Author: Admin

The Georgia gas price average rose this week but remains under $ 3.00 compared to a week ago. Georgians pay an average of $2.97 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline (subject to change overnight). Monday’s state average is 3 cents more than a week ago, 19 cents less than a month ago, and 29 cents less than last year. It costs drivers an average price of $44.55 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gasoline. Georgians are paying almost $3.00 less to fill up at the pump than a month ago.

“Fuel costs were on a downhill slide, yet the anticipation of Hurricane Helene seemed to stir the waters,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA-The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “Prices at the pump ticked up a bit since everyone was eyeing Helene; however, the good news is that it missed the refineries in the Gulf. So hopefully, any impact on Georgia’s gas price average will be fleeting.”

AAA encourages drivers to take advantage of the money-saving gas tips listed below.

Nationally:

Pump Prices Pause as Hurricane Comes Ashore

Since last Monday, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline increased by 1 cent to $3.21 (subject to change overnight). According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose from 8.77 million barrels a day last week to 9.20. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks fell slightly from 221.6 million barrels to 220.1, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.8 million barrels daily. Tepid gasoline demand and low oil costs will likely keep pump prices sliding.

Regional Prices:

Atlanta- $2.97

The most expensive Georgia metro markets – are Savannah ($3.05), Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($3.02), and Brunswick ($3.01).

The least expensive Georgia metro markets – are Rome ($2.89), Dalton ($2.85), and Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.78).

Current and Past Price Averages (Regular Unleaded Gasoline) 

Money-Saving Tips for Drivers

• Shop around for gas prices. Drivers can check area gas prices on the Fuel Price Finder.
• Consider paying in cash vs. a credit card. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers with a credit card.
• Enroll in fuel savings programs.

Fuel-Saving Tips for Drivers

• Maintain your vehicle to ensure the best fuel economy. Find a trusted automotive facility at AAA.com/Auto Repair.
• Combine errands to limit driving time.
• Slow down. Fuel economy diminishes significantly at highway speeds above 50 mph. Drive conservatively and avoid aggressive driving. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy.

Traffic Safety Tip: AAA-The Auto Club Group “Move Over For Me” Campaign

“Drivers, if you see a disabled vehicle on the roadside while traveling, be courteous and Move Over,” said Waiters. “Remember the person who broke down could be you, a friend, a family member, a coworker, or a neighbor. Move Over for the safety of others and because it is the right thing to do!”                    

Capitol Beat is a nonprofit news service operated by the Georgia Press Educational Foundation that provides coverage of state government to newspapers throughout Georgia. For more information visit capitol-beat.org.

Tax relief will be on the Georgia ballot Nov. 5 in addition to the presidential race and various congressional, legislative and county contests.

Voters will decide two tax-related constitutional amendments the General Assembly passed this year as well as vote in a statewide referendum on tax legislation.

Having already rolled back Georgia’s income tax rate in recent years, the theme this year is property tax relief.

While the state does not levy property taxes, local property taxes are a sore subject under the Gold Dome, said Kyle Wingfield, president and CEO of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, a think tank that advocates free-market approaches to public-policy issues. 

“When you talk to legislators, what they hear from their constituents most in terms of complaints largely comes down to local property taxes,” he said. “Rising prices lead to tax bills that really drive people up the wall.”

Two of the three ballot questions deal with property taxes. A proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit local governments from raising residential assessments in a given year by more than the annual rate of inflation, even if a home’s market value has gone up more.

“Given the large increase in home values across Georgia in recent years, many school districts, cities, and counties have been able to count on a boost in revenue without raising tax rates year to year,” Lt. Gov. Burt Jones wrote this week in an op-ed. “This has resulted in large and often surprise tax increases for many homeowners.”

The proposal includes an opt-out provision for local governments. However, it requires any city, county and school district wishing to opt out of the property tax break to advertise its intent to do so and hold at least three public hearings.

“While this local option is an important feature of the proposal, it would be disappointing to see local governments utilize it without adequately listening to the concerns of the Georgians it would so greatly help,” Jones added.

If the constitutional amendment passes, local governments wishing to exercise the opt out provision would have until March 1 of next year to do so.

An “enabling” bill the General Assembly passed to accompany the constitutional amendment also gives local governments the option of levying a local sales tax of up to a penny to help offset the lost property tax revenue.

