Political Rewind

Thursday on Political Rewind, we look at how the virus is disrupting education for Georgia students.

Administrators face a big decision as the fall semester approaches; do they prepare for in-person classes that will likely require social distancing measures or adopt another round of remote learning? But, what do students lose when they cannot meet for classes in-person? And how might the massive budget cuts state agencies must make impact education across the state?

Panelists:

Maureen Downey – Education Reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tracy Pendley – Teacher, Atlanta Public Schools

Kevin Riley – Editor, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Kyle Wingfield – CEO/President, Georgia Public Policy Foundation

Wednesday on Political Rewind, could the tragic story of Ahmaud Arbery spur action on the part of Georgia’s elected officials?

And now that a new District Attorney is at the helm, the case’s fourth, what can we expect as proceedings continue?

We spoke to attorney Chris Stewart, one of the lawyers representing the Arbery family and Georgia Public Broadcasting’s reporter Emily Jones.

Tuesday on Political Rewind, there are many uncertainties as the pandemic continues. One eventuality is certain, however; the state budget will be hit hard.

The cost of the response, in addition to decreased tax revenue from the lockdown, could sprain an already strained bottom-line for the state government. What is the plan for officials?

We discussed the budget today with Terry England (R-Auburn), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Monday on Political Rewind, developments in the case of Ahmaud Arbery over the weekend. State Attorney General Chris Carr formally requested the Department of Justice investigate the handling of the Arbery case.

We discussed the latest with former Attorney General Sam Olens and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.

Friday on Political Rewind, a brief look at the two month timeline that led up to murder charges this week in the case of Ahmaud Arbery. New developments draw into question decision-making at the local level. And, reports that the Trump administration shelved CDC guidance designed to give benchmarks for opening the country up.

Panelists:

Jim Galloway – Lead Political Writer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Andra Gillespie – Professor of Political Science, Emory University

Andy Miller – CEO and Editor, Georgia Health News

Karen Owen – Professor of Political Science, University of West Georgia

Thursday on Political Rewind, a metric that gives fresh perspective on how to view Kemp’s decision to reopen the state. The number of new people infected by each person infected by COVID-19 went down during shelter-in-place orders in Georgia.

How do the experts expect this rate to change now that restrictions have been partially lifted?

Wednesday on Political Rewind, the coronavirus pandemic is complicating an already arduous budget in Georgia.

The continuing cost of the state response, in addition to a loss of revenue and economic activity, has led Gov. Brian Kemp to last week call for significant cuts to all state agencies.

Tuesday on Political Rewind, though the next meeting of the state legislature is still a topic of debate, the main topic representatives will be discussing is almost certain; the budget.

Gov. Brian Kemp and legislative leaders told state agencies last week to plan on a 14% cut in their budgets.

Monday on Political Rewind, the challenges of holding elections amidst a public health crisis. We spoke to the current and former secretaries of state who joined us to talk about managing this year's elections amid the dangers of coronavirus.

Friday on Political Rewind, Gov. Brian Kemp lifts a shelter-in-place order for many Georgians across the state. His press secretary joins us to discuss the decision. Also, what will the political fallout look like for officials across the country as multiple states begin easing restrictions?