Capitol Corner

Taylor Wilhelm is a political science, international affairs and criminal justice major with a certificate in Public Affairs Communications. She is a sister of Sigma Kappa where she volunteers and raises money for the Alzheimers Association. She is also a member of UGA Miracle where she volunteers and helps raise money for Children’s Healthcare of […]

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Georgians are still out of work with no end in sight. As of December 2020, the U.S. unemployment rate is 6.7% and Georgia’s is 5.6%, down from 5.7% in November and a high of 12.6% in April. The initial economic shutdown […]

Maeve Breathnach is a second-year Legislative Fellow pursuing an A.B. in International Affairs, an A.B. in Economics and minors in Spanish and Social Work. Seeing first-hand the inequities across her home county in high school led Maeve to intern at a legal aid society last summer. She joined the Fellowship to gain a better understanding […]

Young people spend most of their time in school. As a result, it is essential to ensure that schools are a nurturing environment that cultivates informed and active citizens. However, this vision of a safe, productive environment does not always match up with reality. Many students have fallen victim to the school-to-prison pipeline which disproportionately […]

Georgia currently holds the sixth-highest percentage of uninsured residents in the country, with almost one out of five Georgians lacking health insurance.[1] Even Georgians who currently have health insurance are affected by the state’s infamous ranking. When insured Georgians go to the hospital and are unable to pay, the cost of their visit is largely […]

Prisha Nandakumar is a second-year Legislative Fellow majoring in Biology and Psychology with a minor in Health Policy & Management. With aspirations of going to medical school, Prisha has gained experience on the clinical and medicinal sides of her field and saw the Fellowship as an opportunity to pursue the policy and legislative side. She […]

Richy Wagner is a third-year at the University of Georgia, studying Political Science, Sociology and Criminal Justice. He is also a theatre minor and has a certificate in Applied Politics. On campus, Richy is involved in Young Democrats. Through the Fellowship, he hopes to enact change in our government through climate advocacy, criminal justice reform […]

In early March of 2020, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was already striking large cities, namely New York. The effect of the strained American health care system on people’s access to medical care during the worst health crisis in modern history was evident. Legislative aid packages in the first few months of lockdown narrowed […]

From 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2018, Ontaria Woods waited in line at the polls in Snellville, Georgia. The governor’s race between Brian Kemp and Stacey Abrams was neck-and-neck, but statewide there had been voting machine malfunctions, shortages of batteries and power cords, and problems reading and processing ballots. Staggeringly long […]

Isabella Ristuccia is a fourth-year student majoring in Political Science and English. She is the Site leader for IMPACT, whose mission is to engage University of Georgia students in an affordable, substance-free, service-learning experience that facilitates the understanding of pressing social issues in an effort to develop active citizens. Isabella also works as a TA […]

Ellie Wilson-Wade is a second-year at the University of Georgia, majoring in Political Science and Journalism. She is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and hopes to attend UGA Law School to work in criminal justice after graduation. Through the Fellowship, Ellie hopes to gain professional skills, as well as learn more about the […]

On Jan. 9, 2021, the House of Representatives made history when they impeached former President Trump for a second time, making him the first president impeached twice in U.S. history. This unprecedented decision was made after President Trump’s involvement in the US Capitol riot, which took place on Jan. 6, 2021. On Jan. 6, Congress […]

“Despite hundreds of student requests for science-based programs and several parent-led initiatives for curriculum change, abstinence-based programs still dominate Georgia schools.”[1] The state of Georgia has a responsibility to inform and protect its young adults- a responsibility that is not being upheld to the highest degree. Instead, the controversy surrounding the implementation of sex education […]

Natalie Navarrete is a second-year International Affairs, Spanish, and Russian major with a minor in Latin American and Caribbean studies. In addition to the Fellowship, Natalie is an attorney and team captain for UGA’s nationally ranked Mock Trial competitive team. She is a member of the Demosthenian Literary Society and provides defense counsel for students […]

