GDP Script/ Top Stories for Feb 20th     

Publish Date:  Feb 19th      

HENSSLER 15

From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.

Today is Tuesday, February 20th and Happy heavenly Birthday to Steely Dan co-founder Walter Becker.

***02.20.24 – BIRTHDAY – WALTER BECKER***

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are your top stories presented by Tom Wages Funeral Home

1. Search Underway for Gwinnett Teen Missing for Three Weeks Since Departing School
2. Proposed Georgia House Bill Seeks to Boost Demographic Diversity in Invest Georgia Fund Selection Process
3. Freedom to Drive Bill Introduced by Gwinnett Legislator

All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!

Break 1: TOM WAGES

STORY 1:Gwinnett Police Looking For Missing Teen Last Seen Leaving School Three Weeks Ago

The Gwinnett County Police Department is actively searching for Eva Virginia Cambron, a 15-year-old student from Lilburn, who has been missing for three weeks. She was last seen departing from McClure Science High School and was spotted running down Club Drive in the direction of Shackleford Road.

Cambron's disappearance was reported through the Gwinnett County Public Schools Police Department. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a grey hoodie, dark pants, and light-colored shoes. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighs approximately 115 pounds, and has long, dark hair and brown eyes.

Authorities are urging anyone with information on Cambron's whereabouts to come forward. You can contact the Gwinnett County Police or provide information anonymously via Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta.

STORY 2:Georgia House Bill Would Add Demographic Diversity To Invest Georgia Fund Selection Criteria

State Representative Darshun Kendrick, representing Lithonia, is championing House Bill 1138 with the goal of broadening the demographic reach of the Invest Georgia Fund. The fund operates as a "fund of funds", directing state resources into venture capital firms which subsequently invest in local businesses.

The proposed legislation by Kendrick introduces a new criterion to the fund's objectives - promoting investment diversity that mirrors Georgia's demographic diversity. The objective behind this initiative is to stimulate economic growth and generate job opportunities for a wider range of Georgians.

Presently, the bill is being deliberated by the Georgia House Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

STORY 3:Gwinnett Lawmaker Files Freedom to Drive Bill

In a move geared towards inclusivity and public safety, State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes, representing Duluth, has tabled Senate Bill 478, also known as the Freedom To Drive Act. This legislation aims to extend driver's license access to non-U.S. citizens in Georgia.

The bill proposes the provision of government-issued identification and driving authorization cards to immigrants, independent of their immigration status. The objective is to legally enable immigrants to drive, thereby enhancing public safety and fostering a more inclusive environment. This measure also seeks to allow them to contribute more effectively to Georgia's economy and societal fabric.

Currently under review by the Senate’s Public Safety Committee, the bill suggests an eight-year valid license for noncitizens and ensures non-discrimination during the application process. A variety of documents, including school IDs, employment IDs, and immigration-related papers like DACA approval letters, are deemed acceptable for this purpose.

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We’ll be right back.

Break 2: INGLES 6

STORY 4:Georgia Power objections cast long shadow over state lawmakers’ efforts to expand solar energy

In Georgia, there is a growing call for the expansion of community solar initiatives, which proponents argue could lower overall energy costs and broaden access to clean energy. However, these proposals face opposition from Georgia Power, the state's largest electric utility.

The legislative measures under consideration would permit developers to construct small solar arrays within Georgia Power's jurisdiction. This would allow customers to subscribe to a share of the electricity produced by these arrays and subsequently receive credits on their utility bills. Advocates insist that this initiative would particularly benefit renters and homeowners with roof areas unsuitable for solar panels due to shading.

Georgia Power counters this argument by suggesting that such a program could result in cost shifting to other consumers and potentially lead to confusion among ratepayers. Despite these concerns, supporters stress the urgency of expanding clean energy options in light of escalating energy costs and an anticipated energy deficit.

For these bills to progress, they need to pass at least one legislative chamber by the deadline on February 29.

STORY 5:Partnership Gwinnett Recognizes Local Companies For Creating New Jobs

In a significant boost to the local economy, eight firms in Gwinnett County collectively generated over 1,500 new jobs and made an investment close to $486 million last year, according to Partnership Gwinnett. The companies, which include Leuze Electronic Inc., NEMA Inc., and Northeast Georgia Health System, were recognized for their contributions at the Gwinnett Company Reception.

This event is dedicated to honoring businesses that have chosen to expand within Gwinnett or select it as the location for their new establishments. Deven Cason of Partnership Gwinnett highlighted how these companies are vital contributors to Gwinnett County's economic growth and community development.

In addition to acknowledging corporate contributions, Partnership Gwinnett also uses this occasion to recognize the efforts of nonprofit partners such as the American Cancer Society and Junior Achievement. Looking ahead, Partnership Gwinnett is preparing to host the Movers and Makers Awards in May, an event designed to celebrate the manufacturing and logistics industry within Gwinnett.

STORY 6:Hooper-Renwick Speaker Series To Feature Author Victoria Christoper Murray on Feb. 22

The Hooper-Renwick School, nestled in Lawrenceville and recognized as the only Black public high school in Gwinnett County prior to its consolidation with the Gwinnett County School System, is set to be transformed into a spacious 25,000-square-foot library. The project, which is financed by the Hooper-Renwick Memorial Programming Fund & Endowment with significant backing from Peach State Credit Union, seeks to uphold and celebrate the school's rich history.

In addition to this transformative project, a speaker series has been organized to honor the experiences and stories of Hooper-Renwick attendees. This series will kick off on February 22 at the Lawrenceville Arts Center with Victoria Christoper Murray, a celebrated author known for her New York Times bestselling works. The event will feature insightful discussions led by Murray and fellow author ReShonda Tate, as well as Hooper-Renwick alumni Joyce Moore and Dr. John Maxey.

STORY 7:Georgia House votes to expand paid parental leave for state workers

In a significant move, the Georgia House of Representatives has decisively passed House Bill 1010, a measure designed to enhance paid parental leave for state workers. Under the terms of the bill, the allocation of paid leave would be increased from the current 120 hours to 240 hours, equivalent to six weeks. This provision would be applicable following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

With a vote of 153-11, the bill received substantial backing. Speaker Jon Burns underscored the crucial role such legislation plays in supporting working families. Meanwhile, Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones stressed the importance of this expanded benefit in attracting and retaining employees.

Following this approval by the House, the bill will now proceed to the state Senate for further deliberation.

We’ll have final thoughts after this.

Break 4: HENRY CO SHERIFFS OFFICE

Signoff –

Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories, and get other great content at Gwinnettdailypost.com.

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