Donna Lowry
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Journalist. Host: Lawmakers on GPB. Owner: Donna Lowry Communications. Leader: @GirlScoutsATL Fan: @steelers
Articles by Donna Lowry
Inside Jan Jones' Historic Tenure in the Georgia General Assembly
Outgoing Georgia Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones delivers a heartfelt farewell after more than two decades in the Georgia House. Jones reflects on her unlikely path into politics, the lessons she learned navigating legislation, and her commitment to expanding opportunities for Georgia's future generations. This episode offers insight into leadership, public service, and the evolving culture of the Georgia General Assembly. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
Fentanyl Laws, NIL Reform, and Tenant Rights
Georgia lawmakers Dewey McClain and Josh McLaurin join us to break down major legislative issues, from fentanyl trafficking laws to student athlete NIL protections and housing policy. McLaurin discusses efforts to ensure drug laws target traffickers without criminalizing addiction, while McClain shares his work on fair pay and protections for young athletes. This episode offers a closer look at how decisions at the Capitol impact your daily life across Georgia.
The Fight to Support Rural Georgia Communities
Georgia lawmakers Bill Werkheiser and Carden Summers join us to discuss the challenges facing rural communities, from hospital closures to economic incentives aimed at keeping young people local. They share insights into proposed legislation, including the Rural Incentive Act and efforts to stabilize struggling hospitals. This conversation offers a closer look at how policy decisions under the Gold Dome impact rural Georgia and your community.
Georgia Budget Explained: Tax Cuts, Surplus Spending, & What It Means for You
Georgia lawmakers break down the state's amended and upcoming budgets, explaining how billions in tax revenue are allocated and what proposed income tax cuts could mean for your wallet. You'll hear how education, mental health, and property tax relief are shaping spending priorities, along with insights into surplus funds and economic pressures. This episode helps you understand how state budget decisions directly impact your daily life in Georgia.
New Georgia Bills on Hidden Fees, Hotel Scams, and Voting Rights
This episode breaks down new Georgia legislation focused on consumer protection and voting access. Senator Sonya Halpern discusses bills targeting hotel booking scams and hidden fees, while Senator Randall Mangham outlines proposals to expand voter participation. This episode of Lawmakers: Spotlight explains how these policies could impact your money, your vote, and Georgia's economic fairness. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
Inside Georgia's Push to Regulate Social Media and AI for Kids
In this episode of Lawmakers: Spotlight, we take a closer look at how Georgia legislators are responding to rising concerns about social media's effects on children. Senator Sally Harrell and Representative Todd Jones discuss months of testimony gathered by a state study committee focused on social media, artificial intelligence, and platform accountability. What emerges is a sobering picture of how digital platforms are shaping young lives.
Georgia Lawmaker Todd Jones on AI, Robots, and the Future of Work
Georgia Representative Todd Jones, chairman of the House Committee on Technology and Infrastructure Innovation, joins the show to discuss how artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, and automation could reshape Georgia's workforce, education system, transportation, and agriculture. Jones discusses the need for rapid workforce upskilling, emerging technologies like autonomous transit and air taxis, and how the state hopes to lead the nation in innovation.
Rep. Casey Carpenter on Homelessness Prevention and Free Speech in Music
Homelessness is rising across Georgia, and lawmakers are debating new ways to address the crisis before people lose their housing. In this episode, Representative Casey Carpenter discusses a proposal to prevent homelessness by helping families stay in their homes. The conversation also explores a bill addressing whether song lyrics and other artistic expressions should be used as evidence in criminal trials. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
School Discipline, Financial Literacy, and Juvenile Justice Reform
Georgia lawmakers discuss legislation that could reshape the experience of students and teachers across the state. Senator Chuck Payne and Representative Miriam Paris explore proposals to address school discipline policies, financial literacy education starting in the early grades, and changes to how 17-year-olds are treated in the justice system. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling. She serves as host of GPB's Lawmakers and Lawmakers: Beyond the Dome.
Burt Jones Discusses Taxes, Schools, and Mental Health Funding
Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones discusses major policy priorities, including eliminating the state income tax, expanding student political speech protections, and investing in mental health services. This episode explores new legislation inspired by the legacy of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that aims to promote civic engagement and political expression among students. The conversation highlights Georgia's ongoing debates over taxes, education policy, and mental health funding.
