Politics Archives - Page 10 of 12

Feds: All legal same-sex marriages recognized for federal tax purposes

August 29, 2013 Express Telegraph

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today ruled that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes. The ruling applies regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage. The ruling implements federal tax aspects of the June 26th Supreme Court decision invalidating

Survey: Snowden seen as most scandalous among headline-grabbers

August 29, 2013 Express Telegraph

Scandals hit the news year round, but it always seems as though at least a few come our way during the summer. This summer has been no exception, with headlines regaling us all with news of everything from Paula Deen’s dismissal from the Food Network in the wake of allegations of racism to Major League Baseball’s internal battles against performance enhancing drugs to Anthony Weiner’s, well… communication habits. But what’s 2013’s “Scandal of the Summer?”

John Lewis: ‘I do not agree with what Mr. Snowden did’

August 9, 2013 Caboose Chronicle

U.S. Rep. John Lewis says he does “not agree” with the actions of hacker Edward Snowden.

Georgia should be the beige state, not a red state

November 7, 2012 Todd DeFeo

ATLANTA – Georgia may be a red state all the way, but its color might as well be beige. Expected to have at least a few interesting – closely contested, that is – elections, the state on Tuesday further entrenched itself as a Republican mainstay. Especially at the state level. After a quick look at Tuesday’s election results, one could argue the state’s current congressional districts are perfectly drawn for incumbents. Consider this fact: In

Georgia voters say yes to charter schools, Romney

November 7, 2012 Todd DeFeo

ATLANTA — Georgia voters on Tuesday approved an amendment to the state constitution that gives a state commission the power to authorize public charter schools upon the request of communities. Under the amendment, which appeared headed toward approval with more than 58 percent of voters casting ballots in favor of the measure, the State Charter Schools Commission would have the power to review charter school petitions and “ensure that charter schools are consistent with state

‘Black market tobacco sales create unfair competition’

March 16, 2012 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives last week passed a measure aimed at decreasing the sales of so-called “black market” cigarettes and cigars in Georgia. HB 1071, sponsored by state Rep. Penny Houston, R-Nashville, eliminates the lifetime license for retail sales of tobacco. Instead, the measure would, if signed into law, create a one-year license for tobacco merchants. The measure, which is now in the state Senate, would set penalties for tobacco illegally brought

Campaign signs? Election season is here

November 8, 2011 Todd DeFeo

They appear every election season – in front yards, on street corners and in abandoned lots: campaign signs.

State lawmakers return next week for special session

August 12, 2011 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — State lawmakers will return to the Gold Dome on Monday as part of a special session primarily aimed at finalizing new districts for the state House and Senate and congressional districts. Georgia is gaining a 14th seat in Congress following last year’s Census. Other items on the docket for the special session include “technical changes” — as Gov. Nathan Deal’s office put it in a news release — to next year’s TSPLOST referendum and

Deal officially calls for special session

August 10, 2011 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal, joined by House Speaker David Ralston and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, today issued the call for the 2011 special legislative session. The special session is set to convene at 10 a.m. on Monday, and will include redistricting of the Georgia House and Senate and congressional districts, technical changes to next year’s TSPLOST referendum and ratifying the governor’s gas tax rate freeze.

State committee to review open records law

August 5, 2011 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — The state House Judiciary Committee is set to discuss proposed changes to the Georgia’s open records and meetings laws, Attorney General Sam Olens said this morning. The committee will be meeting Aug. 30 to discuss House Bill 397, which was introduced late in this year’s legislative session. The committee will meet at the end of a special session to draw new Congressional district maps as part of this year’s redistricting process. According to