Breaking: Big victory for Georgia taxpayers
Please watch the video above and forward this page to your friends and spread the word about today's victory for Georgia taxpayers!
7 Comments:
Take away a tax and tax somewhere else. I have had it. Single mom of two. One special needs and one with asthma. 1700.00 plus out of pocket insurance every 3 months. Both kids have pre existing conditions not paid by insurance. Mom a nurse 34 years. Works as a Kati Becket Nurse. No pay increase going on 13 years. Own almost 300k home and 5.5 interest rate. I have to bale idiots out. Our goverment just does not care about what is important. Our schools and health care. People rather tune up their Benz before they think of the future of our kids. I run home from work push the button on the dryer, empty the dishwasher, clean toilets and do homework. Why am I working like a jackass to pay for lazy people? No that tax cut really is not going to help. Last summer I wrote a 4thousand check to Sylvan. Thank God my son is in Vickery Creek Middle School. Top notch staff. People that really care. They could have done something else and earned a lot more money. Like them I chose to help people. Your tax cut I am sure will tax these good teachers. And another thing cutting school nurses is not a smart thing. Get a grip on what is real.
Well Mr Cagle I beat your Mother, I have 4 jobs. In a good week I only work 50 hours. Sometimes 68 hours. Sorry for any errors on this email. I am soooo tired and need some sleep. Janet
By 
, at
February 17, 2009 4:51 PM
Thank you for endorsing House Bill 143. A good look at revising the budget is a better idea than adding more burdens to the homeowner. Thanks again.JM
By , at
February 18, 2009 4:32 AM
Thank you for endorsing House Bill 143. it's a much needed benefit for home owners who are the backbone or this state. All residents, even apartment dwellers should participate in the funding of state government services.
State services DO need to be pared, a great deal. Take home cars need to end. The rest of us take our own car to work, then use the staff car during the day! Able bodied people shouldn't be free receiving government funds for extented periods, etc.
By , at
February 18, 2009 7:15 AM
Thank you for making bill 143 a reality. Now, get a chain saw and cut government waste. Make that a BIG chain saw.
By , at
February 18, 2009 10:18 AM
Thank you for working to get tax bill 143 a reality. Now stop employees from driving state vehicles home. That is non sense. They can drive there own vehicles to work.
By , at
February 18, 2009 11:42 AM
Be sure to support Bobby Franklin as he is going to get the Federal Reserves tax free exempt status repealed, thereby helping your states bottom line. The Federal Reserve is a private bank that doesn't get taxed and yet they do business here in GA. while other banks and personal businesses you and I run DO get taxed.
"I have never sponsored or voted for legislation to either create new taxes or to increase the tax burden of individual Georgians or Georgia businesses. Let me be clear that House Bill 466 which I introduced on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, does not create a new tax. It simply makes sure that the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, a private entity -- in spite of the word ‘federal’ in its name, is treated just the same for tax purposes as every other private business and private bank located in Georgia,” Franklin declared in remarks distributed today."
bobby franklin: 404-656-0152
By , at
February 18, 2009 11:48 AM
Thanks Casey! It's time for a NATIONAL tax payers revolt in this country. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of working my butt off only to have the government use my tax money for something that it was never intended for. What Washington is doing is illegal! Our government has gone into an official tax frenzy to fund the ultimate stupidity . . . a $800 billion (so-called) stimulas package that won't stimulate anything. However it will line the pockets of a lot of people who are already rich. It will also supposedly create millions of new jobs. Even if that's true, at least 50% of those jobs will be filled by illegal immigrants. This country has gone mad and WE, THE TAXPAYERS, should be committed to a mental institution if we keep handing over our money to keep the insanity in Washington going. I urge everyone who sees this post to immediately go to their HR department and incease the number of dependents you claim. The law does not put any limits on this number. You can claim as many as you like. When you do, your employer will begin witholding less money from your check. You can put in your pocket and not give it to Washington to waste. When the time comes to file your taxes (if you choose to file your taxes)refuse to pay! THEY WON'T PUT YOU IN JAIL! They want you to believe that is what will happen, but it won't. If we can get millions of people to do this, there is nothing the government can do about it. They will be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of people refusing to pay taxes. Listen up folks, it's time to take back our country and our rights. If we don't stand up and be counted now, you can forget about the future of America! It's time to tell Washington, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
By , at
February 19, 2009 3:33 AM
Cagle: Senate is Committed to Lower Property Taxes
Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle today applauded legislation doubling the homestead exemption:
| "The Senate has stood strong in our commitment to fight for lower property taxes and not increase the burden on homeowners during this tough economic time. Our proposal to double the homestead exemption will provide necessary relief for homeowners across the state and is a step in the right direction. President Pro-Tem Tommie Williams and Majority Leader Chip Rogers have displayed solid leadership on this issue and we look forward to moving this legislation forward." In addition to introducing legislation to double the homestead exemption, the Senate is also planning to consider a property tax assessment cap and legislation that would ensure the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) is fully funded this year. S.B. 83 was dropped on Friday and will be referred to committee for consideration today. What do you think? Is doubling the homestead exemption to provide much-needed relief for homeowners during these difficult economic times a good idea? |
63 Comments:
If you and Majority Leader Rogers are for it I am for it. Stay the course... less government and lower taxes are what we need!
