Moderated by Rick Badie
Paper checks and direct deposit are the only way Georgians receive unemployment benefits. Today, a guest writer suggests the state could cut costs and reduce inefficiencies by issuing prepaid cards for the distribution of benefits. The other essay deals with new efforts to serve the “unbanked” and the “underbanked” — a substantial population in this state due in part to our immigrant communities and the current economy.
Moderated by Rick Badie
Delta has bought an oil refinery in suburban Philadelphia to cut fuel costs. The world’s second-biggest airline estimates the in-house oil provider will save it $300 million on its annual fuel bill, which hit $12 billion last year.
Today, Delta CEO Richard Anderson explains the purchase while an airlines analyst deems it an interesting experiment. Also, the president of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers writes about how refiners are being squeezed.
By AJC Editorial Board
Nowhere does the concept of public-private partnerships get more controversial or thornier than when it’s applied to create a financing package for new sports stadiums.
The Atlanta Falcons organization says it’s time to build a new arena, one that reflects the NFL’s current fashion regarding amenities — things such as how many suite seats are located where, or even how much of a roof, if any, should cover the turf.
Read the rest of what the editorial board has to say, along with commentary by Richard J. McKay (president and CEO of the Falcons) and Patrick Rishe (director of consulting firm).
Then tell us what you think.
Moderated by Rick Badie
The Falcons and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority want to raze the Georgia Dome and build a nearly $1 billion stadium. A hotel/motel tax in Fulton County would help fund it.
Today, an advocate for limited government says there are better ways to spend public funds.
And a Minnesotan whose state is debating a new stadium urges support for a new Falcons’ nest.
What do you think?
Moderated by Rick Badie
The price of gas would be noticeably cheaper if the United States tapped its onshore and offshore oil reserves, write Congressmen Lynn Westmoreland and Tom Price. They say President Barack Obama’s energy policies reinforce U.S. reliance on foreign oil.
Meanwhile, Congressman Henry A. Waxman says the country has more oil and gas drilling operations than the rest of the world combined, proof positive the president supports domestic oil production.
Moderated by Rick Badie
The Federal Trade Commission reports there were nearly 2 million complaints of fraud, identity theft and other practices last year, a 40 percent rise. Identity theft topped the list and, of all states, Georgia has the second-highest incidence of identity theft complaints.
Today, a guest columnist digs deeper into the data while another writer talks about child identity theft.
Moderated by Rick Badie
Americans’ outstanding student loan debt stands at $1 trillion, higher than credit cards and car loans. Today’s page is devoted to the issue, said by some to be the next financial crisis. The president of the Georgia Student Finance Commission offers tips on borrowing for college. An Atlanta attorney explains how federal bankruptcy law views student loan debt.
Moderated by Rick Badie
It’s the $650 million gamble: Should the state deepen the Savannah River to accommodate supersized cargo ships? Politicians and port officials foresee more business and jobs. Opponents question the price tag and worry about environmental impact.
Georgia’s senators explain why they support the project while an environmentalist deems it wasteful and destructive.
Plus, we offer some more views on the port. Read the commentaries and give us your thoughts.
Moderated by Rick Badie
They show up at designated businesses at predetermined hours, ready to shop. They are cash mobbers, volunteers in a social networking trend supporting independent retailers. Think flash mob, only these participants don’t sing and dance.
Today, a local organizer talks about Cash Mob Atlanta, and I chat with a business owner whose store was recently “mobbed.”
What do you think of the idea?
Moderated by Rick Badie
Looks like it’s going to be another bummer summer for Georgia’s job-seeking teens.
Employment prospects are expected to be dismal for 16- to 19-year-olds, according to a research fellow at the Employment Policies Institute.
Today, he explains our high teen jobless rate while a job specialist wonders if the nation’s youth-unemployment figures reflect a new normal.
What do you think?
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