Georgia Legislators Discuss Domestic Violence Safety Act and Education Bills
Georgia lawmakers are introducing legislation aimed at preventing human trafficking, supporting domestic violence survivors, and improving literacy in schools. On this episode, Representatives Deborah Bazemore and Mary Ann Santos discuss proposals including hotel training requirements to identify trafficking, temporary firearm restrictions tied to protective orders, and a writing program designed to boost literacy among elementary students.
Georgia Lawmakers Suggest Death Penalty for Human Trafficking
Georgia lawmakers are considering new legislation aimed at combating human trafficking and strengthening criminal penalties. In this episode of Lawmakers Spotlight, Representatives David Clark and Johnny Chastain discuss proposals ranging from the death penalty for convicted traffickers to closing loopholes in Georgia's pimping laws. The conversation explores how these policies could affect victims, law enforcement, and the justice system across the state.
Brad Raffensperger on election security, QR code ballots, $140M Fraud Probe
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger discusses election security, the push to eliminate QR codes from ballots, and an ongoing $140 million Ponzi scheme investigation tied to First Liberty. In this in-depth interview with Donna Lowry, Raffensperger addresses Georgia's national election rankings, funding challenges from the General Assembly, and what reforms could mean for voters across the state. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
Proposed ICE Body Camera and Identification Requirements in Georgia
Georgia Senate Democrats are introducing a package of bills aimed at increasing transparency and accountability for ICE agents operating in Georgia. In this episode, we discuss proposals requiring body cameras, visible identification, judicial warrants for sensitive locations, and new legal pathways for constitutional accountability. The conversation also turns to state income tax reform and refundable tax credits designed to address affordability and child poverty in Georgia.
Addressing Interstate Sexual Predators and Incest Law Gaps
On this episode, Representative Darlene Taylor of Thomasville and Representative Mike Cameron of Rossville discuss legislation aimed at protecting Georgia's most vulnerable residents. From the Interstate Sexual Predator Prevention Act to closing loopholes in Georgia's incest law and establishing standards for safe haven baby boxes, you will hear how these bills seek to strengthen public safety.
988 Lifeline, Income Tax Cuts, and Senior Rent Relief
Representative Will Wade and Representative Imani Barnes join Donna to discuss key legislation in the Georgia General Assembly. Topics include promoting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a pilot program for emergency psychiatric assessment centers, income tax reduction, property tax relief, senior rent stabilization, digital literacy in schools, and expanding access to healthy school meals. You will hear how these proposals could affect Georgia families, seniors, and students.
Spotlight- The Role of Georgia Public Broadcasting in Classrooms, Crises, and the Capitol
GPB President and CEO Bert Wesley Huffman joins Donna Lowry to explain how Georgia Public Broadcasting serves every school district in the state, supports emergency communications, and provides coverage of the Georgia General Assembly. You will learn how GPB's education resources reach millions, how its broadcast towers power emergency alerts during crises, and how state funding helps sustain public media in Georgia. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
HOA Reform, Autism Safety Alerts, and Police Pursuit Reform
Senator Donzella James of Atlanta and Representative Carl Gilliard of Savannah join the show to discuss housing protections and public safety legislation in Georgia. The conversation covers SB 106 and related bills addressing HOA liens and rent escalation near universities, the Autism Missing Person Alert System Act, Eric's ID Law, and the Darren Lewis Saving Lives Act, focused on police pursuit reform. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
Truancy Penalties, Parent Accountability, and Mandatory Kindergarten
Republican Senator Clint Dixon of Gwinnett County and Democratic Senator Derek Mallow of Savannah discuss chronic absenteeism in Georgia schools and proposed policy solutions. The discussion covers possible penalties for students and parents, updates to truancy reporting, and a proposal to make kindergarten mandatory statewide. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling. She serves as host of GPB's Lawmakers and Lawmakers: Beyond the Dome.
Georgia Lawmakers Tackle Literacy, College Affordability, and School Safety
In this episode of Lawmakers: Spotlight, host Donna Lowry speaks with Georgia Representatives Lydia Glaize of Fairburn and Bryce Berry of Atlanta about key education and health legislation under the Gold Dome. The conversation covers literacy reporting through eighth grade in HB 972, student housing affordability in HB 1052, funding equity for HBCUs, school lead testing requirements, and a prostate cancer prevention bill aimed at saving men's lives.
