Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick is sparking debate with his call for the U.S. House to reconsider spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. On today’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Bill Nigut speak with Congressman McCormick about his controversial statement and the GOP allies backing potential cuts to these social safety net programs.

Next, AJC reporter Mark Niesse joins the show to discuss how a new state law is transforming Georgia’s hemp industry. While some retailers are thriving, others are struggling under the law’s impact on how hemp products are sold and consumed.

Finally, Patricia and Greg bring updates from the Biennial Institute, the three-day session in Athens where Georgia’s new and returning lawmakers gather to prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

Links to today’s topics:

Georgia congressman eyes "third rail" of American politics

Georgia law makes hemp more legit with age and testing requirements

Georgia House speaker talks 2025 agenda, from trans sports to Medicaid expansion

Transgender Georgians brace for new restrictions under Trump

Activists urge legislators to abandon focus on transgender youth

Have a question or comment for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode.

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