WABE's Week in Review: Teachers and state employees set to get $1k bonus, Georgia power bills going up again

December 23rd, 2023

The five Republican members of the Georgia Public Service Commission discuss a rate increase for Georgia Power Co. to pay costs at the utility's Vogtle nuclear power plant on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 in Atlanta. Commissioners voted 5-0 to let the utility raise rates once Vogtle's fourth nuclear reactor begins commercial operation. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Regulators have unanimously approved an additional 6% rate increase to pay for remaining costs at Georgia Power Co.’s Plant Vogtle, which is projected to add $8.95 a month to a typical residential customer’s current monthly bill of $157.https://t.co/h1ioGjCj6E
— WABE News (@wabenews) December 19, 2023

Teachers/ state workers get a bump…

$1,000 Pay Supplement For State Employees & Educators

Governor Brian Kemp and state leaders announce a one-time supplement for state employees, public school teachers and staff, along with University System of Georgia employees. Goal is to have them out by end of year. #gapol pic.twitter.com/9WUvGpuTLn
— Rahul Bali (@rahulbali) December 18, 2023

Voting and majority-minority “coalition districts”…

Today, Georgia’s political maps are back in court as a judge weighs whether the new districts comply with his order.

The process has also spurred another debate over the Voting Rights Act’s scope: does it protect majority-minority “coalition districts?”https://t.co/vtt16a3Lea
— Sam Gringlas (@gringsam) December 20, 2023

Year in review!

✨2023 was a big year at WABE. We turned 75, launched WABE Studios, and the WABE Newsroom continued to cover the critical issues Atlantans care about most. Here are a handful of stories, photos, television and podcasts we think stand out from this year. ✨https://t.co/GpG2HMpsOT
— WABE News (@wabenews) December 13, 2023

Also in this episode…

–Sam Gringlas reported on the bankruptcy of Rudy Giuliani.

–DorMiya Vance told us more about the plan by police in South Fulton to incorporate the use of artificial intelligence in what officials say is a move to increase efficiency in the department.

–The Political Breakfast team spars over the electability of Kamala Harris.