ATLANTA (AP) - If you want to judge public priorities, look at where public money is spent.
The current debate over how much money Georgia should contribute toward a new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons will demonstrate where leaders set their benchmarks.
State officials have proposed leveraging the proceeds of a special hotel tax to generate as much $300 million in bonds. That borrowing would serve as the public contribution toward a $1 billion retractable-roof stadium in downtown Atlanta.
Democratic Sen. Vincent Fort of Atlanta says no one at the Statehouse is debating whether that's the best use of the money. Lawmakers could change rules allowing those funds to be spent on something else.
Proponents of building a stadium say the project will keep jobs, visitors and spending in downtown Atlanta.
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Friday, May 17 2013 11:45 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:45:14 GMT
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Monday, May 13 2013 7:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:19:20 GMT
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Monday, May 13 2013 10:01 AM EDT2013-05-13 14:01:16 GMT
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan.
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan and Coach Mike Smith!
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:39 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:39:58 GMT
Security will be tight and traffic will be messy around the Morehouse College campus today. President Barack Obama will address graduates at the college's commencement ceremony.
Security will be tight and traffic will be messy around the Morehouse College campus today. President Barack Obama will address graduates at the college's commencement ceremony, and he'll also attend a Democratic Party fundraiser while he's in Atlanta.
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:09 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:09:05 GMT
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
State officials are reminding drivers the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign is set to begin and could translate to fines for drivers and passengers who aren't wearing seatbelts.
State officials are reminding drivers the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign is set to begin and could translate to fines for drivers and passengers who aren't wearing seatbelts.
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:48 AM EDT2013-05-18 14:48:25 GMT
Nearly 100 adult students who returned to school will graduate with their GED Saturday. The Harris County Department of Education GED program proves it's never too late to learn.
Nearly 100 adult students who returned to school will graduate with their GED Saturday. The Harris County Department of Education GED program proves it's never too late to learn.
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-18 14:17:50 GMT
Saturday is the 9th annual Impact A Hero Run, Walk and Wheel event at Reliant Park. Chairman Jim Hoelker and Houston Texans' player Chris Meyers spoke with Fox 26 weekend morning anchor Sally MacDonald.
Saturday is the 9th annual Impact A Hero Run, Walk and Wheel event at Reliant Park. Chairman Jim Hoelker and Houston Texans' player Chris Meyers spoke with Fox 26 weekend morning anchor Sally MacDonald.
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:04 AM EDT2013-05-18 14:04:10 GMT
What can you achieve in 90 seconds? To mark Armed Forces Day, all across the country Americans will be taking the push up challenge hoping to raise money for our service members.
What can you achieve in 90 seconds? To mark Armed Forces Day, all across the country Americans will be taking the push up challenge hoping to raise money for our service members.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:31 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:31:14 GMT
Scientists from Baylor University are scheduled to exhume the remains of undocumented and unidentified immigrants buried in the Falfurrias city cemetery Sunday.
Scientists from Baylor University are scheduled to exhume the remains of undocumented and unidentified immigrants buried in the Falfurrias city cemetery Sunday.
