This time of year, we pause for a moment to give thanks for our many blessings — a chance to reflect on the abundance in our lives and the people who make them meaningful.
In the hustle and bustle of daily routines, I know it’s easy to overlook the things we hold most dear. But as the season invites us to slow down, we are reminded to turn our attention to gratitude, to remember our connections and to acknowledge the gifts we often take for granted.
Gratitude allows us to shift our focus to the many things we have. Whether it’s the love of family and friends, the comfort of a warm home, the opportunities that have come our way or even the lessons learned through challenges, we can use these blessings to shape who we are and enrich our lives.
This pause for Thanksgiving is also a time to extend our gratitude outward, to the people who have shown us kindness, supported us in times of need or inspired us to grow. By appreciating and expressing our thanks, we create a ripple effect that spreads joy, connection and hope.
As we pause to give thanks, may we carry this spirit of gratitude with us, not just today, but always.
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving yesterday and that you have the opportunity to cheer on your favorite team and enjoy a relaxing weekend. Happy Thanksgiving from the Georgia Public Policy Foundation team!
Have a great weekend,
– Kyle Wingfield
Friday’s Freshest 🗞️
The 50-year mortgage idea recently floated by the Trump administration grows out of the same motivation of the 30-year mortgage of the 1930s—to make home ownership more accessible to people who would otherwise be renters. But today, the main barrier is not how we finance homes—it’s that we don’t build enough of them.
If you’ve followed the conversation even casually, you’ve heard the claim: Large institutional investors are buying up homes, driving prices sky-high and locking families out of the market. But like most stories that sound that simple, this one has more layers. And it’s worth separating the easy headlines from what’s actually happening on the ground.
Despite the federal public health emergency ending over two years ago, ‘temporary’ Affordable Care Act subsidies that removed the income cap have remained in place. They have become the source of political theater in Washington, even though the expiring subsidies are not the driving force behind rising premiums.
Here is a simple proposition: If a Georgia public school has an open seat, any Georgia student should be able to take it. This idea isn’t fringe or partisan and shouldn’t require a superintendent’s blessing.
Atlanta is in the middle of consolidating and reorganizing schools, with tens of thousands of open seats across the district. Still, consolidation is rarely easy, even when it’s the practical or financially sound thing to do.
Peach Picks 🍑
Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia announced on X that she will resign from Congress early next year, after a weekslong falling-out with President Trump and much of her party. Her last day will be Jan. 5, 2026, Greene said.
Gov. Kemp announced that Virginia Transformer Corp. will invest $40 million to expand its existing manufacturing facility near Rincon, creating over 400 new jobs in Effingham County. The Rincon facility operates as Georgia Transformer.
The chairman of a Georgia Senate committee studying how to eliminate the state income tax said he firmly believes a “thorough responsible plan” will be part of the 2026 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, mentioned eliminating the tax when presenting the state budget in March.
Georgia’s election interference case against President Donald Trump is now officially over. A motion was filed Wednesday morning with the Fulton County Superior Court and Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee signed off on it shortly after.
Georgia lawmakers are exploring ways to ease the transition as former foster children become adults. Each year, about 700 young adults age out of foster care in Georgia and lose access to the supports available to them while they were part of the state’s system.
Quotes Of Note 🌟
“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives” – John F. Kennedy
“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around” – Willie Nelson
“O Lord that lends me life, Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!” – Shakespeare, Henry IV
One More Fact 💡
This Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on how much of our progress has been made possible because supporters like you believe that Georgia is strongest when its people are free to build, innovate and improve their own lives. Your engagement — whether you read our work, share it with others, attend our events or support us financially — ensures that solutions grounded in freedom and opportunity continue to shape Georgia’s future.
As policymakers prepare for the year ahead, the Foundation remains focused on expanding educational choice, improving access to housing, strengthening workforce participation and maintaining a competitive tax climate. Together, we can make sure Georgia’s growth continues to mean more opportunity for every Georgian, not more government.
From all of us at the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, thank you for being part of this mission.