Kate Thompson is a third-year student majoring in international affairs with a minor in public policy and management. She is currently enrolled in the MPA Double Dawgs program and is pursuing a global studies and applied politics certificate. Kate is on the Executive Board for UGA Miracle as a Campus Outreach Co-Chair. Kate is also […]

Georgia’s dairy industry has been a key area of development in the last few decades and embodies the issues facing Georgia’s broader agricultural sector. Large supply chains, technological advancements and market volatility all loom over the sector, forcing change upon traditional methods of farming. Large Supply Chains Over the past few decades, the dairy industry […]

Veteran health care has long been an issue in Georgia. The Atlanta Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Decatur has struggled with unstable leadership and faltering quality, with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs giving it a 1-star rating. The Atlanta VA Medical Center is part of a larger network that receives the lowest patient satisfaction […]

Introduced on February 5th, 2020, Georgia House Bill 896 could have changed the lives of Dreamers in Georgia in the near future. This legislation allowed non-citizen immigrants to pay in-state tuition at any of Georgia’s public colleges and universities.[1] Many public universities that allow undocumented students on their campus mandate that they pay out-of-state student […]

Zarah Punjwani is a second-year marketing and international business major with a minor in French. After graduation, she hopes to work in the tech industry as a marketing director or creative brand manager. As a Public Relations fellow, Zarah aims to gain experience, memories and lifelong friends. Before joining the fellowship, Zarah served as a […]

This past summer, legions of people took to the streets of their cities, tense, masked, and six feet apart. They gathered to protest the recent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, as well as the other unarmed Black people who have died at the hands of law enforcement. Gathering under the general […]

The Georgia education system faces a real threat as teachers are flocking away from the profession and students battle test anxiety and learning loss. These problems stem from one issue: standardized testing. The System Georgia’s standardized test is the Georgia Milestones Assessment System, which tests students in elementary, middle and high school over the core […]

Georgia garnered national attention this recent election cycle for its newfound status as a battleground state, but the state also cycled through election headlines for another reason— problematic voting practices. During the June 2020 primaries, long lines and faulty machines plagued Georgia’s voting landscape. Many voters waited for hours to cast their vote and the […]

Micah Nix is a second-year political science and international affairs major pursuing a public affairs professional certificate in applied politics. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in public service and government. On campus, Micah serves as a SPIA Ambassador where she serves on the mentorship committee and the diversity and inclusion committee. She […]

Riley Grube is a second-year political science major with a minor in international affairs. She joined the fellowship to learn how to conduct policy research and write legislation, which will be vital to her career goal of earning a Master’s in Public Administration and becoming a policy analyst. In addition to the fellowship, Riley is […]

Compulsory Sterilization in ICE Detention Centers The United States has a treacherous history with eugenics that continues to specifically endanger Black, Hispanic, and Native American women. Last month, an ICE whistleblower brought forth allegations of forced mass hysterectomies performed on detainees, unearthing America’s ongoing perpetuation of the abuse of immigrants’ rights. On Sept. 14, Project […]

During the 2018-2019 school year, nearly 80,000 Georgia students in sixth through 12th grade considered attempting suicide, according to the School-Based Mental Health report.[1] The report also finds that nearly 40% of children have trouble accessing the mental health treatment they need. Undoubtedly, greater access to mental health resources at schools would be beneficial for […]

Charley Claudio is a fourth-year international affairs and economics major. This is her second year working as a legislative fellow. She was motivated to return to the fellowship to build upon her work helping Georgians. In addition to the fellowship, she is also involved with Women in Economics at UGA and has interned with Tradesecure, […]

Caroline Solomon is a second-year Russian and environmental economics and management major with a minor in environmental design. She is involved with a variety of organizations on campus, including the Roosevelt Institute, Model United Nations, Catholic Center at UGA and the French Language Community. After graduation, Caroline is interested in pursuing a career as a […]

