Newsbreak

Blake Tillery headshot 1 683x1024

by Sen. Blake Tillery

Our work under the Gold Dome may be done for now, but my work for you isn’t. I’m back home in the 19th District, focused on doing right by you and your family.

This year, I had the honor of leading the Senate’s work on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. It’s a $38.5 billion plan built on the simple principle of living within our means and spending money where it actually makes a difference.

Here’s where that money is going:

We increased funding for the Teachers' Retirement System to keep it strong and solvent.

We’re putting $100 million into the Employees’ Retirement System, so state workers can retire with security.

We funded 900 new waiver slots for Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities—something families have been waiting on for years.

We’re investing $5 million to expand healthcare access in rural Georgia.

And we set aside resources to protect our number one industry—agriculture.

We also tackled a problem we can’t ignore… literacy. Right now, only about one in four kids in Georgia reads on grade level. That’s not acceptable, and this year we invested $70 million to put literacy coaches in every K-3 school and passed the Georgia Early Literacy Act. Our goal is to catch problems early and fix them before kids fall behind for good.

We also worked to put money back in your pocket.

We passed legislation to lower the state income tax rate down to 3.99% over time and increase the standard deduction. That means more of your paycheck stays with you, not the government.

On property taxes, we put real guardrails in place. Annual reassessments are now capped at 3% or inflation, whichever is lower. No more surprise spikes.

We also gave local governments new options—like FLOST and LHOST—that, if approved by voters, could cut property taxes in half or even eliminate them in most areas. That’s real relief.

On the policy side, we passed legislation to better support foster children with autism. This will give families the tools they need to provide proper care.

And we passed a bill to stop insurance companies from forcing providers into payment systems that tack on unnecessary credit card fees. It’s just common sense that more money should go to care, not processing fees.

Here’s a summary of some of the other highlights from this year’s session that I am most proud of:

HB 1000 – returns $1 billion directly back to Georgia taxpayers through a fourth, one-time tax rebate. Married couples filing jointly will receive $500, and single filers will receive $250.

HB 463 – this was the House version of my income tax bill. We didn’t get everything I wanted, but this bill will provide significant tax relief to Georgians by gradually reducing the state’s individual income tax rate from 4.99% to 3.99% and raising the standard deduction.

SB 33 – provides Georgia property tax relief with protections against unexpected increases in property tax bills by capping assessment increases at 3 percent or the rate of inflation.

HB 1199 – suspends the state gas tax for 60 days as oil prices spike, saving Georgians $400 million.

HB 1344 – takes a stab at making the insurance claims process fairer for consumers. We learned a lot as we watched insurance companies adjust claims during Hurricane Helene. I pray our neighbors never have to deal with this again.

HB 1085 – helps Georgia’s forestry industry by providing specific, limited-time income tax credits specifically for forestry manufacturing businesses in Georgia. This bill does what tax credits should do- it makes a specific attempt to jump-start new processes and markets for Georgia timber.

HB 1193 – tackles Georgia’s abhorrent 3rd-grade reading level. Currently, only 29% of Georgia’s 3rd graders read on grade level. This bill places literacy coaches in every K-3 elementary school and stops promotion of children to the next grade when they can’t read.

HB 1009 – makes all classrooms in Georgia cell-phone free. This eliminates a huge distraction we’ve heard from teachers.

SB 452 – supports our state law enforcement heroes in their retirement by increasing the state’s contributions to their 401(k) retirement accounts.

It’s also not lost on me that this will be my last session update as your Senator. Thank you for the support you’ve shown me, Ashlee Nicole, and our family over the past 10 years you’ve allowed me to serve you. It has been an honor of a lifetime. I hope my service to you is not done and only changes roles. But nevertheless, though session may be over, I’m still working. If you need help, have a concern or just want to talk, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for the joy of serving you.

Details: Written by Kathy Hilt; Category: Newsbreak; Published: 15 April 2026; Hits: 67

THE HACKER NEXT DOOR
One of largest hack attacks in U.S. history wasn’t carried out by a Russian crime syndicate or a team of professional scammers in South Asia. It was the work of a teenager toiling over a computer in his bedroom in Sterling, Massachusetts. Matthew Lane, who’s now 20, is headed to prison and has been ordered to pay over 14 million dollars’ restitution. His is not an isolated case, but Lane is now urging parents to keep closer tabs on their kids’ online activities.