However, a county can impose the sales tax only if every city inside that county that levies a property tax agrees, said Todd Edwards, deputy director of governmental affairs for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.

The second property tax-related item on the ballot is a statewide referendum that would increase the exemption on personal property taxes from $7,500 to $20,000.

While the exemption would benefit all Georgians, supporters are pitching it as mainly aimed at small business owners.

“Small businesses already pay sales taxes on equipment, desks, and other property,” said Hunter Loggins, state director for the National Federal of Independent Business. “Raising the threshold for paying this tax would ease the financial pressure on employers struggling with inflation that continues to drive up the cost of owning and operating a small business.”

The third proposal is a constitutional amendment that would create a tax court in Georgia. Supporters say it would be staffed with judges who have expertise to decide cases related to the assessment and collection of state or local taxes. The same argument carried the day when Georgia voters approved the creation of the Statewide Business Court in 2018.

The Home Depot Foundation is committing up to $2 million to support immediate disaster relief in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

• Convoy of Hope and Operation Blessing are establishing bases of operation across the Southeast to distribute food, water, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, meals and more to impacted communities.

• World Central Kitchen has been distributing meals in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, while the American Red Cross has opened shelters to support more than 9,000 people in hard-hit areas.

• Team Rubicon and Inspiritus are conducting damage assessments to determine where they can support with debris removal from roadways.

• ToolBank Disaster Services and its affiliates across Florida are supplying tools and equipment to local organizations to support cleanup efforts.

Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force, is donating relief supplies to nonprofits, first responders and government agencies, and volunteers will be on the ground in the coming days and weeks to help clean up in local communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia, including The Home Depot’s hometown of Atlanta.

“Our thoughts are with the communities that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “The Foundation and Team Depot are working alongside our disaster relief partners to assist the people and areas impacted by this catastrophic storm.”

The Homer Fund, The Home Depot’s employee assistance fund, is providing immediate financial support to impacted associates in need of safe housing, food and clothing while displaced.

As companies scramble to manage external relationships and dynamics, they are losing sight of their most crucial audience: their employees.

A new study conducted by the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in partnership with Staffbase uncovers a startling truth: 61% of employees who are considering leaving their jobs cite poor internal communication as a factor, with 26% naming it a major cause. Alarmingly, 49% of managers admit they don’t know their company’s goals, underscoring widespread communication breakdowns.

“Talent shortages, shifting employee expectations, and the rise of AI-driven communication tools are increasing the need for organizations to get serious about internal communication,” said Frank Wolf, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Staffbase. “Our study conducted with USC Annenberg highlights a critical need for organizations to rethink their approach to internal communication or risk losing valuable employees.”

Key Takeaways:

• Effective communications retains talent:

  • 69% of employees who are satisfied with internal communication plan to stay in their jobs over the next year, highlighting the critical role of communication in employee retention. Meanwhile, only 29% of employees report being “very satisfied” with the quality and frequency of company communications.

• Employee happiness is tied to communication: Workers who are happy with internal communication are 46% more likely to be happier at work. This highlights the critical connection between engagement, morale, and the bottom line in competitive talent.

• Lack of clarity on company goals: While often Gen Zers say working for a company with a clear purpose is crucial, less than half (46%) understand their organization’s bigger picture.

  • This gap affects employee satisfaction, as 64% of those who are ‘very happy’ in their roles are also ‘very familiar’ with their company’s goals, objectives, and vision. Those most committed to the mission and goals of the company (67%) are significantly more likely to say they are likely to stay at their jobs than others (21%).

• Supervisors are key but often ineffective—or untrusted: Supervisors are the main channel for internal communication, yet only 49% of employees receiving messages from their supervisors are familiar with company goals. Even more concerning, just 56% of employees say they fully trust their line managers.

The rise of remote work and the increasing adoption of AI underscore the urgency of embracing more personalized communication strategies. This means understanding the evolving dynamics of work to personalize communication that resonates with employees’ individual needs and preferences.

“This study underlines the growing importance of internal communications as a business strategy,” said Fred Cook, Director of the USCAnnenberg Center for Public Relations. “Maintaining a constructive dialogue with employees can improve morale, increase productivity, build culture and retain valuable employees.”

