For the South, OBBB is a mirror and a pressure test
The OBBBA triggers a complex realignment that southern state governors, legislators, businesses, and nonprofits must now navigate on their own terms.
Welcome to Big South Insights
As federal policy pivots sharply under a second Trump administration, southern states are becoming more than policy laboratories—they are now power brokers.
Georgia Legislative Watch Newsletters 2025
The team at Ohio River South delivers intelligence each week on southern politics, policy making and public sector business, in the top newsletter under the Gold Dome.
GA Legislative Watch 2025 | Week Twelve
Gov. Kemp kicked off day 40 by signing the contentious Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law, debated ever since being vetoed by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2016.
GA Legislative Watch 2025 | Week eleven
It was a tense week. From the floor to committee hearings, friendly and unfriendly amendments were tossed around with contentious and prolonged debates.
GA Legislative Watch 2025 | Week ten
Gov. Kemp’s litigation reform package surfaced from the Senate (for the second time), approving the House changes after nearly 20 hours of testimony and years of setting the stage.
ORS Hosts Reception for Dutch Day at the Capitol
The ORS team was proud to drive the planning and organizing of the first Dutch Day at the capitol, capping the day with a reception at our offices. Numerous lawmakers joined Consul General Jaap Veerman along with several Dutch companies Under the Gold Dome that morning. This was followed by a series of private, curated meetings with several elected officials, the Cobb County Delegation, and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. Subjects ranged from agriculture, to semiconductor production, to cultural exchange and more. We’re excited to continue to foster this relationship with such an important partner.
GA Legislative Watch 2025 | Week nine
Reverting back to a tightening of the fiscal belt, the House passed a $37.7B budget for FY26 that reflects state revenue forecasted by the Office of the Governor.
GA Legislative Watch 2025 | Week eight
A record 75 bills passed out of the House. House bills that crossed over will now be heard by Senate committees, and vice versa, but which ones remain intact is TBD.
GA Legislative Watch 2025 | Week seven
Legislative days 22-25 are down with bills and lawmakers flying in and out of committee hearings, preparing for next week’s marathon voting session on Crossover Day.