Fifteen Percent Fifteen percent of the population of Georgia faces sanctions on their right to vote. While the right to vote constitutes an essential part of a functioning democracy, the promise of “liberty and justice” is, unfortunately, not “for all.” Human rights should not be subject to terms and conditions, yet certain felons in the […]

Vanisha Kudumuri is a second-year economics, international affairs and political science major with a minor in women’s studies and a certificate in legal studies. After graduation, she would like to pursue a career in women’s rights or reproductive rights law, potentially working for a public interest organization. As a Legislative Fellow, she hopes to learn […]

Georgia lawmakers are creating legislation that targets, dehumanizes and terrorizes its transgender community. On June 26, 2020, the Governor signed into law HB 426, more colloquially known as the Hate Crimes Bill.[1] Georgia was one of the last states to adopt a hate crimes bill. While this bill was a step in the right direction […]

Two biomass power plants in northeast Georgia have led to enormous fish kills, environmental investigations, legal battles, and adverse health effects for residents of Franklin and Madison counties, just northeast of Athens [1]. These wood-fired plants burn creosote-treated railroad ties to produce what is supposed to be clean energy [2]. The plants, owned by Alabama-based […]

Jalise Black is a senior at the University of Georgia double majoring in International Affairs and Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. She is a UGA Presidential Scholar. Jalise has served as Vice President of the Black Affairs Council and an Involvement Advisor with the Involvement Ambassadors. She has also receive an executive […]

Georgia’s sizable immigrant population greatly contributes to the state’s social and economic prosperity. Ten percent of the state’s population was born in another country, and 1 in 13 Georgians is a native-born U.S. citizen with at least one immigrant parent. Foreign-born residents comprise 40% of such agricultural occupations as foresters, fishers, and farmers in Georgia […]

As the novel coronavirus continues to take its toll on America, the debate surrounding mail-in voting has grown increasingly prevalent. Though the option protects the health and safety of Americans, it presents a long-standing issue in American history: voter suppression.  Mail-in, or absentee, voting can protect both voters and poll workers alike come November. For […]

The Georgia Department of Public Health has determined that implementing restrictions is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 [1]. Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2020, all residents and visitors to the State of Georgia will be required to shelter-in-place while practicing social distancing and sanitation in accordance with the guidelines published […]

WHAT IS IT?  The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, was signed into law on Friday, March 27, 2020 by President Donald Trump. The bipartisan bill is meant to provide emergency aid to individuals, families, businesses of all sizes, as well as hospitals and state governments [1].  The […]

Dionne Wareham is a senior majoring in International Affairs and minoring in French at the University of Georgia. She is a Cine Film Critic and a LEAD Diversity Fellow. Dionne serves as the Director of Volunteer and Alumni Experience at Designated Dawgs. As an Education Abroad Ambassador, she also serves as Vice President of Campus Outreach. […]

Madeline Moore is a third year pre-law international affairs and political science double major at the University of Georgia. She is a member of the personal development-focused sorority Delta Zeta and participates in UGA Young Democrats. Last summer, Madeline engaged in a service-learning Maymester at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Upon graduation, Madeline hopes to […]

Athens has been ranked the 4th most used transit system in the nation that follows only the New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. areas [1]. Athens-Clarke County is a leader in transportation services by efficiently serving all members of the Athens community including, but not limited to, those who are disabled or mobility-impaired, […]

As COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus, continues to spread, over 300,000 cases have been confirmed in the world [1]. The local, state and federal governments have announced and implemented plans to keep citizens safe. As of March 22, there were nine positive cases confirmed in Athens-Clarke County [2]. The Mayor and Commission unanimously […]

Charley Claudio is a third year International Affairs and Economics double major at the University of Georgia. Charley has been recognized as a Public Outreach Scholar and interns at the Carl Vinson International Center. She is involved with Women in Economics, a professional development organization in the Terry College of Business. Charley is also president […]