To learn more and download the report, please visit here

 A new survey conducted by BadCredit.org, a leading financial resource helping those with subprime credit make informed decisions to brighten their financial futures, found that 27% of respondents do not review their credit report at least once a year. The study captured insights from 500 adults in the United States and sheds light on their understanding of financial concepts, credit management practices, and how they are navigating the current economy.

Survey Results Highlights:
The survey found common areas where respondents had little to no knowledge about foundational elements essential to a healthy credit score, in addition to how they are navigating the current economy riddled with high interest rates and inflation. Key findings include:

• Low Credit Utilization: Nearly 26% of respondents do not know the benefits of maintaining a low credit utilization ratio on their credit cards. The findings illustrate an opportunity for individuals to seek additional education on the benefits and pitfalls of credit card usage.
  
  
• Tackling the Cost of Living: As the cost of living continues to increase, 75% of respondents revealed they have reduced their spending, and nearly 41% admitted to withdrawing from savings to keep up. This response further emphasizes the financial sacrifices and pitfalls consumers are making to stay afloat in today’s economy.
  
  
• Financial Pivoting: Nearly 72% of respondents revealed that the current state of the economy has made them pivot their financial plans or goals. The finding shows that a significant number of Americans have reassessed or veered off the path of their financial journey during turbulent times.

“The findings of this survey should serve as an opportunity; rather, than a sign of discouragement,” said Bobbi Rebell, CFP® and personal finance expert at BadCredit.org. “The bottom line is we can learn something new about money each day, and it’s encouraging to see how much opportunity exists to help others make better-informed decisions and determine the right next steps so they can get back on track with their financial goals – especially in today’s economy.”

The latest study uncovers the need for financial education on a range of topics, above all the basics of credit management practices and staying informed on credit scores. BadCredit.org provides those with subprime credit expert insight from their panel of financial experts and resources so they can inform themselves and make the best credit decisions for their financial future. To learn more, visit www.badcredit

 A new survey conducted by BadCredit.org, a leading financial resource helping those with subprime credit make informed decisions to brighten their financial futures, found that 27% of respondents do not review their credit report at least once a year. The study captured insights from 500 adults in the United States and sheds light on their understanding of financial concepts, credit management practices, and how they are navigating the current economy.

“This latest survey reveals a concerning number of Americans are not practicing financial wellness or keeping up with basic financial habits such as credit management,” said Erica Sandberg, a consumer finance expert with BadCredit.org. “Financial education often takes a backseat in our society, which leads to learning about the fundamentals, and how to handle tough situations once we’re already in trouble. In fact, not checking your credit score may seem minor but it can lead to bigger problems, including missed opportunities to improve your financial situation or a chance to address issues as they arise, like fraud.” 

Survey Results Highlights:
The survey found common areas where respondents had little to no knowledge about foundational elements essential to a healthy credit score, in addition to how they are navigating the current economy riddled with high interest rates and inflation. Key findings include:

• Low Credit Utilization: Nearly 26% of respondents do not know the benefits of maintaining a low credit utilization ratio on their credit cards. The findings illustrate an opportunity for individuals to seek additional education on the benefits and pitfalls of credit card usage.
  
  
• Tackling the Cost of Living: As the cost of living continues to increase, 75% of respondents revealed they have reduced their spending, and nearly 41% admitted to withdrawing from savings to keep up. This response further emphasizes the financial sacrifices and pitfalls consumers are making to stay afloat in today’s economy.
  
  
• Financial Pivoting: Nearly 72% of respondents revealed that the current state of the economy has made them pivot their financial plans or goals. The finding shows that a significant number of Americans have reassessed or veered off the path of their financial journey during turbulent times.

“The findings of this survey should serve as an opportunity; rather, than a sign of discouragement,” said Bobbi Rebell, CFP® and personal finance expert at BadCredit.org. “The bottom line is we can learn something new about money each day, and it’s encouraging to see how much opportunity exists to help others make better-informed decisions and determine the right next steps so they can get back on track with their financial goals – especially in today’s economy.”

The latest study uncovers the need for financial education on a range of topics, above all the basics of credit management practices and staying informed on credit scores. BadCredit.org provides those with subprime credit expert insight from their panel of financial experts and resources so they can inform themselves and make the best credit decisions for their financial future. To learn more, visit www.badcredit.org.

Hurricane Helene moved out of Georgia Friday morning, leaving in its wake 11 dead, toppled trees that caused widespread power outages and massive flooding.

