Donna Lowry

3 weeks ago | gpb.org | Donna Lowry

In this episode of Lawmakers Huddle, host Donna Lowry dives into the debate around sanctuary jurisdictions in Georgia following the Department of Homeland Security's decision to remove six areas, including Athens and Athens-Clarke County, from its sanctuary list. Republican Senator Bill Cowsert, a candidate for Georgia Attorney General, defends the area's previous "welcoming" stance as a de facto sanctuary policy that he believes contributed to criminal activity.

3 weeks ago | gpb.org | Donna Lowry

The Department of Homeland Security has officially removed its list of "sanctuary jurisdictions" from its website, which included six areas in Georgia. The designation has sparked confusion in some of the communities on the controversial list. In this week's Lawmaker's Huddle, GPB's Donna Lowry engages with two state legislators who represent Athens, on opposing sides of the aisle, to gather their perspectives on this issue.

4 weeks ago | gpb.org | Donna Lowry

Immigration laws have come under increased scrutiny with the arrest and detention by ICE of a 19-year-old college student in Northwest Georgia's Dalton. A police officer mistakenly pulled over Ximena Arias Cristobal during a routine traffic stop. She was recently released on bond after weeks in the Stewart Detention Center near Columbus, Ga.Arias Cristobal was born in Mexico but has lived in the United States since age 4.

1 month ago | gpb.org | Donna Lowry

Changes are coming for Georgians frustrated by the state's professional licensing system, where red tape has led to job shortages in vital sectors such as nursing, skilled contracting, and teaching. On July 1, a new law, House Bill 579, will allow qualified individuals to enter the workforce faster.

2 months ago | gpb.org | Donna Lowry

While many state lawmakers are finally taking a well-deserved break after the intense final days of the 2025 General Assembly, one legislator is gearing up for a big move to Washington, D.C.Sen. Brandon Beach is stepping into a new role as U.S. Treasurer, and GPB's Lawmakers host Donna Lowry had a great chat with him about this exciting new chapter. Lowry also caught up with Rep.