SUMMARY: The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission has proposed a $100 million relief plan for the state’s agriculture sector affected by Hurricane Helene. This funding will be sourced from the Capital Projects Fund included in the amended fiscal budgets for 2024 and 2025. The plan allocates $75 million for loans to the agriculture industry and $25 million for timber industry cleanup efforts. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones emphasized the significant losses faced by farming and timber communities. With agricultural losses estimated at $6.46 billion, this investment aims to support recovery and rebuilding efforts as the state collaborates with federal partners.

Read the full article

The post Georgia officials announce $100 million relief plan for farmers | Georgia appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: On Tuesday, Florida voters will decide on two important ballot initiatives—recreational marijuana legalization and abortion rights—alongside a competitive U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Rick Scott and Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Polls show Scott leading by narrow margins, with his support trailing behind that of former President Trump. Amendments 3 and 4 enjoy strong backing, with recreational cannabis at around 60% support, and the abortion rights amendment close to 58%. Both initiatives have raised significant funds, totaling $256 million, primarily from notable organizations and donors in the respective causes.

Read the full article

The post Senate seat, amendments on the line in Florida elections | Florida appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

SUMMARY: In Tennessee’s 2024 Student Mock Election, former President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn emerged as top favorites, securing 65% and 63.4% of votes respectively. Over 43,744 students from various schools participated, with Trump outperforming Vice President Kamala Harris, who garnered 35%. Blackburn surpassed state Rep. Gloria Johnson, who received 36.6%. This year’s mock election aimed to engage students in the voting process, a program initiated by Secretary of State Tre Hargett in 2016. Meanwhile, early voting for the actual general election saw a turnout of 45.88% of registered voters in Tennessee, slightly lower than 2020.

Read the full article

The post Tennessee students pick their favorites in mock election | Tennessee appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com