The storm took a different path than had been anticipated, Gov. Brian Kemp told reporters during a late-morning briefing at the State Operations Center in Southeast Atlanta. Rather than heading straight north out of the Valdosta area, Helene veered northeast to Augusta, leaving West Georgia with less damage than had been expected.

“We caught a little bit of a break for some parts of the state,” Kemp said.

But the corridor from Valdosta to Augusta suffered extensive damage, with hurricane-force winds of up to 100 miles an hour reported in Alma, Kemp said.

First responders are working to rescue people trapped inside their homes, Kemp said. One of those killed was a first responder, the governor said.

“One of our finest has lost his life trying to save others,” he said.

Flooding is so extensive in Northeast Georgia that authorities ordered a release of water at Lake Rabun. Homes downstream from the reservoir are being evacuated, said Chris Stallings, director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

Some of the worst property damage occurred in the Valdosta area, with 115 structures heavily damaged. Kemp said the South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta is without power because its emergency generator was hit by a fallen tree.

“Our priority is getting to medical facilities that need help and don’t have power,” Kemp said.

The state Department of Transportation reported at least 152 road closures, including stretches of Interstate 16 in Laurens County and I-20 in McDuffie County.

The ports of Savannah and Brunswick are operating but with limited service, Kemp said.

Georgia Power and the state’s Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) reported more than 1.1 million without power as of late Friday morning.

Seventeen shelters were open across the state housing 1,100 people, the governor said.

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper said farms and ranches east of Interstate 75 suffered significant damage, including flattened poultry houses and damage to row and nut crops. He said farmers and ranchers must document their losses in order to receive state and federal assistance.

“We need as much information as possible to make sure we get the needed resources,” Harper said.

Maj. Gen. Richard Wilson, commander of the Georgia National Guard, said about 500 soldiers and airmen have been deployed across the state to help clear debris and transport critical supplies including generators, food, and water to areas in need.

Kemp said the damage is so extensive it will take time to assess the extent. But he said the widespread nature of the damage recalled Hurricane Michael, which roared through South Georgia in 2018.

“This is going to be monetary-wise as big or bigger than Michael,” he said.

Kemp urged Georgians not to take unnecessary trips and, if they do go out, to watch out for fallen trees and flooded roads.

“Try to give us a little bit of space out there,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Capitol Beat is a nonprofit news service operated by the Georgia Press Educational Foundation that provides coverage of state government to newspapers throughout Georgia. For more information visit capitol-beat.org.

Georgia Power’s restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene continued Sunday, with the company having restored service to approximately 690,000 customers since the start of the storm. This rapid response has been possible through the implementation of new “smart grid” technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so on Crews continue to navigate treacherous conditions including extensive tree and flooding damage, as well as road closures. As of midday Sunday, efforts are fully underway to restore power to approximately 425,000 customers who remain without power due to the storm. Additionally, there is the potential for further damage and power outages that could occur due to the saturated ground and weakened trees.

Georgia Power has determined Hurricane Helene was the most destructive hurricane in its history damaging infrastructure across the state. Initial damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:

• 5,000+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced
• 9,000+ spans of wire equivalent to an estimated 425 miles
• 500+ transformers
• 1,500+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power

Georgia Power appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families following this historic storm. As the company anticipated and announced before the arrival of the storm, restoration efforts will take multiple days into this next week. Georgia Power continues to post updated estimated restoration times (ERTs) for communities on its Outage Map. As of Sunday, restoration efforts have been largely completed in areas such as Metro Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Rome and Albany, while work continues in the hardest hit areas across the state.

The company will continue to post updated information throughout the remainder of the restoration process and will make every effort to return power to customers sooner than expected. Customers are encouraged to check the Outage Map often for the latest information and not rely on possibly inaccurate details they may see from non-company sources.

The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system and currently has more than 15,000 personnel engaged in response, including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company’s response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.

Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response 
Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.

Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company continues to acquire additional off-system resources to aid in response.

As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:

• Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road – it’s the law in Georgia.

• Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.

• Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines – it can kill.

• Don’t step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.

• Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.

• Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power. 

Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed

• Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.

• Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.

• Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.

• Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.

• @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter) – Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is undertaking a massive move today.

Their new facility, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital, opened at 7 a.m. and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston Hospital officially closed.

Read More at Yahoo! News.