Parents aren't calling for book bans, and school boards aren't banning books. People who think that's what's happening don't understand the history and purpose of public schools.
This week’s Courier Herald column: For the second year in a row, the state of Georgia’s fiscal coffers are overflowing. Literally. The state’s rainy day fund is at its legal limit. Funds from tax revenues are still coming in above projection. There is still some federal Covid relief money yet to be spent. It’s an
This week’s Courier Herald column: Why the heck was Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in Davos Switzerland this week? Some that asked that question genuinely wanted to know the answer. To many in the populist wing of the Republican party, it was more of a statement, heavy with implied derision. In those circles, “Davos” is a
From a press release: ATLANTA – Today, the House Committee on Assignments, chaired by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington), announced committee leadership appointments for the 2023-2024 legislative session. “Our House has a strong bench of leaders ready to roll up their sleeves and go to work for the people of Georgia, and our committee leadership roster
This Week’s Courier Herald column: I made the move to writing columns for print newspapers and online publications 12 years ago this month. The goal, then and now, was to try to bring a view of state government’s operations and workings to Georgia’s voters, citizens, and taxpayers. Inherent in that goal but spoken less frequently
Rep. Jon Burns was officially elected by acclimation as the 75th Speaker of the Georgia House today. Speaker Burns had no opposition. A press release from the Georgia House states: “I am honored to have the trust and confidence of my colleagues in the House to serve as their Speaker,” said Speaker Burns. “My vision
I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of anything else that would draw everyone, from teenagers to geriatrics, to watch hours of CSPAN three days in a row. Americans are engaged. And a few Republicans are giving them what they want and need. Congress has had an approval rating in the teens for
This week’s Courier Herald column: It’s the first week of the New Year, and I’m already breaking one of my resolutions. Instead of sharpening the focus here on state and local political issues based on policy, the spectacle of trying to select a Speaker of the House in Washington has stolen all of our political