Ken Hendry
Woodstock, GA
By Ken Hendry, at
February 2, 2009 10:09 AM
Property taxes are used for education, fire, and police support.
People want to cry about Georgia's #48 ranking in school systems but, don't want to pay for it.
The old saying, "There is no free lunch-someone has to pay for it" is all too true.
Politicians need to get off the "Lower the Taxes" saw.
I have an idea, why don't we cut out some of the worthless State spending, like "Go Fish Georgia" and put that money into education. How about the GDOT "511 Information System". Does anyone really use that in this day of real time GPS navigation? How much did that system cost anyway? How much does it cost to operate?
I'm sure we can come up with better uses for taxpayers money than building fishing docks and such.
By 
Dean Rogers, at
February 2, 2009 10:17 AM
I'm disappointed that you would try to take advantage of everyone's desire to pay less taxes in a situation where sales and property tax incomes are down and state, local and school governments are already having a hard time providing services the people demand and surely don't need any further reduction in their income.
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:19 AM
How responsible is it to drastically cut taxes when the state is cutting employees and funding every which way? This mantra of cutting taxes isn't always the optimum solution. Are you trying to put Georgia in the same boat as the State of California: Not able to pay its bills.
The time to do this is when the economy is strong, not when it is tanking faster than lickety-split. I am sure there is always a bit of waste to be found, but gee whiz, guys, Republicans have been in control for quite some time, surely to God they have rooted it all out by now?
Really, perhaps you ought to come up with some new ideas besides cutting taxes and downsizing government. Please stop wallowing in overdone and out-of-date generalizations and offer up some positive forward-thinking ideas.
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:23 AM
I am in agreement for anything that will lessen my taxes but where will this money be made up? We are already are dealing with a hefty shortfall.
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:31 AM
This is a tough one. I do believe in taking care of property owners, but I DO NOT SUPPPORT the TAX ASSESSMENT CAP!!!!!!!!! I know for a fact, as does the folks at the Gold Dome do, that the freeze will not help property owners.
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:33 AM
Taxing is going to still be taxing. The state needs to step up and recognize that taxing wages and property is not working. There are too many people living in this State and this Country who are skirting any liability. Quit dickering around with this, create new ways to tax that reach those who need to pay their share. You have taked us enough. You have given enough of our hard earned money away to underserving people who come here looking for handouts. Stop the bleed now, those of us who have life long residency here deserve better.
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:37 AM
As a homeowner, I agree with doubling the homestead exemption, however I hear that my city plans on raising property taxes again to provide for the decreased monies given to the school system. I completely disagree with that plan as they need to find someway of cutting government spending first. Being on a fixed income, I appreciate any kind of cuts that come along. Thank you
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:42 AM
The city of Suwannee does not give Seniors a break on city taxes the way Gwinnette County does and we think this is unfair that Seniors are not given exemptions.
We definitely need tax reduction in these difficult times for all.
Thank You for standing for us.
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:44 AM
I am for lower property taxes, BUT, not at the sacrifice of fire, police, EMS, and education. I am willing to pay increased sales taxes; that is more equitable across the board. Cut the $$ spent on more frivolous programs as others have mentioned in previous comments. I'm sure much more pork would be uncovered if one were just to look.
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:50 AM
This is great for first-time home buyers, and we need to incentivize folks to buy homes. But this will not do much for those of us who are already in a home. Please look at other ways to cut taxes that will benefit more tax-payers. Of course we also need to cut spending at the same time!
