Atlanta, GA (January 25, 2021) | Berneta Haynes, Senior Director of Policy and Access at Georgia Watch, has been recognized as Families USA’s Health Care Value Advocate of the Year. Haynes earned the award because of her exemplary work championing...
More infoCFPB Eliminates Consumer Protections from Payday and Car Title Loans During COVID-19 Pandemic
Crucial Georgia Usury Cap Should Be Expanded to Protect Consumers from the Debt Trap ATLANTA, GA – Yesterday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) eliminated consumer protections against predatory payday and car title lenders...
More infoGeorgia Legislature Passes Legislation to End Surprise Medical Bills
ATLANTA (June 17, 2020) | Today, the Georgia Senate unanimously approved House Bill 888, bringing Georgia one step away from ending burdensome surprise medical bills. In February, Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R – Rome) and Representative Lee Hawkins (R –...
More infoGeorgia Watch Receives Grant from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with Public Agenda and Altarum for Innovative Health Initiative
Atlanta, GA (April 15, 2020) – Georgia Watch announces it has received a grant through Community Voices for Health (CVH), an initiative led by Public Agenda and Altarum, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Statewide partners for the...
More infoCOVID-19 Crisis: 60 Organizations Call on Georgia Governor to Take Immediate Action to Ensure Residents are Protected from Utility Shut Offs
ATLANTA (April 1, 2020) | Today, 60 organizations across Georgia called on Governor Brian Kemp to take immediate action pursuant to his authority granted under the state’s emergency management act to ensure utility customers remain connected to...
More infoTitle Loan Bill Passes Senate Finance Committee
ATLANTA (March 2, 2020) | Senate Bill 329, introduced by Senator Randy Robertson (R-Cataula), passed the Senate Finance Committee today. Also known as the Motor Vehicle Title Loan Act, this bill would close legal loopholes that currently allow car titles...
More infoSen. Chuck Hufstetler and Rep. Lee Hawkins Introduced Companion Bills to End Surprise Billing
ATLANTA (February 4, 2020) | Today, Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R – Rome) and Representative Lee Hawkins (R – Gainesville) introduced identical legislation aimed at eliminating balance or surprise billing for many healthcare services. Senate Bill 359 and...
More infoSen. Randy Robertson Introduces Bill to Address Car Title Loans
ATLANTA (January 27, 2020) | Today, Senator Randy Robertson (R – Columbus) introduced a bill that calls “title pawns” what they are – loans that should be subject to Georgia’s usury laws. The bill, known as the Motor Vehicle Title Loan Act, would close...
More infoGeorgia Hospital Safety Still Improving Despite Drop in Ranking
Atlanta, Georgia—November 7, 2019 – The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit aiming to improve health care quality for consumers, employers and purchasers, announced today the fall 2019 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. Georgia ranks 34th in the nation for...
More infoGeorgia Court of Appeals Sends Plant Vogtle Challenge Back to Fulton County Superior Court
Atlanta, GA—Groups challenging the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) decision to continue the Vogtle nuclear expansion project despite billions in cost overruns will have another chance to make their case that the decision was procedurally flawed and...
More infoGeorgia Watch honors 2019 Consumer Champions
ATLANTA, GA – On October 10, 2019, Georgia Watch presented its 2019 Consumer Champion Awards to four individuals for their work to protect and empower consumers in Georgia. Representative Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta, Health & Human Services...
More infoGeorgia Making Significant Strides in Hospital Safety
Atlanta, Georgia—May 15, 2019 – The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit aiming to improve health care quality for consumers, employers and purchasers, announced today the fall 2018 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades. Georgia ranks 15th in the nation for...
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