GDP Script/ Top Stories for Jan 14th    

Publish Date:  Jan 12th     

HENSSLER 15

From the Henssler Financial Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.

Today is Sunday, January 14th and Happy 54th Birthday to Foo Fighters Dave Grohl.

***01.14.24 – BIRTHDAY – DAVE GROHL***

I’m Bruce Jenkins and here are your top stories presented by Kia Mall of Georgia.

1. Gwinnett's Gas South Arena Earns National Recognition
2. Governor Brian Kemp's Proposed FY2025 Budget Includes $2,500 Raise for Georgia Teachers
3. Gwinnett Commissioners Pave the Way for Transit Referendum

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: MOG

STORY 1: Gwinnett's Gas South Arena Earns National Recognition

Gas South Arena, marking its 20th anniversary, received national recognition by ranking No. 23 among venues with a 10,001 to 15,000 capacity. In 2023, the arena had its highest-grossing year, with nearly 700,000 attendees at 117 public events. Highlights included hosting the SEC gymnastics championships, two sold-out Zach Bryan shows, the first e-gaming event "Blast Rainbow," and celebrating 20 years as the home of the Atlanta Gladiators. The arena is set to host the Atlanta Vibe professional volleyball team, continue with the Atlanta Gladiators, and feature events like Bulls, Bands and Barrels and the Jurassic World Live Tour in 2024.

STORY 2: Georgia teachers would get $2,500 raise under Gov. Brian Kemp's proposed FY2025 budget

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has proposed a 4% cost of living adjustment for state employees and a $2,500 salary increase for K-12 teachers and certified employees in the 2024-2025 school year. The governor aims to attract and retain employees in vital roles through this pay increase. Kemp's budget proposal also includes updating the pupil transportation funding formula, allocating nearly $205 million for this purpose. Additionally, he has earmarked $104 million to establish an annual school security grant program to address security needs in schools. The Professional Association of Georgia Educators praised the salary increase and transportation funding but expressed opposition to school voucher proposals.

STORY 3: Gwinnett Commissioners On the Road to Transit Referendum. Here's What We Know

Gwinnett County commissioners are taking steps toward a referendum on the county's transit system in November. A vote is planned for May to officially call for the referendum on the November ballot. If approved, the referendum would ask voters whether a 1% special sales tax should fund transit expansion, replacing property taxes with sales tax revenues. The new transit plan focuses on buses, microtransit, and bus rapid transit, excluding rail expansion. The plan includes an "Airport Ride" bus service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The vote follows two previous rejections of transit expansion referendums in the last five years.

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We’ll be right back

Break 2: GCPS – TOM WAGES

STORY 4: Gwinnett Chairwoman, Peachtree Corners Mayor taking on ARC leadership roles

Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson and Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason have assumed key roles in the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). Hendrickson will serve as the board's treasurer and chairwoman of the Budget and Audit Review Subcommittee. Mason has been appointed as a co-chairman of the Advisory Committee on Aging. The ARC board, representing 11 counties, focuses on regional issues and priorities. Under the leadership of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, the ARC aims to address federal infrastructure efforts, enhance emergency preparedness funding, and tackle ambulance response time disparities in the metro area, with a focus on the south metro region.

STORY 5: Kemp endorses school vouchers push

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp urged lawmakers to pass a private school vouchers bill during his State of the State address. The bill aims to provide $6,000 scholarships for students in low-performing schools to attend private schools. The Senate passed a similar bill last year, but it faced opposition in the House. Critics argue that vouchers divert tax dollars from public schools, with concerns raised by Democrats and rural Republicans. Governor Kemp emphasized the need for an inclusive approach to education, acknowledging public, private, homeschooling, charter, and other alternatives. The push for private school vouchers aligns with Kemp's broader education and spending proposals.

We’ll be back in a moment

Break 3:  DTL – ESOG

STORY 6: How many months out of the year do Americans feel their best?

A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that Americans have lost 26 hours with loved ones, missed eight social events, and canceled nine dates due to not feeling their best over the past year. The average American feels their best only about 15 days each month. The top three reasons for feeling unwell are lack of sleep (43%), stress (43%), and illness (22%). Employed respondents estimate missing four days of work and spending four full days in bed due to sickness in the past year. Concerns about missing experiences with loved ones outweigh worries about work for 46% of respondents.

STORY 7: Autistic dad and daughter trek over 1,000 miles for charity

A father-daughter duo, both with autism, have embarked on a year-long journey to complete Scotland’s Great Trails, covering over 1,000 miles and raising £4,000 for Scottish Autism. Ian Alderman, 43, and his nine-year-old daughter, Eve, had previously completed a walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 2022, raising £20,000. Their current challenge aims to challenge stereotypes about autism and fundraise for Autism Scotland. The family has documented their progress online under “Our Spectrum Adventures,” sharing tips and updates. The duo hopes to complete the remaining 800 miles by March 2024 and reach their target of £10,000.

We’ll have final thoughts after this.

Break 4: INGLES 5 – Henssler 60

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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