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:52 AM
I am for lower taxes no matter what other services may have to be cut. If there is one thing that any average Georgian should know, it's this: the amount of waste at all levels of government is rampant. It can always be made smaller. I am also for a switch to a consumption tax in lieu of state income taxes.
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:53 AM
you can only go to the well so many times. homeowners continue to be the funding arm for the state and local government. i'm all for better schools, but money is not the answer for better schools in georgia. a better school system is the answer. perhaps a voucher program that awards good schools and teachers and puts bad schools and teachers out of business. stop looking to the homeowner for funding. why not have an apartment renter tax - and have renters participate in the communities that educate their children and serve their needs. I'm all for the bill and think it's about time politicians and legislators start thinking out of the same old box when it comes time to running government.
By , at
February 2, 2009 10:59 AM
I, like others think with more searching there could be lots more useless spending cuts. homeowner tax cuts would be very helpfull. one problem is the non-homeowners (illegals) from other countries with children in schools and using our facilities for free. they use our hospitals, health depts, draw medicaid and more priviledges than homeowners, without taxes. I have been at the supermarkets when they say "NO TAX-NO TAX". I think this means EVEN EXEMPT FROM SALES TAX. what's right about this?
By , at
February 2, 2009 11:09 AM
I get so tired of hearing some government boob lamenting about,"We are just going to cut back on some essential services. (Heavy Sigh!)
1. There should only be essential services! Nothing else should burden tax-payers!
2. ALL non-essential services should be gone forever, left to those who want them to provide for themselves.
By , at
February 2, 2009 11:13 AM
Oh MG. The 94% who blindly voted yes are probably the same people who blindly voted for Obama.
By , at
February 2, 2009 11:37 AM
It is time for the state to launch a campaign for only necessity programs during these economic times and eliminate wasteful spending, look at one program for individuals traveling up and down state roads in state vehicles, when if they were assigned to work closer to their homes would reduce a large portion of state agencies wasteful spending.
Special projects should be put on hold period...no if's and's or but's until the state has recouped its nest egg.
State parks fees should be increased to off set expenditures.
State buildings electrical lights should be turned off at night time.
The only fair tax is not property taxes but the sales tax, which crosses all lines and individuals.
If individuals have to cut back on their extras due to limited income, the state is no better, than it's people.
Increasing the homestead will only shift the tax burden...to businesses and industry...look out you want to draw new businesses into the state...this could have a tremendous negative affect on the state.
By , at
February 2, 2009 11:41 AM
I'm glad someone is taken us the homeowner in consideration for tax relief
By , at
February 2, 2009 11:42 AM
Dick Taylor
First and foremost all taxes are bad with the exception of those taxes that are specifically voted on by the people that will be paying the tax.
I recall that the FAIR TAX was voted on in a few county s, and that it was approved by a large majority. This was a non-binding vote, just for opinion.
Why not allow all of the people in the state to vote on a FAIR TAX proposal and make it binding. Other States have and found that it improved the over-all budget of the State.
By , at
February 2, 2009 12:00 PM
I am very much in favor of doubling the Homestead Exemption! My hours have been cut at work and am having a difficult time in making ends meet. I am now trying to renegociate the terms of my mortgage. I've gotten rid of my home phone. That saves me about $70.00 per month. I'm trying to cut back wherever I can.
By , at
February 2, 2009 12:01 PM
It's about time Home owners get a little break on their property taxes. I hear the schools whinning about having to make budget cuts. Why don't we treat education as a a consumer tax. Apartment dwellers are a heavy drain on our school systems because they don't pay any taxes to send their kids to our schools. Also our Senior citizens who don't have any children in Georgia school systems should not be taxed for schools. They have already paid their fair share. Come on everyone-pay for what you use.
By , at
February 2, 2009 12:29 PM
Alot of people are losing their homes because they can not afford to pay their property taxes as it is. Granted these taxes do help other departments, but if we completely obolish the homestead exemption, which really does help homeowners, can you imagine all the homeless people that we will have. I think everyone should pay taxes on their grocery bills, for example, to help out. Plus, the Ga.lottery money is supposed to be used for education. Why not use some of that lottery money to help with everyone else's financial situation. It seems like everyone is getting punished for the governments financial losses so why, specifically, go after the homeowners? Any help is better than no help at all!