Community trails will help create many social, economic and health benefits for Georgians throughout the state.  Socially, trails create a safe and enjoyable environment for those who reside near the trail and those who visit the area. They can provide a space for group meetings, walks, bike rides and other communal activities In some cases, […]

Slashing dual enrollment funding and opportunities will hurt Georgia’s high school students and future workforce. Dual enrollment, a program with an enrollment of 52,000 students in fiscal year 2019 [1], is essential for increasing the number of high school and college graduates in Georgia, allowing more low-income students to obtain a college degree and benefitting […]

The adoption and foster care system in Georgia is caught in a tug of war between the past and the future. While some areas of adoption and foster care laws have improved in the state, others are in danger of regressing.  Kin Based Placements  Currently, anyone over the age of 25 in the state can […]

Buket Urgen is a sophomore International Affairs and Social Work double major at the University of Georgia. She is a member of Young Democrats at UGA as well as the Undocumented Student Alliance, a service and advocacy organization. Buket also serves as a Social Work Ambassador. Over the summer, Buket hopes to participate in a […]

After about a year of campaigning, the Democratic presidential primaries are happening now. The Iowa caucuses, New Hampshire primary and Nevada caucuses have shown just how much of a toss-up this election could be. What once was a field of 29 candidates has now become just eight. Each candidate has increasingly stepped up their game […]

Katie Morris is a senior International Affairs major minoring in Spanish at the University of Georgia. She is a recipient of the Hope and Zell Miller scholarships and has been honored on the Dean’s List. Katie has interned with Congresswoman Lucy McBath as well as Honduras Outreach Inc. in Atlanta. She is a member of […]

When MARTA hit its 40-year birthday in 2019, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms unveiled a new expansion plan, the “More MARTA” project. In a city that is projected to grow by millions of people over the next decade, it is vital that the city adapts its transportation network so that everyone can reap the benefits of […]

Saarah Amer is a senior Political Science major at the University of Georgia with a Public Affairs Certificate in Applied Politics. She is a Hope Scholar, a Clarke County Mentor, and a middle school tutor. Saarah has participated in IMPACT, a service program dedicated to fulfilling community needs. She has also directed political science research […]

Caroline Taylor is a senior International Affairs major at the University of Georgia. Caroline has served as a School of Public and International Affairs Ambassador. She is also a member of the political student organization Young Dems and the sorority Delta Gamma. Upon graduation, Caroline hopes to work in Washington, D.C. in policy.

Background Since its establishment in 1965, the government-funded healthcare assistance Medicaid, has been the subject of much praise and criticism. Though it has changed significantly since the 1960s, Medicaid continues to be a valuable resource for low-income citizens obtaining health services. In its current form, Medicaid is funded jointly by both the state and federal […]

In 2019, President Donald Trump withheld $250 million in aid to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative [1]. It was later discovered that senior officials in the Trump administration requested that Ukrainian officials investigate the dealings of Joe and Hunter Biden in Ukraine. These actions, as well as increasing pressure, led House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to […]

Jaaie Varshney is a second year Anthropology and Political Science double major at the University of Georgia. She is an Honors student, a Foundation Fellow and a member of the Dean William Tate Honor Society. Jaaie has served as a research assistant at Emory’s Center for Reproductive Health Research in the Southeast. She is also […]

Overview Each January, the Governor proposes two separate budgets. The first is an adjusted budget for the remainder of the current fiscal year based on tax revenue from the first six months. This is the adjusted FY 2020 budget, which will be in effect until June 30, 2020. The second proposal is the FY 2021 […]

Luke Chandler is a third year Economics major minoring in Political Science at the University of Georgia. He is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, the first professional business fraternity in America. Luke is also involved with Young Democrats of UGA. Upon graduation, Luke plans to attend law school.

