Georgia Business Focus: Tariff debate, air ambulance expansion, STEM growth, fiber coverage, and fuel prices
Georgia's senior senator, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Subcommittee overseeing tariffs, says households are bearing the cost of the administration's trade policy.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia is making headlines this week with major developments affecting households across the state. From debate over the economic impact of federal tariffs to life-saving upgrades in emergency healthcare, a surge in STEM job opportunities, expanded high-speed internet access, and steady energy prices, here’s what you need to know right now.
Warnock Criticizes Trump Tariffs Impacting American Households
Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock is speaking out against President Trump’s tariffs, following a new report from the non-partisan Tax Foundation that highlights their cost to Americans. According to the report, tariffs cost the average household $1,000 last year, a figure expected to rise to $1,300 this year. Warnock, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Subcommittee overseeing tariffs, was direct in his criticism, stating, “Despite the President’s promise that these tariff taxes would lead to a manufacturing boom, our country lost over 72,000 manufacturing jobs last year.” He added, “Let me make it plain: the President isn’t looking out for you or your family.”
Wellstar Air Ambulance Service Expands in Georgia
Wellstar Health System is expanding its air ambulance service by adding a second helicopter, AirCare 2, to serve Metro Atlanta and Western Georgia. The new chopper will help rural hospitals quickly transfer critical patients to intensive care. AirCare 1 already covers a large area from Macon to LaGrange to Marietta to Roswell, and AirCare 2 aims to expand that reach even further.
STEM Jobs Booming in Georgia and Atlanta Ranks High
The latest statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) jobs are expected to grow by 8.1% between 2024 and 2034—triple the 2.7% growth rate for all other occupations. WalletHub now ranks Atlanta as the second-best city in the nation for STEM professionals, citing a high number of job openings for STEM graduates and strong gender equity in these fields.
AT&T Expands Fiber Network Across Georgia
AT&T is expanding its fiber network to more than 2 million homes and businesses across Georgia, including Macon. With this expansion, customers now have access to AT&T Fiber in over 150 cities and towns throughout the state.
Georgia Gas Prices Steady, Electric Charging Costs Unchanged
Gas prices remain steady in Georgia, holding at a state average of $2.66 per gallon—the same as last week. A standard 15-gallon fill-up will cost about $39.90. The national average price for a gallon of regular has inched up to $2.89. For electric vehicle drivers, charging costs are also stable, remaining at 38 cents per kilowatt-hour nationwide.