By dkhester306, at
February 2, 2009 12:44 PM
We need tax money to pay for education, fire and rescue servs., etc. Homeowners should be taxed according to the value of their homes. My neighbors and I have the same type home, but because they purchased theirs when it was new, and I purchased mine 4 yrs. ago, they only pay $21./yr. in property taxes and I pay almost $900./yr. They have 2 incomes and I have Soc. Sec. It seems to me that some type of adjustments need to be made for everyone as far as liability goes.
By , at
February 2, 2009 12:47 PM
We need tax money to pay for education, fire and rescue servs., etc. Homeowners should be taxed according to the value of their homes. My neighbors and I have the same type home, but because they purchased theirs when it was new, and I purchased mine 4 yrs. ago, they only pay $21./yr. in property taxes and I pay almost $900./yr. They have 2 incomes and I have Soc. Sec. It seems to me that some type of adjustments need to be made for everyone as far as liability goes.
By , at
February 2, 2009 12:49 PM
Must be an awful lot of liberal democrats reading this and posting comments, you can tell because they are the the ones who DON't want to cut taxes! If they want to pay more, go right ahead, no one is stopping them. But for the rest of us who have jobs and actually PAY taxes, YES, cut taxes everywhere and every time!! By the way, if i hear one more time that we need MORE money spent on schools, i'm going to scream! How about we start requiring teachers to teach and discipline? And then require that students actually learn how to read and write and do math??? Cut the beautiful campuses, and sports programs, that will free up lots of money. While you're at it do away with the teachers union and the NEA. Finally the FAIR tax is the only way to tax, it hits everyone equally and FAIRLY at the point of purchase, no IRS, no deductions, no avoiding taxes, illegals and tourists pay too, it's a no-brainer!!!!
By , at
February 2, 2009 12:52 PM
I'm for any strategy that helps the people of Georgia stay in the homes that many of them are struggling to keep in this economy; however, I know that such an exemption would mean less $$$ for education, and that's a catch 22. We MUST continue to provide for our children and for many of their undereducated parents who have limited earning potential for lack of GED, language proficiency, etc. Bottom line: I'm for the tax cut only if it doesn't mean cutting adult literacy/education. Children depend on their parents; educating the parents is key to strengthening the family.
By Sharon Clark, at
February 2, 2009 12:55 PM
This is awful brave of you , but very much appreciated. YES for any homeowner tax cut or break. Also has anyone considered a 2 or 3% sales tax increase (crazy mentioning increase) but with an exemption for homeowners and seniors over 65? this would collect state tax from all those who do not pay property taxes but get all the benefits. Pigeon Forge tn. has 10% sales tax but resident homeowners have a card and get a product discount and 5% tax exemption. thanks jim
By jbow, at
February 2, 2009 1:07 PM
Taxes continue to rob those who work to provide food and housing for themselves. This robbery promotes socialism for those who do not wish to provide for themselves. I grew up in the depression and got a good basic education in a one room school with a stove burning coal to provide heat. No toilets or running water. I am a Veteran of WW11 and paid for my college education. I have paid school taxes all my life and most of the school taxes are wasted. People who reach retirement age should not have to pay school taxes. I have paid my share. Retired people should not have to pay Property taxes after retirement. We need our savings to pay for food & shelter and medical care.
By , at
February 2, 2009 1:27 PM
I live in Atlanta and property taxes in this city are criminal.
And they are talking about raising them in the midst of the economic
recession, using the tired and lame excuse of hiring more police!
Anything the legislature can do to cap property taxes in Atlanta would be great, because the city (with a 50 percent hike recently in pensions for its workers) will never drop these taxes by a dime.
By , at
February 2, 2009 1:28 PM
Inflation & deflation affect city and county governments in mycg tge same way as they affect taxpayers. Homestead exemptions should be revised at reasonable - lets say perhaps 5 year - intervals. But capping ad valorem taxes on real estate isn't really sensible. There's no cap on the cost of running a city or county.
By , at
February 2, 2009 1:38 PM
Property Taxes and Payroll taxes need to be abolished. Replace with a sales tax that can be voted on the people. Thanks.
By , at
February 2, 2009 2:16 PM
I agree with the reduction in property taxes to aid the elderly and indigent. Now, the state sales tax needs to be increased so that everyone helps pay! And this so-called private school voucher is a joke. It is a pure waste of tax money!
By , at
February 2, 2009 2:18 PM
PLEASE, don't pass the tax burden on to local governments. Local governments are already facing tremendous cuts to their existing revenue sources. Please protect home rule for cities and counties
By , at
February 2, 2009 2:39 PM
It's time for property owners to get a break on footing the bill for everybody's services - the responsible citizens are always the ones to carry the burden for the slackers among us.
