting, SB 63 is after those “habitual violators” who have shoplifted and squatted before. It also targets those who would disrupt the accumulation of wealth by the wealthy, as Stop Cop City organizers did in 2022. But for the most part, constituents who are not one economic hiccup away from being sent to the gulag are often perfectly willing to accept the rules of tyrants, who vow to keep them safe from the people with no money or resources.

Introducing someone into the criminal-legal system rarely improves the trajectory of their life.

What options do people have, when you prosecute them for having nothing? They could run, and join the many disenfranchised souls dispersed in rural encampments across the state, but of course “fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer” is also among the 30 new bail-restricted charges. Missing a court date is another, for people who’ve missed court dates before. Jumping bail has been assigned mandatory bail all along.

The problem is obviously not that Georgia has too many dangerous criminals. The problem is that people have nowhere to live. Rather than house them, the state intends to profoundly destabilize their life and heap on new sources of debt. If that doesn’t improve their housing prospects, they don’t deserve to be free.

Introducing someone into the criminal-legal system rarely improves the trajectory of their life. A couple of days in jail, even without a conviction, is the off-ramp from the highway of “contributing to society,” as lawmakers like to say.

Still, it isn’t all bad. The thousands of us who have served decades inside Georgia Department of Corrections prisons are in fact heartened by SB 63’s breakaway success. If the prison population grows rapidly enough to compel the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles to actually grant some of us parole, we would gladly give up our beds to needy newcomers.

Photograph via City of Brookhaven, Georgia

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Georgia

Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Delivering New Fire Safety Upgrades to Coastal Georgia Departments – U.S. Senator for Georgia Jon Ossoff

Published

2 hours ago

July 17, 2024

Press Room

Sens. Ossoff, Rev. Warnock Delivering New Fire Safety Upgrades to Coastal Georgia Departments – U.S. Senator for Georgia Jon Ossoff

Savannah, Ga. — U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff today announced fire safety upgrades to protect Coastal Georgia families.

Today, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock are delivering new Federal resources to Garden City and McIntosh County to strengthen local Fire Departments and upgrade public safety through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program.

These Federal funds can be used for professional training, wellness and fitness programs, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and modifications to facilities.

“Firefighters across Georgia put their lives on the line to keep families safe,” Sen. Ossoff said. “Senator Warnock and I will never stop championing Georgia’s heroic fire departments, and these resources will help them respond to emergencies that threaten lives and property.”

“I’m proud to have played a role in getting this critical funding secured. Our firefighters and EMS responders are some of the best and bravest among us, and every fire department throughout Georgia, especially in our rural communities, ought to have the resources and support they need to protect our communities,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

Since taking office, Sens. Ossoff and Warnock have delivered dozens of Assistance to Firefighters Grants to cities, counties, and agencies across the state— including Columbus and West Point; Augusta and Twin City; Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, Middle Georgia, Southwest Georgia, and Coastal Georgia.

Last month, Sen. Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which will re-authorize key grant programs — like the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program — that provide Federal funding to Georgia’s fire departments.

Please find a summary of grant awards below:

Organization	Federal Grant
Garden City	$226,666.66
McIntosh County	$595,276.19

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Georgia

5 Georgia small towns make Most Charming Towns in America to Move To

Published

9 hours ago

July 17, 2024

Press Room

5 Georgia small towns make Most Charming Towns in America to Move To

article

Photo by Joyce Lupiani/FOX 5 Digital

ATLANTA – Five small towns in Georgia have made the list of the Most Charming Towns in America to Move To.

According to the latest Census Bureau data, Americans continue to leave big cities in droves. This trend has been attributed to the allure of small-town life, which offers a lower cost of living, better quality of life, a sense of community, access to nature, lower crime rates, and a higher sense of safety.

High 5 Casino sought to find the most charming U.S. towns and cities to live in. They evaluated 161 small towns and cities across the country, ranking them based on 22 key metrics grouped into four categories: Essentials (cost of living, safety, employment), Lifestyle (entertainment venues, amenities, access to nature, climate), Housing (affordability, home appreciation rates, housing demand), and Community (population density, educational facilities, healthcare, average age of residents).

After ranking all the towns, they compiled a list of the 100 most charming small towns in the U.S. Five small towns in Georgia made the list, with one ranking in the top 5:

No. 4 – Madison (52.05 out of 100)
No. 21 – Adairsville (44.83 out of 100)
No. 47 – Jekyll Island (42.81 out of 100)
No. 53 – Dahlonega (42.57 out of 100)
No. 96 – Helen (39.99 out of 100)

Madison is known for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, scenic beauty with tree-lined streets and lush gardens, and rich cultural heritage showcased in museums and cultural centers. Its quaint downtown area features charming shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Madison’s historical significance, particularly its preservation during General Sherman’s March to the Sea, adds to its allure. The town’s unemployment rate is 3%, and the median home price is $455,000. Madison has a crime rate that is noticeably lower than average.

