GDP Script/ Top Stories for November 20th Publish Date: November 20th PRE-ROLL: SUGAR HILL ICE SKATING From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, November 20th and Happy birthday to Bobby Kennedy I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Lawmakers consider paring tax credits and exemptions to offset income tax cuts Piedmont Eastside and Piedmont Oncology welcome medical oncologist Sami Ali Gwinnett commissioners to issue bonds for Gas South Arena renovations Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on rice All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: STRAND THEATRE STORY 1: Lawmakers consider paring tax credits and exemptions to offset income tax cuts Georgia lawmakers are seriously considering wiping out the state income tax—$16 billion in revenue—and replacing it by slashing $30 billion in tax credits and exemptions. “It’s not if, it’s when,” said Sen. Blake Tillery, who’s leading the charge. He called it a move for “competitiveness.” Supporters like economist Arthur Laffer praised states like Tennessee for thriving without income taxes, calling it “really cool” not to file returns. But critics, like Sen. Nan Orrock, warned it could hit low-income families and retirees hardest, especially if sales taxes rise. The debate? Far from settled. STORY 2: Piedmont Eastside and Piedmont Oncology welcome medical oncologist Sami Ali Piedmont Eastside Medical Center and Piedmont Oncology are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sami Ali to their team. Dr. Ali, a board-certified hematologist and oncologist, brings years of experience treating patients with lung cancer, colorectal cancer, blood disorders, and more. Before joining Piedmont, Dr. Ali spent eight years at The Oncology Institute in Los Angeles, where he provided personalized care, led treatment plans, and contributed to clinical research. “We’re excited to have him,” said Larry Ebert, Piedmont Eastside’s CEO. “His expertise will help us expand cancer care in Gwinnett County.” Dr. Ali is now accepting new patients. For appointments, visit Piedmont.org or call 678-639-3950. STORY 3: Gwinnett commissioners to issue bonds for Gas South Arena renovations Gwinnett County commissioners took a big step Tuesday toward funding a major facelift for the 23-year-old Gas South Arena. The plan? Revenue bonds—up to $172 million worth—to cover renovations like new seating, upgraded security, better concessions, and even a shiny new parking deck. The total cost? Somewhere between $170 and $176 million. The county might chip in $40 million to ease the debt load, according to Financial Services Director Russell Royal. What’s changing? Think premium seating, revamped suites, modernized restrooms, grab-and-go food, and a high-tech security plaza. Oh, and the roof, HVAC, and electrical systems? All getting replaced. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 4: Georgia Gwinnett College celebrates International Education Week Georgia Gwinnett College turned International Education Week into a colorful, culture-packed celebration that brought the world to campus. From Nov. 10, students and staff dove into 14 events—everything from global traditions to study-abroad opportunities. The highlight? A visit from Lithuania’s Consul General, DOH-vee-dahs Dovydas shpo-KOW-skas Špokauskas, who spoke on diplomacy and security, thanks to professor DOH-vee-leh Dovilė boo-DREE-teh Budryte. Korean culture stole the show at Seoul Connections, with K-Pop, snacks, and games filling the room. And the International Thanksgiving? A feast of global flavors, live music, and a cultural fashion show. The week wrapped with poetry, music, and a reminder: the world’s waiting—go explore it. STORY 5: Gwinnett waiving tax penalties for residents impacted by government shutdown Gwinnett County is throwing a lifeline to residents hit hard by the recent federal shutdown. On Tuesday, commissioners gave Tax Commissioner Denise Mitchell the green light to waive penalties and interest on late ad valorem taxes for those furloughed or who lost SNAP benefits during the chaos. “Georgia law lets me waive penalties for reasonable cause,” Mitchell explained. “And over the past few weeks, I’ve heard from residents struggling to pay their bills because of the shutdown.” This doesn’t erase the taxes—just the late fees. To qualify, folks need proof of furlough or lost benefits, and the waiver only covers bills due during or shortly after the shutdown. We’ll be right back. Break 3: THE SUGAR HILL HOLIDAY And now