It’s that time of the decade. Every ten years, the US Census Bureau sets out to complete a seemingly impossible task – to gather basic demographic data on everyone living in the United States. During the last census, in 2010, the effort employed 635,000 people to help collect data [1]. That number is expected to […]

Willie Daniely III is a third year Journalism and Political Science double major at the University of Georgia. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, where he serves as public relations director for the UGA chapter. Willie is also a member of the DiGamma Kappa Professional Broadcast Society. In the summer, […]

The United States is failing mothers. Over the past few decades, maternal mortality has been on the rise. Between 1987 and 2016, the number of deaths per live birth has more than doubled in the United States [1]. With an estimated 26.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, the United States now has the worst maternal mortality […]

Elena Gilbertson Hall is a high school senior at Clarke Central High School dual enrolling at the University of Georgia. Elena has been recognized as a Georgia Junior Champion Journalist, a Georgia High School Mock Trial Outstanding Attorney, and a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. She is president of the CCHS Young Democrats, editor-in-chief of the […]

Since the 1965 Voting Rights Act, various states have instituted policies and systems such as voter ID laws, poll closures, voter intimidation and gerrymandering that have limited the voting ability of many U.S. citizens [1]. Currently, one of the most significant threats to voting rights in Georgia is the ongoing efforts of public officials to […]

Ayah Abdelwahab is a second year at the University of Georgia with majors in International Affairs and Geography and a minor in Arabic. Ayah is a Presidential Scholar and a CURO Honors Scholar. She serves as a Public Service and Outreach student scholar and a staff writer for the Georgia Political Review. Ayah excels in […]

Georgia is a highly competitive business environment. CNBC ranks Georgia as the 6th best place to do business in 2019,[1] and Site Selections has ranked Georgia as the top business climate for seven years in a row.[2] The drivers of this success include an attractive cost of living, a strong logistics infrastructure and steady growth in metro […]

Anna Milukas is a third year political science major at the University of Georgia. She is involved in UGA Mock Trial and the Demosthenian Literary Society. Through the DLS, Anna serves as Alumni Relations Chair and has been awarded best inter-society debate speaker and most improved speaker. Anna will pursue a Double Dawg master’s in […]

Human trafficking can be defined as an exploitation of human rights by way of “compelling or coercing a person’s labor, service, or commercial sex acts. [1]“ It is a broad term that describes two different types of trafficking: sex trafficking and labor trafficking. This covert crime happens all over the globe and in each state in […]

Sophia Tarragó is a senior Economics and International Affairs double major at the University of Georgia. She serves as President of Habitat for Humanity and Director of Community Service of Alpha Gamma Delta, where she received the Dr. Tricia Barber Award. She is a member of the International Affairs Honor Society, Sigma Iota Rho. Sophia […]

As of November 2019, 33 states tax menstrual hygiene products as “non-essential goods,” whereas other hygiene products are generally granted tax exemptions due to their necessity. The sales tax imposed on period products is commonly referred to as the “tampon tax,” and it applies to all menstrual hygiene products, such as pads, tampons and other […]

Vivian Bridges is a junior Economics and Political Science double major at the University of Georgia. Her academic excellence has been recognized through the Dean’s list, the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society and the French National Honor Society. Vivian serves on the Finance Committee of UGA Mock Trial and is a member […]

Mennah Abdelwahab is a sophomore International Affairs and Journalism double major at the University of Georgia. She is involved in the Student Government Association, the Georgia Political Review, the Public Service and Outreach program. Mennah also writes for Infusion Magazine, a multicultural publication at UGA. As a Dean of Students Ambassador, Mennah is recognized as […]

WHAT’S THE ISSUE?  The link between poverty and education has consistently proven to be a deeply intertwined relationship. Studies show that high levels of poverty and lack of access to education can prohibit proper social, physical, and intellectual growth in the youth.[1] In Athens-Clarke County, the poverty rate is currently 28.3%, which translates to approximately 11,000 […]

On April 2, 2019, the Georgia Senate passed SR 153, designated as a Senate Study Committee on Revising Voting Rights for Nonviolent Felony Offenders.1 The committee will spend the rest of the year considering Georgia’s policies on felon voting and present their conclusions in December 2019. This is a step towards a less stringent approach […]