By Lynn, at
February 2, 2009 3:28 PM
Thanks for asking. I'm all for lower taxes, but where are you going to cut the spending to make up for it? Isn't the impact mostly to local governments? Why would you want to do this when there's such a shortfall in the state budget? What's the impact to state AND local governments? Don't put me down in the YES column yet.
By , at
February 2, 2009 3:48 PM
For those who are appalled at the idea of lowering taxes (inline with president Obama's plan), I suggest an alternate plan. Let's share the revenue burden with those who do not pay for schools, police and firefighters. I propose a new tax on those who rent and an increase of the vehicle tax to offset a decrease in property taxes. Socialists, chime in now!!
By Chris Ewing, at
February 2, 2009 4:03 PM
I think it is time for Government both State and Federal to try and take some of the burden off of the people. Homestead exemption doubling is a good place to start but I would also like to see a complete waiver of property taxes for the elderly and people that are disabled living on Social Security.
By Dr. Mike, at
February 2, 2009 5:08 PM
One more idea that I would love to see is for the federal government to make it possible for every citizen to vote on every line in a bill. Technology has developed to the point that a bill could be drafted, posted online (line by line) and let you and I finaly have a say in what gets passed and what does not. Line by Line. No more Pork this way!
By Dr. Mike, at
February 2, 2009 5:11 PM
As a young Georgian I feel that lowering taxes isn't necessarily the solution. Certainly, more money in the pockets of the citizens is not a bad thing. However, on the state level the government should be willing to spend money for the sake of the people. It's fine to say that lower taxes are needed, but at what cost? What state government programs need to be cut to cover the tax decrease?
Before you go cutting taxes it would be prudent to find out which programs are not functioning efficiently. If something can work better then make it work better. If something isn't working at all then cut it. Keeping up taxes may not be a popular decision and it might hurt your chances in the next election, but as an administrator and representative of the people you need to find the source of the infection before you cut off the leg, so to speak.
By Rory, at
February 2, 2009 7:34 PM
Governments at all levels require a certain level of revenue (let's get rid of all the pork in all our programs) to provide services, etc. Doubling the homeowners exemption is a fine idea but since a certain amount of revenue is needed, won't we just be robbing Peter to pay Paul? The revenue has to come from somewhere. Why not implement a FAIR TAX approach to insure that everyone pays a fair share based on consumption. A FAIR TAX approach will reach those who now skirt the tax laws and place unfair burdens on those who live by the rules.
By , at
February 2, 2009 7:40 PM
We do not need an assessment cap. That unfairly burdens buyers of a new or upsizers or downsizers with higher taxes to make up for the shortfall caused by capping exiting homeowners taxes. Where is the money for this homestead exemption coming from? ALl we haer about is the state being $2 billion short and we are way behind in funding of mass transit which we badly need in the metro Atlanta area. It is unconcionable that the state government is not concerned ith the economy of the state. We need to be investing in infrastructure that will support the economic growth of the state. We do need to continue streamlining government services to save money. There are plenty of areas to do that while maintaining services. Studies over the last twenty years starting with the "Reinventing Government" study of 1990 which doucmented various ways governments in the 1980's improved governemnt services while saving taxpayers money. Sonny's New Georgia was supposedly addressing these ideas but we haven't seen the results anticipated. We need leadership at the state senate and house to get moving on real changes not political proposals of no real value like this doubling of the homestead exemption. It will take money to get things moving some of which can be gained by cutting government waste. Casey is talking a good game but where's the action. His lack of leadership last year on the
T-SPLOST caused great economic losses for the state. Whether it passes this year or not he takes the blame for it's failure last year. He needs to show a lot more leadership if he thinks he deserves the chance to be governor. Poor decision making such as his handling of the T-SPLOST last year won't cut it.
By , at
February 2, 2009 7:57 PM
Taxes should be raised on the rich; maybe those making more than $200,000 dollars and those making less then $0 but how are you going to be able to keep those making more money cheating and lying about it. I sort of think that to have a uniform tax on all taxes might work out better for us, and have it based on all income, but for the widows, fixed incomes and indegent to be exempt from any taxes.
By , at
February 2, 2009 8:06 PM
Tax System explained: An Awesome Explanation
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for Ice House Beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100.