HISTORIC TALKS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND LEBANON BEGIN WITHOUT HEZBOLLAH
Lebanon and Israel opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington, as fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants rocked southern Lebanon. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took part, joining the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the U.S. Hezbollah opposes the direct talks and won’t abide by any agreements made as a result.

TRUMP TELLS ABC HE'S CONFIDENT ABOUT DEAL WITH IRAN SOON
In a call with ABC News' Jonathan Karl on Tuesday, President Trump expressed confidence that a deal with Iran was coming soon. When asked whether JD Vance would be leading the next round of talks, the president seemed uncertain, but went on to praise the Pakistanis, saying the field marshal is "the primary point" and doing “a fantastic job of being intermediaries.” Trump also discussed the current blockade at the Strait of Hormuz and the price of oil; the stock market; and Viktor Orban's defeat in last weekend's election.

SWALWELL AND GONZALES RESIGN
The resignations of California Democrat Eric Swalwell and Texas Republican Tony Gonzales were made official when their letters to the Speaker were read aloud by the House clerk on Tuesday/ Swalwell's letter had him continuing to deny allegations now leveled by multiple women. The fact that a Republican and a Democrat resigned simultaneously means, for now, there'll be no impact on the balance of power in the chamber. Their seats will stay open until voters choose their replacements, at special elections.

MYSTERY IN THE BAHAMAS: WHAT HAPPENED TO LYNETTE HOOKER?
Brian Hooker, whose wife was reported missing in the Bahamas after going overboard on a dinghy, told ABC News he is staying on the island with his "sole focus" on finding her. Lynette Hooker, 55, of Michigan, has been missing for over a week, when bad weather caused Lynette Hooker to fall overboard -- that's what her husband told authorities. Brian Hooker was arrested on Wednesday and questioned by police but was released on Monday without charges. Overshadowing this story is the fact that the Hookers' marital history is fraught with claims of documented abuse. Rich takes a look at all the evidence and weighs in.

Details: Written by Jeff Raiford; Category: Newsbreak; Published: 15 April 2026; Hits: 221

Larry Calhoun STC Portrait Copy 3

William “Larry” Calhoun, President of Southeastern Technical College, has announced his retirement, effective July 1, 2026, following a distinguished career in education, public service, and military leadership.

Calhoun has devoted his life to serving his country and the people of Georgia through education.

“As he steps down as president of Southeastern Technical College, the institution — and the entire Technical College System of Georgia — is stronger, broader, and more impactful because of his steady hand,” said Greg Dozier, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia. “Over the course of his tenure, he has been a steady and respected leader, guiding the College through growth, strengthening partnerships across his region, and ensuring students have access to high-quality, workforce-aligned programs.”

Before Calhoun’s leadership within TCSG, he worked at the former Georgia Aviation Technical College as a classroom instructor, chief flight instructor, academic program chair, and vice president for academic and student affairs. Earlier, he served our nation for 30 years in the United States Air Force.

In his thirty-year military career, Colonel Calhoun flew combat missions in Southeast Asia, logged over 270 combat hours in Vietnam-era operations, commanded a flying squadron, served at the Pentagon, and retired in 1998 with over 5,000 military flight hours. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, and the Air Medal.

Rather than rest on those accomplishments, Calhoun walked out of his retirement ceremony and into a classroom the very next morning, beginning a second career in technical education. He rose through the ranks of Georgia's technical college system, served as president of Swainsboro Technical College, and became president of Southeastern Technical College in 2015.

“Larry has remained deeply connected to the communities he has served throughout his career. His commitment to service—whether in uniform or in education—has made a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and communities across Georgia,” said Dozier.

A native of Georgia, Calhoun was born in Vidalia and raised in Montgomery County. After graduating with honors from Montgomery County High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Under his leadership, Southeastern Technical College earned the TCSG College of the Year award, achieved SACSCOC reaffirmation of accreditation with no findings, and set enrollment records in both total and dual enrollment. He expanded career academy access so that seven of ten school systems in the College's service area now benefit from these transformative programs, investing directly in Georgia's future workforce. Calhoun has given Georgia more than fifty-eight years of service — in the skies above us, in the corridors of the Pentagon, and in the classrooms and boardrooms of technical education. His legacy is measured not only in institutional achievements but in the countless students whose careers and lives were shaped by the opportunities he championed.