Jessica Pasquarello is a fifth year Double Dawg at the University of Georgia. She is pursuing a bachelor’s in Economics and International Affairs with minors in Arabic, Religion and Spanish and a master’s in Political Science and International Affairs. Jessica is highly involved at the University; she is a Student Government Association Senator-at-Large, a Carl […]

States around America are growing increasingly lenient on gambling. Along with online gambling, casino gambling has become more popular. The National Academics of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report discussing the social and economic effects of gambling in the United States. While casinos and other forms of gambling can bring in revenue and create […]

Kate Thompson is a sophomore International Affairs major at the University of Georgia. She serves as assistant chair on the UGA Miracle High School Outreach Committee. UGA Miracle raises money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Kate also sits on the New Member, Scholarship and Retention committees of Phi Mu, the second oldest female fraternal organization […]

Note: The following article contains language that some readers may find transphobic, homophobic, sexist, or otherwise offensive. Arguments and facts presented in this document intend to provide a complete account of the Stephens case and Georgia law and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author nor Spencer Frye. Discretion is advised.   R.G. […]

Julianna Isbitts is a sophomore at the University of Georgia double majoring in economics and political science with a minor in history. As a School of Public and International Affairs Student Ambassador, Julianna has served as director of the SPIA Student Mentorship Program. Julianna hopes to obtain an internship this summer. After graduation, she aims […]

Every year, taxpayers’ dollars invest in the future by funding public education. The educational system, particularly high school, is intended to help students enter college or begin their choice career. However, a 2018 report from the Georgia Department of Education’s College and Career Ready Performance Index gave the Clarke County school district a D grade […]

Richy Wagner is a sophomore double majoring in political science and theatre at the University of Georgia. He is a presidential scholar and a member of Phi Alpha Delta, the largest law fraternity in the United States. Richy is also a member of the UGA organization Young Democrats. Richy Wagner hopes to attend law school […]

The fetal heartbeat bill signed into law in early May has shaken up Georgians and the rest of the nation. Now, a new chapter to the saga takes place, as federal Judge Steve Jones blocked the law on Oct. 1. What It Is  Georgia was the fourth state to enact a fetal heartbeat bill law […]

John Tierney is a senior Finance and Political Science major with a minor in Classical Culture at the University of Georgia. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honor society in the United States. John has been involved with Relay for Life and UGA HEROs. HEROs helps children affected by HIV/AIDS. […]

The Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 213, also known as the Georgia Hemp Farming Act, last April. The bill legalizes the cultivation and processing of industrial hemp which creates products such as CBD oil, but only those licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) can do so. These licenses will be distributed when […]

Jeffrey Parmet is a sophomore at the University of Georgia majoring in Political Science with minors in French and Geography and an Urban and Metropolitan Studies certificate. Jeffrey is involved with the Demosthenian Literary Society where he operates as Hall Administrator and has received the Demosthenian Speaker’s Key. Jeffrey has also received the SPFFA Scholarship […]

National and state politics are at the forefront of media coverage. News feeds are flooded with the daily chaos of congressional and executive affairs. While federal policy dictates a large facet of our lives, local officials focus on the details. In government, there are no small parts. The Rep. Spencer Frye fellows were given an […]

 The protection and acknowledgement of Confederate monuments has long been a divisive issue both in Georgia and throughout the country. Georgia Senate Bill 77 amends the Official Code of Georgia annotated to actively protect all government statues and monuments, meaning that it prohibits the removal of monuments of Confederate War leaders or figures. The bill […]

On March 11, Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick announced her “testicular bill of rights” in response to Georgia’s “heartbeat bill,” HB 481. The legislation has five points:  1. Require men to get permission from their sex partner before getting prescription for Viagra or any erectile dysfunction medication  2. Ban all vasectomy procedures and punish those who perform […]