If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that's what they decided to do.
The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.
"Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20." Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes. So the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men? The paying customers?
How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.
So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so the fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings)
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28% savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 ( 22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
"I only got a dollar out of the $20,"declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man," but he got $10!"
"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"
"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"
"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, this is how our tax system works.
The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction.
Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore.
In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible
By Lane, at
February 3, 2009 3:56 AM
I eagerly cast my vote for this property tax reduction. Although not entirely for it in this current form, Homestead Exeption, I vote YES. I would also like to see the State examine the elimination of School Taxes for individuals without children or children no longer in GA Public Schools.
By jabinga, at
February 3, 2009 5:41 AM
Whatever happened to local control. Property taxes fund local government. Only .25 mill goes to the state. You want to give property tax relief, then stop passing unfunded mandates, fully fund the programs you do pass and give up the .25 mill. Then local government could reduce the levy by the .25 mill and pay for local government services, not all the stuff ya'll dream up in Atlanta.
By , at
February 3, 2009 5:47 AM
I am all for less taxes, provided that we are able to fund these reductions with reduced spending. I believe all governments are so entrenched in the pork programs that it would almost take a complete house cleaning to cure the problem. It is time for our elected officials to do what is best for the electorate; instead of concentrating on getting reelected.
By , at
February 3, 2009 5:53 AM
I don't mind paying my fair share. My property taxes doubled last year and the value of my home has decreased in this economy. Why should I pay taxes on a house the county values at 175,000 when I could not sell if for 100,000 today if I tried?
By , at
February 3, 2009 6:30 AM
I say cut my Taxes so I can pay for my house.Let the goverment bail there self out. They are Good at that.
By , at
February 3, 2009 7:05 AM
I agree with the many intelligent people here. We must pay to play. Our schools are a disgrace.
A high school degree from the 60's is worth way more than an associate degree is today.
This is like the anti school tax movement. I do not like taxes, but someone paid them when my children were in school, so it is my duty to support the children of today. I just wish we were getting more for our money.
One thing for sure, everyone in each county should have a walk through of your local board of education offices. You will be shocked at the layers of "management" that was not there 10 years ago. Lets start cutting at that level.
By , at
February 3, 2009 8:42 AM
I'm going to get plowed for this but here goes:
$5
That's waht I'm willing to give the state to help you out.
$5 from one member the working class. My wife (thank you God) has a job and is working. $5 from her too.
That's it $5 one time for all the working people in Georgia.
Everybody working feels sorry for the people who are not,so here's a $5 donation.
One time.
Sorry it can't be bigger,but I'm working and lots of people are not.
Take it out of my April 10th check.
All working Georgians.
$5.
April.
Then get off our backs!
By , at
February 3, 2009 8:53 AM
Yes! By all means double the homestead exemption. But much more needs to be done, rogue goverments like Fulton County need to be restrained. The School Board is spending like drunken sailors and building palaces for schools to serve a diminishing percentage of public students. Georgia may be 48th in education but is much higher in per student spending. The only thing that will improve education is competition and the only thing to guarantee competition is school vouchers.
By , at
February 3, 2009 10:50 AM
This is just moving the tax burden to Cities and Counties and many times double the taxes on city residents. Leave local government taxes alone, work on reducing income tax and raise sales taxes
By , at
February 3, 2009 11:57 AM
Relief for the property owner is exactly what Georgia Leaders need to accomplish, impose a sales tax instead, then everyone pays for education, fire and police. I know we are our brothers keeper, but I don't think we should take them to raise totaly.
By , at
February 3, 2009 12:05 PM
Real Estate is the basis and foundation of the entire United States economy. Until solutions are forged to address the current real estate crisis, our economic system will continue to flounder. Doubling the Homeowner's Exemption will help struggling owners keep their own money and not have to rely on a rebate from the State sometime in the future. Our Nation has taken the wrong measures to address the financial meltdown, throwing massive heaps of taxpayer cash toward such inept organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts ($50 MILLION) and Amtrak ($1 BILLION). Decisions made by political pundits such as these assures many dark days ahead for the American taxpayer. Politicians continue to shortsightedly treat the symptoms, but until we address the root cause, we will never recover.
By J. Foster, at
February 3, 2009 12:46 PM
I agree with doubling the homestead exemption. Why do homeowners get stuck paying most of the taxes? Why not have a renters tax too so everyone can pay a fair share?
