GEORGIA BUSINESS FOCUS: Summer program access, building dedication, scam warnings
Rising costs, community recognition and consumer protection.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Financial pressures are affecting Georgia families and the local economy. From the high costs keeping kids out of summer programs to rising gas prices, we’ll break down what these trends mean for your wallet.
Summer learning out of reach for many Georgia families
A new study by the Afterschool Alliance reveals that three in five Georgia children whose parents want them enrolled in summer learning programs are unable to participate, primarily due to cost. The survey estimates that while parents of nearly 865,000 Georgia children want access to summer programs, just 364,000 are actually enrolled. Cost is the most significant barrier, cited by 47 percent of parents, followed by transportation challenges and a lack of available programs.
Central Georgia Technical College honors Dr. Sonny Perdue
In other education news, Central Georgia Technical College has announced it will name its administration building on the Warner Robins campus the “Dr. Sonny Perdue Administration Building.” The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia approved the naming, which honors Dr. Perdue’s decades-long commitment to public service and higher education in the state. Dr. Perdue, a Houston County native, has served as Georgia’s governor, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and recently announced his retirement as Chancellor of the University System of Georgia.
Better Business Bureau issues scam alerts for graduates
As graduation season approaches, the Better Business Bureau is warning new graduates in Georgia to be vigilant against scams. Common schemes targeting recent grads include fake student loan forgiveness offers, job and rental scams, and fraudulent graduation gift promotions. The BBB advises graduates to verify offers, research companies and listings, and never send money or personal information to unknown sources.
Tips for saving on energy as temperatures rise
With temperatures rising across the state, Georgia Power spokesperson Amanda Sowells recommends that residents take steps to make their homes more energy-efficient. Tips include ensuring HVAC units are running efficiently, sealing leaks around windows and doors, and avoiding the use of large appliances during peak hours between 2 and 7 p.m.
Gas tax suspension extended, but prices remain high
Meanwhile, Georgia drivers are getting some relief at the gas pump. Governor Brian Kemp has signed an executive order extending the state’s gas tax suspension for two additional weeks, through June 3. Kemp says the move is designed to help families ahead of the busy Memorial Day travel weekend.
Despite the suspension, gas prices remain high. According to AAA, the national average for regular gas rose by two cents on Wednesday to $4.56 a gallon. GasBuddy projects a slight drop by Memorial Day, to around $4.48 per gallon, which would still be the second-highest Memorial Day weekend price on record. In 2022, the average stood at $4.61 per gallon.