Marnagee Scott is a junior at the University of Georgia majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communications and a certificate in Applied Politics. On campus, Marnagee is an active member of Gamma Sigma Sigma, a national service sorority, and Phi Kappa Phi, an honor society. She has an impressive academic record, considering she […]

In wake of current controversy, the topic of medical marijuana has made its way to the state of Georgia. We have already seen some previous legislation begin to take effect in Georgia. The city of Atlanta has decriminalized possession of marijuana under a certain amount. Moreover, the state of Georgia has legalized medical marijuana or […]

Monique Sholeh Alavi is a Sophomore at the University of Georgia majoring in International Affairs with minors in Spanish and Criminal Justice. Monique published a book, Ameerah, through Amazon’s CreateSpace Publishing. She also conducted a comparative study on the correlation between the Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Iraqi Refugee Crisis during high school. Currently, she […]

Last year, the state legislature made great strides in bail reform in our state by passing a bipartisan bill requiring judges to consider an individual’s ability to pay when setting bail. This happened around the same time as Atlanta’s city council restricted cash bail on low level offenses. However, all of this progress is under […]

Hannah Weeg is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Public Relations. During her time at UGA, she raised a guide dog for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and has also held multiple leadership positions for her sorority (Delta Gamma). In the summer of 2016, she studied abroad in Tanzania where […]

Following an election that was shadowed with allegations of voter suppression, upholding the integrity of the Georgia’s elections and ensuring that all voters’ voices are heard was of utmost importance at the start of a new legislative session. Georgia gained nationwide attention after hour long lines were seen at some of the most populous polling […]

On March 7, a potentially historic bipartisan bill passed the Georgia House of Representatives, bringing it one step closer to possibly becoming law. This legislation, HB 426, would allow Georgia to finally join the ranks of 45 other states that have officially codified laws banning hate crimes.  ​Although the Georgia General Assembly passed a bill outlawing hate crimes in 2000, the law was […]

Rachel Thornton is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Public Health with a minor in Global Health. Outside of the fellowship, Rachel has been a dedicated UGA Miracle member as well as a Phi Mu Recommendations Chair. During her time at UGA, she took part in the prestigious Washington Semester Program and […]

House Bill 301 would give state money to cover the tuition and associated fees of some students whose guardians want to send them to private school. In short, it’s a voucher bill. It’s legislation that will take public tax dollars and divert them to private institutions. Any student that has been in one of Georgia’s […]

Emily R. Martin is a senior at the University of Georgia double majoring in Political Science and International Affairs. Emily is an integral part of the legislative team for the Representative Spencer Frye Fellowship and enjoys engaging with the local Athens community through the fellowship. On top of being a diligent student, Emily was also […]

Representative Spencer Frye has decided to revive House Bill 786 from the 2017-2018 legislative session. This bill will expand discrimination protections in the insurance realm to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Under current Georgia law, insurance companies are able to raise rates on these victims by classifying them as more risk-averse because of […]

For years now corporations have been deciding who is going to be in office and who is going to hold the power. In 2010, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission was taken to the Supreme Court. The now-landmark ruling declared that under the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment, the government cannot limit corporations […]

 Joshua Hudson is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Political Science along with a Public Affairs Professionalism certificate. Joshua has left a prominent mark at UGA considering he was a SGA Senator, FACS Ambassador, DSASAB Representative, Facilities Program Assistant for the Department of Recreational Sports, and he was also on the Sports […]

According to Georgia’s Division of Family and Children services, adoption is “social and legal process whereby an individual joins a family, earning the same rights and status as those born into that family.” It’s realistic to think that as long as the prospective adoptive parents are eligible and responsible, it should be a fairly easy […]

An excellent teacher can alter the course of any child’s life.  The wisdom teachers give to their students stays with them over the course of their lives, and helps them solve problems in their community. Therefore, it is vital for states like Georgia to equip teachers with everything they need to succeed. When a teacher […]