Category: GBPI In The News

Efforts to Raise “Tobacco Tax” in Ga.

Is an increase in Georgia’s “tobacco tax” the answer to reducing smoking rates as well as tobacco-related health care expenses? GBPI’s Laura Harker joined Closer Look with Rose Scott to discuss her report that said a raise in Georgia’s tobacco excise tax

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Incarceration costs millions of tax dollars

Reformers emphasize the human costs and the racial inequities of mass incarcerations in the United States and Georgia. But saving taxpayer money was also a big reason state officials starting considering reforms to the criminal justice and judiciary systems. Read

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Tax break could benefit working poor in Georgia

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal break for the working poor. Georgia could improve the health of lower-income residents by adopting a state version to go along with the federal one, according to the report from the Georgia

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New tax break urged for working poor in Georgia

Tax credits and health care have recently occupied a prominent place in Georgia politics, thanks to the success of a program that helps rural hospitals. But there’s another potential tax credit that could have a positive impact on health in

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Costs of immigration enforcement largely untracked

ATLANTA – Most Georgia counties do not keep track of how much local taxpayer money goes toward their part in carrying out enhanced immigration enforcement, but the costs are likely substantial, according to a new report. Read the full article

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Critical SNAP Updates

The Georgia Department of Human Services has clarified that SNAP recipients can use their EBT card with any unspent SNAP benefits in November.  

DHS states: “Households may continue to redeem benefits issued to their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card prior to Nov. 1, 2025, at any SNAP authorized retailer.” 

However, as DHS reported before, the November SNAP benefits will be suspended until federal funds are available. 

If you are in need of food, you can find a local food bank here 

Submit your comment on the Georgia Pathways to Coverage Program

Submit public comment on Georgia’s Pathways to Coverage program extension by February 20th – just complete this easily fillable form: