Georgia’s governor is designating $125 million in federal COVID-19 relief money to expand school-based health centers.
Governor Brian Kemp made the announcement Tuesday. It’s the latest move by Kemp to spend federal money as he runs for reelection against Democrat Stacey Abrams.
The state Department of Education will give out grants of up to $1 million each to start health centers. Those centers will care for students, and in some cases, community members.
A spokesperson for Kemp says $1 million will cover startup costs and three years of operations.
Earlier this week, Kemp announced the disbursement of $37 million in federal funds to pre-K, tutoring, and special education programs. Democrats have attacked Kemp for doling out the money even as he opposed the passage of some COVID-19 relief bills passed by Congress.
No charges for Atlanta cops involved in Brooks killing
In Atlanta, a special prosecutor has decided not to pursue charges against two police officers who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks during an encounter in June of 2020.
Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia, characterized the shooting as a reasonable use of deadly force.
Skandalakis said Officer Garrett Rolfe, who shot and killed Brooks, and Officer Devin Brosnan faced a "quickly evolving" situation when Brooks grabbed one of their Tasers during an arrest attempt.
Attorneys for Brooks family say that deadly force would have been justified if it was used during the fight, but that Brooks was shot as he was running away.
Family members say they’re not angry, nor surprised with the decision but are heartbroken, confused and destroyed over what they call a travesty of justice. An attorney for the family did announce plans to pursue a civil lawsuit against the officers.
CCSD continues COVID vaccination clinics
The Clarke County School District continues its round of COVID vaccination clinics for district students, families, and staff with clinics at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle and Whitehead Road Elementary today and Coile Middle and Winterville Elementary tomorrow.
For a complete list of clinic dates and locations, see the district’s website.
