NEWS & OPINIONS
Aha moments during crisis | HEALTHY @ HOME
Joyce and Katherine share some moments of realization that they are having during the current crisis. We hope these inspire you to make the most of this time.
VIDEO: Georgia’s Response To COVID 19, Voting By Mail, & Vital Resources
With stay-at-home ordinances in place, many Georgian's are wondering what is next. GCO's Vice President of Public Policy, Buzz Brockway, shares resources on how you should plan to vote by mail, stay healthy, and what we can expect next in response from government...
Taking care of neighbors and yourself | HEALTHY @ HOME
Being home with your family presents challenges and opportunities. Join GCO's Joyce Mayberry and Katherine Greene as they share ways that you can take care of yourself and your community.
VIDEO: Elections, Paycheck Protection, Learning Resources, and more.
While the Georgia legislature takes a hiatus, there is a lot happening around the state. GCO's Vice President of Public Policy, Buzz Brockway, shares valuable information on what you can expect with the election, new help for businesses, and additional learning...
Coronavirus And Its Teachable Moments
This too shall pass. At times, it may not feel like it, but the fact is that these are moments in time. We are a resilient people. We are going to get through this—and we actually are getting through this. When chaos happens we learn things about ourselves. Sometimes...
What Does The 2020 Stimulus Package Mean? | VIDEO
What's in the coronavirus stimulus bill and what does it mean for Georgia families and small businesses? GCO's Vice President of Public Policy, Buzz Brockway, went live on Facebook to answer that question and talk about what is next.
Community Is Happening Despite Social Distancing
As our communities, state, country, and even the world face unprecedented times because of the COVID-19 virus, one thing remains constant: community. It's true that because of mandates on social distancing, physical gatherings are being discouraged. This may make some...
Strengthening Family – Making The Most Of This Time Together
It’s an unprecedented time across Georgia, America, and the world as we all grapple with Coronavirus. As schools and daycare centers shut their doors to prevent further spread, millions of parents are faced with a new way of life, alone at home with the kids all day....
Property Confiscation And The Risk Of Discrimination
We need to discuss an underlying issue around the topic of civil asset forfeiture and why there is need for strong oversight and transparency. We have discussed what civil asset forfeiture is in a previous blog post but here is a reminder: Civil asset forfeiture is a...
Did You Know Your Property Can Be Taken Without A Conviction?
Knowing what civil asset forfeiture is and what you can do if you are a victim of it Let’s talk about a topic that doesn’t roll off the tongue or come up in casual conversation - civil asset forfeiture. We here at the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) just...
The Value of Sung and Unsung Heroes
As we celebrate, Black History Month, I’m reminded of the 1993 song written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff entitled “Hero”. The words to the chorus went like this: “And then a hero comes along With the strength to carry on And you cast your fears aside And you...
You Don’t Have To Be African American In Order To Appreciate Black History Month!
As I reflect on Black History Month, I remember when I first started working at the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO). Randy Hicks, GCO President and CEO, and I entered into a discussion about African American families. In reality, it should be called more of an...
MEDIA MENTIONS
Public policy expert explains education voucher bills | Access WDUN
Two bills proposed in the Georgia state legislature, House Bill 60 and 999, would give selected families a $6,000 subsidy to apply towards homeschooling, private school tuition or tutors. However, some parents and educators think that these bills will divert money...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Appreciating Republican response to COVID | Independent Advocate
All Iowans can appreciate the work done by the Republican government in the recovery from the pandemic. As long ago as last September, Iowa had the third quickest rate of recovery from Covid-19 in the United States. Last month, the Georgia Center for Opportunity...
New Research: School Students Lag Behind in Literacy Almost Two Years Into the COVID-19 Pandemic
New research brief shows that elementary school students lag behind in literacy almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic The mid-school-year assessment concluded that students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade are the furthest behind compared to their...
Lockdowns Were a Failure. What We Do Next Doesn’t Have To Be | Real Clear Policy
There is new proof government-imposed shutdowns prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic have done more harm than good. A better choice would have been to keep the economy open so people stay connected to work and targeting resources to vulnerable populations. A new...
Media blasted for ignoring study on harmful government lockdowns | The Johnston County Report
A new meta-analysis from Johns Hopkins University shows that government-mandated lockdowns in America and Europe during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic only reduced the death rate by 0.2%, on average. Researchers concluded that lockdowns “have had little to no...
An Opportunity Roadmap For Poverty Relief | The Georgia Virtue
The South is the fastest growing region in the country. The pull of our warm winters, friendly people, and low cost of living has drawn millions over the last few years. However, an old foe that we have attempted to fight for decades continues to afflict our people....
Media blasted for ignoring study on harmful government lockdowns | Carolina Journal
A new meta-analysis from Johns Hopkins University shows that government-mandated lockdowns in America and Europe during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic only reduced the death rate by 0.2%, on average. Researchers concluded that lockdowns “have had little to no...
Perspective: The surprisingly simple ways to incentivize marriage
Some parents don’t wed because they fear losing government benefits. Governors in states like Utah and Virginia could solve this problem Originally posted on Deseret News “I chose not to marry,” Tiana said. “For one, I get a lot of assistance. I have a disabled child....