Lawmakers Propose Domestic Violence Registry & Data Privacy Protection
On this episode of Lawmakers: Spotlight, host Donna Lowry talks with Rep. Leesa Hagan and Rep. Stacey Evans about legislation designed to protect women in Georgia's court system and to strengthen digital privacy laws. The conversation explores a proposed domestic violence offender registry, attorney-client confidentiality for incarcerated people, and new protections for menstrual and reproductive health data. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
Georgia Lawmakers Debate Reproductive Health, HRT, and Contraception Access
On this episode of Lawmakers: Spotlight, host Donna Lowry talks with Rep. Beth Camp and Rep. Shea Roberts about women's health policy at the Georgia Capitol, including hormone replacement therapy coverage, pharmacist-prescribed contraception, and abortion law. We hear how lawmakers describe access challenges, medical decision-making, and what these debates could mean for you and your community. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
Homebuyer help, marijuana decriminalization, and ICE in Georgia
In this episode, we talk with Representatives Clint Crowe of Jackson and Derrick Jackson of Tyrone about what's moving at the Georgia Capitol and what it means for you. We cover the Georgia Dream Peach Advantage homebuyer loan program, marijuana decriminalization, disaster mitigation, Next Generation 9-1-1, and debate over ICE-related legislation. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling. She serves as host of GPB's Lawmakers and Lawmakers: Beyond the Dome.
Georgia Lawmakers Debate Expanding the Cell Phone Ban to High Schools
Georgia lawmakers are weighing whether the state's bell-to-bell cell phone ban should expand from middle schools into high schools. On this episode of Lawmakers: Spotlight, host Donna Lowry talks with Representative Scott Hilton and Senator Rashaun Kemp about classroom distractions, student mental health, and what comes next for education policy under the Gold Dome. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
Georgia Senators Debate Lab-Grown Meat, Data Centers, and Property Tax Reform
On this episode of Lawmakers: Spotlight, host Donna Lowry sits down with Georgia Senators Jason Dickerson and Jaha Howard. They discuss proposed legislation on lab-grown meat, data center growth, trucking and CDL regulations, property tax reform, and the future of public education in Georgia. The conversation explores how trust, technology, and community impact are shaping decisions at the Georgia Capitol. Donna Lowry is an award-winning journalist with a passion for storytelling.
A behind-the-scenes look at the state Capitol's summer restoration
When Georgia lawmakers arrived at the beginning of the session, they entered freshly restored chambers. Over the summer, dozens of workers updated technology, restored woodwork, and brought historic details back to life, including shining Georgia gold. GPB got a behind-the-scenes look, including going to great heights. The team, up two-and-a-half stories, stood at the top of the House chambers to see some of the work that's been redone.
What Ending Georgia's Income Tax Could Mean for You
Georgia's income tax system is under renewed scrutiny as lawmakers weigh whether the state can afford to eliminate it. In this episode of Lawmakers: Spotlight, host Donna Lowry moderates a detailed discussion with two senators who served on the Georgia Senate Special Committee studying income tax elimination. Republican Senator Blake Tillery argues the proposal would offer lasting relief to working families by exempting the first $50,000 of individual income and $100,000 for joint filers.
How Georgia Is Regulating AI, Social Media, and Emerging Technology
Georgia has spent years branding itself as one of the best places in the nation to do business, and now lawmakers say the next goal is becoming the most innovative. On Lawmakers: Spotlight, host Donna Lowry sits down with two legislators to lead conversations about artificial intelligence, emerging technology, and the role of government in shaping the future.
Georgia Lawmakers Return to Atlanta With Taxes, Education, & AI on the Agenda
Primary Content As Georgia lawmakers convene for the start of the 2026 legislative session, major debates are already taking shape around taxes, education, and emerging technology. On this episode, you hear from Donna Lowry, host of GPB's Lawmakers, as we break down proposals to eliminate the state income tax, curb rising property taxes, and address literacy and artificial intelligence under the Gold Dome.
Georgia lawmakers consider how to better support youth aging out of foster care
In this episode of LawmakersHuddle, host Donna Lowry explores the growing challenges facing older youth in Georgia as they age out of foster care without permanent families. She talks to Georgia state Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) about what lawmakers are learning from testimony before a Senate study committee.