Details: Written by Kathy Hilt; Category: Newsbreak; Published: 14 April 2026; Hits: 742

The Chambers of Vidalia City Hall was filled to capacity Monday night with most of those in attendance waiting to hear if the City Council was going to approve the rezoning of a large parcel of land on Larry Drive from agriculture to Planned Unit Development for moderately priced and sized homes to be built. The proposal had been approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and a public hearing had already been held.

Addressing Council one last time before the vote was Greg Crosby:

“This new proposal reduces the number of new homes from 69 to 50, and that’s a meaningful reduction and shows responsiveness,” Crosby said to Council. “However, it it not a question of this being a ‘better plan,” but rather does it meet the standards of what’s already there.”

Crosby went on to compare the differences there will be between the new home lot and home sizes, and said, “This is a planned development that will be built in phases. It’s been said that building will stop if more houses aren’t needed, but once you have 25 -30 homes already built, the damage has been done. I ask you tonight to please deny this request to rezone.”

Adding to what Crosby had to say was Councilman Loyd Mobley:

“I’ve lost a lot of sleep over this; most of us on the Council have,” Councilman Mobley said. “When I was elected, I said I was going to look out for my residents. I’ve had to weigh out the concerns of the citizens but also take into consideration what is best for the city as well. But I will be voted ‘no’ and against this request tonight.”

When the vote was called for, Mobley was the lone opponent and the Council voted 4-1 to approve the rezoning and at that point the dozens of current homeowners who had come to the meeting hoping for a favorable outcome, immediately left the meeting with some audibly voicing their disappointment in their elected officials.

Details: Written by Kathy Hilt; Category: Newsbreak; Published: 14 April 2026; Hits: 940

BPCU Sigma Zeta Chapter

Brewton-Parker Christian University recently celebrated the installation of the Gamma Psi Chapter of Sigma Zeta, the national honor society for science and mathematics. The effort to bring Sigma Zeta to campus was initiated by Dr. Justine Hardy, Division Chair for Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

The ceremony was led by Dr. Joe Burnell, Executive Director of Sigma Zeta, and marked the official establishment of the chapter along with the induction of its inaugural faculty and student members. The Gamma Psi Chapter launches with the support of eight faculty members and twelve student inductees. Professor Anna Reese will serve as the chapter's Faculty Advisor. Student leadership includes Arianna Conway as President, Kaylee Odum as Vice President, and Shelby Aiken as Secretary.

Dr. Hardy commented, “Our students have worked hard to reach this level of academic achievement, and this chapter gives them a way to be recognized while continuing to challenge themselves. I’m excited to see how this group will grow and what they will accomplish moving forward.”

Founded in 1925, Sigma Zeta brings together high-achieving students in science and mathematics to promote scholarship and advance scientific knowledge. The addition of the Gamma Psi Chapter at BPCU further reflects the university’s commitment to strong academic standards and to preparing students for impactful careers in the sciences.

Dr. Steve Echols, President of BPCU, said, “This is a meaningful step forward for our science and mathematics programs. It reflects the strength of our faculty and the dedication of our students, and it reinforces our commitment to preparing graduates who pursue excellence, think deeply, and serve faithfully in their calling.”

The establishment of the Gamma Psi Chapter provides students with new opportunities for recognition and engagement within their academic disciplines. The chapter is expected to play an active role in supporting student success and strengthening the university’s academic community in the years to come.

Brewton-Parker Christian University is the only accredited four-year Christian university south of Macon and north of Jacksonville, FL. As a comprehensive Georgia Baptist institution, Brewton-Parker Christian University offers liberal arts and professional programs in a learning community grounded in shared Christian values. Through the application of biblical truth in scholarship and a co-curricular focus on character, servant leadership, and cultural engagement, the university strives to provide a transformational experience that equips the whole student for lifelong learning and service in Christ.

Visit Brewton-Parker Christian University online at www.bpc.edu.