Adairsville boasts a well-preserved historic downtown area with 19th-century buildings, quaint shops, and local eateries. Home to Barnsley Resort and various community events and festivals, it is located near the Appalachian Mountains, offering easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. The median home price in Adairsville is $439,375, and the current unemployment rate is 0.2%. The crime rate is Adairsville is 13.3% lower than national average.

Jekyll Island is famous for its picturesque coastal beauty and rich history, including well-preserved Gilded Age mansions. Residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, golfing, and exploring nature trails. The median home price on Jekyll Island is $660,000, an increase of 53.5% over last year, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Crime risk is moderate in Jekyll Island.

Dahlonega, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, is renowned for its history and landscapes. As the site of the first major U.S. gold rush in 1828, Dahlonega features a historic downtown with preserved 19th-century architecture, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Surrounded by scenic vineyards, the town offers outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and exploring Amicalola Falls. Dahlonega’s vibrant arts scene, friendly community, and annual festivals add to its charm. The median home price is $368,166, with an unemployment rate of 2.8%. The crime rate is considered low in Dahlonega.

Helen is a unique town known for its Bavarian-inspired architecture and alpine village aesthetic. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen offers stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and tubing along the Chattahoochee River. The town’s vibrant cultural scene includes numerous festivals, artisan shops, and local wineries. Helen’s charm, welcoming community, and scenic surroundings make it a delightful place to live, with a median home price of $461,000 and an unemployment rate of 2.6%. Helen’s crime rate is higher than the national average.

Other Georgia ranking stories

The other small towns/cities in the top 5 are Homer, Alaska; Petoskey, Michigan; Oxford, Mississippi; and Marietta, Ohio.

Homer is known for its fishing, museums, art galleries, educational facilities, and below-average property prices.

Petoskey scored high for affordable housing, a low unemployment rate, a low crime rate, and easy access to some of Michigan’s most picturesque and affluent waterfront communities.

Oxford has an average age well below the list average (27.7 vs. 45) and is a haven for foodies. It is also home to numerous creatives, musicians, and artists.

Marietta is widely regarded as one of the prettiest cities in the Midwest with its brick streets, hardwood trees, and neoclassical Victorian houses. The average property price is just $264,900, making it quite affordable.

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Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs talk expectations at SEC Media Days

Published

16 hours ago

July 17, 2024

Press Room

Georgia Bulldogs talk expectations at SEC Media Days

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – SEC Media Days are raging on in Dallas, Texas.

Kirby Smart and his Georgia Bulldogs stepped up to the mic to help set the stage for what should be another exciting season of football between the hedges.

After just barely missing the opportunity to complete the three-peat last year, the Dawgs are back, barking louder than ever.

With Quarterback Carson Beck returning for one last ride and their defense getting bigger and faster, the Dawgs will be in a position to compete for their third national championship in the last four seasons.

Kirby says his dawgs are ready for the challenge of this new 16-team SEC and a much more difficult schedule.

UGA grapples with driving violations; players are fined

Georgia players who have been arrested or cited for driving violations have been disciplined with suspensions and fines through the collective that provides name, image and likeness payments to the school’s athletes, coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday.

“Coming out of spring, I love the practice environment, the competitive nature between the offense and defense, the battles we had on the field like the practices were really spirited, it seemed like. And I enjoy that. I think when you have good, spirited practices, they get more out of them,” said Smart.

Beck said: “I think over the course of last year if you go look a game on and then you go look at game 40 and it’s not even the same quarterback and you know, making the decision to come back this year, I’m excited to see what the progression from Game 15 to whatever X amount of games we might play this year is going to look like.”

All eyes will be on number 15 both in Athens and around the country, because according to most sportsbooks out there, Beck is either the favorite or tied for the best odds to win the Heisman Trophy this year.

Beck threw for just under 4,000 yards and had 30 total touchdowns in 2023.

With Brock Bowers, Ladd Mcconkey and Kendall Milton moving on to the NFL, he’ll have some new weapons this year, but Qb1 still believes the best is yet to come.

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer points at his defense after forcing a turnover during...

“When you focus on the team and you really put other people before yourself and you are selfless and you focus on your agency, we focus on our line, you focus on the tight end, we focus on the defense, focus on the team as a whole. It kind of takes all that, you know, outside noise and pressure of these individual awards and individual statistics, and it puts it on, okay, let’s win this week. And then that’s within the next week and then so on, and so forth. And when those things happen and you can focus on the team and everybody on the team is on that same mindset, that’s when those individual kinds of awards start to happen,” said Beck.

In addition to that tough loss to Alabama in the SEC championship game, one thing that kept Georgia out of the playoff last year was their strength of schedule.

That won’t be a problem this year because the Dawgs will have their hands full with tough games against Clemson to open up the season and battles with Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss all on the road.

Mykel Williams, defensive line, said: “A personal goal I have this year is to win and win a lot of games. The game plan behind that is to go in week in and week out and do the things necessary to win.”

Malaki Starks, defensive back, said: “Complacency gets you passed up. You know, if you’re flat-lining, people who are consistently going are going to pass you at some point. The goal is to not get passes, keep going. You know, I feel like especially on defense, there’s nothing that you can’t get better at, nothing. You can’t grow into the best as the goal is just to keep growing day by day.”

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