Georgia's bipartisan effort to protect children from cyberbullying and AI threats
The Senate Impact of Social Media and Artificial Intelligence on Children and Platform Privacy Protection Study Committee. It's a long title on an important topic. GPB's Donna Lowry speaks with the committee's co-chairs, state Sens. Sally Harrell (D) of Atlanta and Shawn Still (R) of Johns Creek about what they are learning and the legislation that could come out of it. Donna Lowry: Sen. Still, welcome to Lawmakers' Huddle. Sen. Shawn Still: Thanks so much for having me. Donna Lowry: Sen.
Georgia lawmakers explore ways to improve home health care
As more Georgia families need help to care for loved ones at home, state leaders are exploring ways to better support them. In this week's Lawmakers Huddle, GPB's Donna Lowry talks with a state senator who called for a study committee on improving family caregiver services - after navigating the struggles of caring for his ailing father. Donna Lowry: Sen. Harold Jones II, from Augusta, thank you for joining me on Lawmakers Huddle. Sen. Harold Jones, II: Absolutely. Thank you for having me.
Georgia's new 'Top State for Talent' law links classrooms to careers
TRANSCRIPT Pamela Kirkland: Welcome to Lawmaker Huddle; I'm Pamela Kirkland, host of Morning Edition at Georgia Public Broadcasting. Each week we're joined by Donna Lowry, host of GPB's Lawmakers for Lawmaker Huddle, where we cover the highlights from under the Gold Dome. Donna Lowry: Georgia now has a "Top State for Talent" initiative. How will it shape Georgia's workforce? And what does it mean for families, students and businesses across the state? Joining me to talk about all of that is Rep.
Georgia lawmakers join diplomatic trip to Israel
Five Georgia state lawmakers are traveling to Israel this week as part of a bipartisan delegation organized by the Israeli Foreign Ministry. The group includes Rep. Brent Cox (R-Dawsonville, Sen. Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell), Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), Rep. Esther Panitch (D-Sandy Springs), and Rep. Yasmin Neal (D-Jonesboro). They join about 250 legislators from across the U.S., representing all 50 states.
A year later, Georgia lawmakers recall helping communities after Hurricane Helene
Natural disasters often remind elected officials of their most essential role: being there for their communities in times of crisis. Hurricane Helene tested that responsibility, pushing lawmakers to provide support, guidance, and even basic needs to their constituents. Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II (D-Augusta) described the devastation in Augusta's urban neighborhoods as something the area had never experienced. "It was really bad," Jones said.
Lawmakers Huddle: The Future at Risk: Grant Cuts in Georgia
Donna Lowry: Cuts in federal grants have left some Georgia agencies struggling to maintain critical programs in areas such as health, employment, and public safety. In this week's Lawmakers Huddle, I discuss the issues with two Democratic state legislators who are working to highlight the human impact of these losses on the state's most vulnerable communities. Joining me are Representative Marvin Lim of Norcross and Representative Karen Lupton of Chamblee. Welcome to Lawmakers Huddle.
Democrats say loss of federal grants is hurting Georgia families
Cuts in federal grants have left some Georgia agencies struggling to maintain critical programs in areas such as health, employment, and public safety. In this week's Lawmakers Huddle, GPB's Donna Lowry discusses the cuts with two Democratic state legislators working to highlight the human impact of these losses on the state's most vulnerable communities. TRANSCRIPT: Donna Lowry: Joining me are Rep. Marvin Lim of Norcross and Rep. Karen Lupton of Chamblee. Welcome to Lawmakers Huddle.
Tillery pushes to make Georgia 10th state with no income tax
Georgia lawmakers are weighing whether to abolish the state income tax, a move that would make Georgia the 10th state in the nation without one. A state Senate study committee chaired by Senate Appropriations Chair Blake Tillery of Vidalia will meet Tuesday to explore how to phase out the tax. The House has formed a similar committee. “We owe this to our taxpayers,” Tillery told GPB’s Donna Lowry during a recent interview. “We’ve got a surplus. We’ve built up quite the reserve.
Mulling the end of Georgia's income tax
Next Tuesday, a state Senate study committee will consider making Georgia the 10th state to abolish state income taxes. The House has a similar committee. In this week's Lawmakers Huddle, Senate Budget Chair Blake Tillery tells GPB's Donna Lowry that eliminating the income tax will happen; it's just a matter of how to do it. Note: This interview was held before Tillery announced his bid to run for lieutenant governor in 2026.