By , at
February 3, 2009 12:52 PM
To the people that think rents don't pay property tax:
Do you think for one instant that the owners of the rental units don't pay property taxes on the apartment complexes/houses?
I can tell you this, they pay far higher property taxes, per square foot, than most home owners.
By Dean Rogers, at
February 3, 2009 2:47 PM
A huge area of waste is the Athletic & entertainment commission.Except for Andy, the director, who is very good the rest should be summarily fired. They have NO knowledge. Now they are trying to post new rules for Wrestling and waste more Taxpayer money. And it is all about a trial lawyer Cary Ichter who wants the information to sue the wrestling industry. Since he has a financial interest he is on that board illegally, and needs to be removed. We will provide all information in support.
By , at
February 3, 2009 4:01 PM
Local town in North Georgia, Fort Oglethorpe pitched a fit about the number of rental properties going in the town. They even went as far as canceling contracts with a local contractor to build units. He already had broken ground on the property. They said it brought a bad element to their sweet little town and these renters did not pay into the schools systems that their children went to. I grew up in that small town and to be honest I think they are crazy. Yes, maybe renters do not pay some taxes that others do but they do still live and shop in the town. So in my opinion, Fort Oglethorpe Georgia needs to get their heads out of there _______. You can fill in the blanks.
By Dr. Mike, at
February 3, 2009 5:03 PM
Though I believe in cutting taxes, I find it extremely funny that this is coming from Cagle, who didn't want to let the people of Georgia vote on removing the most unfair tax there is, the Ad Valorum tag tax on your vehicle. We all pay the Casey Cagle Birthday tax every year and he wants to talk about property tax exemptions. The state is in fiscal crisis over its current budget shortfall. Lets face it folks, law enforcement and public safety in general is getting the boot. We always hear the buzz words of education and healthcare, but without public safety, that isn't worth squat. Why not cut some of the pork out of the budget and we wouldn't have to have this conversation about property taxes. Oh yeah, and Lt. Governor, let the people of Georgia, who you claim to value the opinions of, vote on the Ad Valorum tag tax. I'll guarantee it will go away if you let us decide.
By Vermithrax, at
February 3, 2009 6:31 PM
After last year's assembly I began thinking that Cagle was a tax and spend liberal in Republican clothing, however, he is now beginning to show a conservative side. Good! Homeowners carry too much of the burden of taxes in this state. Yes, landlords sometimes pay more per square foot, but people create demand for services not square footage. Rentals generate more people per square foot and, therefore, more demand for services.
By , at
February 4, 2009 11:47 AM
I agree that Property taxes are used for education, fire, and police support. And I that , like an old broken car cannot be fixed by throwing money at it, as we have been doing for years. The solution problem seems to be the ones in charge - Teachers. Its time we quit bowing to these Teachers Unions and give them an ultimatum, either teach our kids or get out. Those broken down old parts "teachers" need to be replaced by those who want to teach and not have been jaded by years of politics. Who are pressured by Administration to pass kids who do not deserve to pass so the numbers look good and the money continues to flow.
By , at
February 4, 2009 2:31 PM
Mr. Cagle, thanks for this forum. I have already gave my vote on this issue. Now, why don't you and Gov. Perdue open an OPEN FORUM and ask the people what they feel pertaining to any suggestion they might have. This would be a DIRECT TO THE PEOPLE voice instead of through a CONGRESSMAN who tells you what he wants, NOT exactly what everyone wants you to hear. I know we elect those who we think would be the best voice, but sometimes the INDIVIDUAL can have an idea that maybe the ELECTED MIGHT NOT HAVE. I understand you can't read what everyone has to say but whoever reads THESE might give you an extra idea of what the average person has to say. Thanks again for this oppertunity. jim
By jbow, at
February 4, 2009 4:13 PM
Lt. Gov. Cagle,
This is from my comments on this bill (and nearly every other Senate bill, if you are so interested) at http://swgapolitics.wordpress.com:
SB83 would raise the amount of the homestead exemption to $4K this year, and beginning next year would raise it by the cost of living index each year, with the exception of any year where the cost of living index goes down. Without appropriate spending cuts, however, this exemption is simply bad fiscal policy. Government simply cannot spend more and more money while at the same time generating less and less. If an individual did this, he would be quickly heading towards bankruptcy court, and yet government expects to get off scot free? For this reason, I must strenuously oppose what is sure to be a popular measure.
SB83: OPPOSE
