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Take Action on Property Tax Reform
By Chris Farris | March 4, 2008
Tomorrow a critical piece of legislation will be addressed on the floor of the Georgia State House. Senate Resolution 796, sponsored by Sen. Chip Rogers, is going to be debated and voted upon as part of Speaker Richardson’s tax reform package. While the RLC Georgia isn’t endorsing the entire package, we strongly support SR796.
SR796 will do two things to directly reduce the tax burden of Georgia Citizens. First it will limit the amount a city, county or school board can increase the assessed value of your home. The current way local governments raise revenues is by decided that your $100,000 house is now worth $200,000 and double tax bill. This is perfect for big government Republicans because they can raise revenues without ever voting to raise taxes. SR796 would limit reassesments to 2% for residential and 3% for commercial property. The most a $100,000 house could be reassesed to is $102,000.
The other aspect of SR796 is that it will limit revenue growth without voter approval. If this passed the most a county commission or city council can raise tax is by inflation plus new construction. Any additional increase in taxes would require a voter referendum. And unlike the deficit laden federal budget, local budgets must be balanced. By capping revenue growth, they also cap spending growth - a critical component missing from GOP rhetoric the past few years.
SR796 is a Constitutional Amendment and will go before the voters in November as a ballot question. It passed the Senate with the 2/3rd majority needed. House Democrats, looking to score partisan points are threatening to vote against the measure. That is why EVERY VOTE COUNTS! Please call or email your state representative THIS MORNING and tell them you want property tax relief.
Topics: Action Alerts, FrontPage |
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