Great Recession

The housing crisis that began in 2007 hit Atlanta hard. Foreclosures consumed neighborhoods around the metro area, leaving entire blocks dotted with vacant homes.

Now, WABE is planning a new series exploring the lasting impact of that national crisis on the region. And as part of that series, we want to hear your stories.

Did the foreclosure crisis in Atlanta change your life? Did you or your neighbor lose a home? Did it affect how you think about homeownership? Please let us know below.

Copies of Georgia's record $23.7 billion state budget were signed all around the state today by Gov. Nathan Deal.

At a Lanier High School in Buford, Deal talked about money for education and teacher raises. 

“This next year's budget which we will be signing here sets aside some $300 million in additional state funds, primarily for the enhancement of teacher salaries,” said Deal.

School systems can decide whether to increase teacher pay.

Wednesday on "Closer Look with Rose Scott and Jim Burress":

Georgia lawmakers head into the 2016 legislative session Monday with stronger growth in revenues than in recent years, which could mean a chance for the state to catch up from the recession, experts say. 

“I think things are, at long last, looking pretty good,” said Carolyn Bourdeaux, director of the Center for State and Local Finance at Georgia State University. “The state has been through a really long, tough period.”