New Georgia law prohibits schools from expelling chronically absent students
Beginning this school year, students who are chronically absent will no longer face expulsion. In this week's Lawmakers Huddle, GPB's Donna Lowry dives into the reason behind the new law with one of its chief sponsors, State Senator John F. Kennedy of Macon. TRANSCRIPT Donna Lowry: Since the pandemic, the rate of school absenteeism continues to rise nationwide.
Lawmakers Huddle: New School Safety Measures
Donna Lowry: Back to school means more than returning to learning. This year, a new Georgia law requires districts to take proactive measures to keep children and anyone working in schools safe. This week's Lawmakers' Huddle focuses on how school safety topped the list of priorities during the recent legislative session.
New law requires mobile panic buttons in schools
Back to school means more than returning to learning. This year, a new Georgia law requires school districts to take proactive measures to keep children and staff members safe. In this week's Lawmaker's Huddle, GPB's Donna Lowry talks to the new state Senate Majority Leader about how school safety topped the list of priorities during the legislative session. TRANSCRIPT: Donna Lowry: Most Georgia schools had only been in session a few weeks when, last year, on Sept.
Lawmakers Huddle: Heavier Loads and Brighter Vests
Donna Lowry: The trucks barreling down local roads can now carry heavier loads. That's because a repeal of the law banning large loads on non-interstate highways took effect this month. The new law now allows trucks to carry to 88,000 pounds - up from 84,000 The move makes Georgia more competitive with its neighboring states in terms of boosting the state's agricultural economy. Joining me is representative Leesa Hagen of Lyons in Southeast Georgia.
Lawmakers Huddle: Flying Cars and State Laws
Donna Lowry: You may soon see air taxis flying above you as you're traveling on Georgia interstates. Beginning July 1st, a new law gives the Georgia Department of Transportation authority to regulate electric vertical takeoff and landing or eVTOL aircraft. In this week's Lawmakers' Huddle, I explain how the Jetsons cartoon of the past will now become the present reality in Georgia.
Georgia on the verge of 'transportation revolution'
You may soon see air taxis flying above you as you're traveling on Georgia interstates. Beginning July 1, a new law gives the Georgia Department of Transportation authority to regulate electric vertical takeoff and landing, or EVTOL, aircraft. In this week's Lawmakers Huddle, GPB's Donna Lowry explains how The Jetsons cartoon of the past will now become part of the present reality in Georgia.
Lawmakers Huddle: Athens at the Center of Immigration Controversy
In this episode of Lawmakers Huddle, host Donna Lowry dives into the debate around sanctuary jurisdictions in Georgia following the Department of Homeland Security's decision to remove six areas, including Athens and Athens-Clarke County, from its sanctuary list. Republican Senator Bill Cowsert, a candidate for Georgia Attorney General, defends the area's previous "welcoming" stance as a de facto sanctuary policy that he believes contributed to criminal activity.
Athens lawmakers say it's not a sanctuary jurisdiction
The Department of Homeland Security has officially removed its list of "sanctuary jurisdictions" from its website, which included six areas in Georgia. The designation has sparked confusion in some of the communities on the controversial list. In this week's Lawmaker's Huddle, GPB's Donna Lowry engages with two state legislators who represent Athens, on opposing sides of the aisle, to gather their perspectives on this issue.
Republican state lawmaker urges immigration reform in light of ICE arrests
Immigration laws have come under increased scrutiny with the arrest and detention by ICE of a 19-year-old college student in Northwest Georgia's Dalton. A police officer mistakenly pulled over Ximena Arias Cristobal during a routine traffic stop. She was recently released on bond after weeks in the Stewart Detention Center near Columbus, Ga. Arias Cristobal was born in Mexico but has lived in the United States since age 4.
A new law will make it easier to get a licensed job in Georgia
Changes are coming for Georgians frustrated by the state's professional licensing system, where red tape has led to job shortages in vital sectors such as nursing, skilled contracting, and teaching. On July 1, a new law, House Bill 579, will allow qualified individuals to enter the workforce faster.
On help for Georgia home renters and a new U.S. Treasurer
While many state lawmakers are finally taking a well-deserved break after the intense final days of the 2025 General Assembly, one legislator is gearing up for a big move to Washington, D.C. Sen. Brandon Beach is stepping into a new role as U.S. Treasurer, and GPB's Lawmakers host Donna Lowry had a great chat with him about this exciting new chapter. Lowry also caught up with Rep.
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