Georgia NOW News for Saturday Jan. 17 and Sunday Jan. 18, 2026

Georgia lawmakers are weighing major policy shifts after Gov. Brian Kemp used his final State of the State address to propose a historic $325 million investment in needs-based college aid. The DREAM scholarship would help students who do not qualify for HOPE afford public colleges and technical schools, while Kemp also called for a new round of tax rebates, a state employee bonus and an income tax cut. At the same time, many Georgians are facing sharply higher health insurance costs after enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expired, hitting early retirees and small business owners especially hard. At the Capitol, Democrats are pushing legislation that would require ICE agents to display identification during arrests, as debates over immigration enforcement continue. Conservation advocates and lawmakers gathered for Keeping Georgia Wild Day, spotlighting efforts to expand outdoor and environmental learning in Georgia schools and amplify student voices through statewide art initiatives. In coastal Georgia, nonprofits will receive nearly $1 million to expand preventive health care services funded by the sale of Savannah’s former nonprofit hospital. Looking ahead to the 2026 session, Atlanta leaders outlined legislative priorities ranging from airport governance to AI-related crimes, while a second Democrat has entered the race for lieutenant governor. Tune in 24/7 to Georgia NOW! Grab the app or listen online at heargeorgianow.com. #HearGeorgiaNow #GeorgiaNowNews #GeorgiaNews #GaPol #StateOfTheState #EducationFunding #DreamScholarship #HealthCareCosts #ACA #KeepingGeorgiaWild #ImmigrationPolicy #AtlantaNews