Atlanta Progressive News

From the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, regarding HB 481, which was previously covered on APN and APB: #### “Governor Perdue chose the fiscally conservative path and vetoed House Bill 481, preventing changes to Georgia’s tax code from eroding state revenues by $1.5 billion over the next three years, beginning July 1, and costing $438 million each year thereafter,” said […]

And here is Rep. Graves’s take on the matter: #### “While I understand the Governor’s concern and questions about economic theories, the type of tax cuts in HB 481 have been tested and proven to work both on the state and federal level. I remain convinced that the time-tested approach of lowering taxes on small businesses is always a good […]

As previously reported exclusively on Atlanta Progressive News, the US House failed to even consider a national credit card interest rate cap at 18% that had been proposed by US Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and others, as the amendment was skirted by the Rules Cmte. Well, at least the US Senate had the guts to consider a similar amendment, proposed […]

According to Rhonda Cook at the AJC, records of the Environmental Protection Agency show that ponds at coal power plants in Georgia pose serious health risks. #### The AJC reported: “Eleven coal waste and ash dumps in seven Georgia counties, including Cobb, pose a much higher risk of cancer and other health problems to people living nearby than was previously […]

Another gem, this time in the AJC’s business section.  Lisa Borders and Kasim Reed are splitting big developer support.  In terms of funding, Mary Norwood appears to be the grassroots, independent candidate, which is ironic given her supportfrom homeowners (a grassroots campaign of property owners?). AJC: “Shailendra Group CEO Shai Shailendra and executives from Carter and H.J. Russell & Co. […]

Activist Ben Howard has some serious concerns over the recent elections at NPU-R, which he circulated in a recent email to the YMCA requesting additional security.  Apparently, things have gotten so heated, citizens feel their safety is in jeopardy:  (FULL TEXT BELOW) #### TO: YMCA Administrators: I write this letter to request that, due to menacing statements surrounding a contested […]

According to an email sent to supporters of VoterGA, obtained by APN, the organization is raising questions about the conflict of interest posed by Karen Handel serving a Secretary of State during an election where she is also running for Governer, particularly when, because of electronic voting, there is no way of knowing whether votes are being counted accurately.  Of […]

Oh my! Some fascinating tidbits sent to me by a reader at the CDC who questions the statistics, as cited in Forsyth Republican Party Chairman Ethan Underwood’s letter to the editor of the Forsyth News: #### The problem is, homosexuality is a dangerous lifestyle.    Several studies over the last 15 years conclude the life expectancy for homosexual men and […]

The following email was received from Mayoral candidate, Councilwoman Mary Norwood, opposing Mayor Shirley Franklin’s proposed property tax increase.  (A call placed to State Sen. Kasim Reed’s spokeswoman was not immediately returned.) ### A new budget has been proposed for the City of Atlanta that will raise your taxes. For the last seven years I have sat on the Atlanta […]

Next time the DSCC asks you for a contribution, remember that 14 Democrats failed to support the Helping Families Save their Homes Act (Durbin amendment).  Oh look, and newly fashioned Democrat Specter voted no.  Lieberman and Sanders voted yea.  All Republicans voted nay.  3 absent including Kennedy; also Minnesota lacking a US Senator.  Bill failed 45-51. Max Baucus (D-MT) Michael […]

“Raising taxes on already hard-pressed Atlanta taxpayers must always be our last resort,” State Sen. Kasim Reed said in a statement issued to Atlanta Progressive News. “I will review the mayor’s budget proposal in detail prior to making any judgment. I have repeatedly made it clear that ending the furloughs for police officers and fire fighters must be our number […]

My sources on Capitol Hill tell me that, indeed, the Rules Cmte would not agree to a vote on the Hinchey 18% interest rate cap amendment.  Democrats were worried that either (A) Democrats would vote for the amendment, leading the full bill to pass without bipartisan support (who cares?), or (B) Democrats would not vote for the amendment, making them […]