News & Updates
GA CURB has begun looking at alternatives to the state’s current tax structure. It is well documented that Georgia’s present tax system is archaic, with sales taxes reflecting an agricultural/industrial economy rather than today’s more service-oriented economy and with an income tax that is essentially flat. The burden of taxation falls more heavily on the poor and the middle class. Unless the structure is revised, it will not produce steady revenues that are adequate to meet the state’s needs.
Three legislative committees met during 2006 to address tax reform. Each committee had a distinct focus. HR 1464 created the House Comprehensive Tax Reform Study Committee chaired by Rep. Larry O’Neal. The Senate Study Committee on Limited Taxation chaired by Sen. Mitch Seabaugh was interested in TABOR-like limits on revenue growth and requiring supermajority votes for bills affecting taxes. The House Tag Tax Study Committee which considered eliminating or reducing ad valorem taxes on cars was chaired by Rep. Mark Burkhalter.
GA CURB held a well-attended training session in the early fall of 2006 to help advocacy groups understand the basics of tax reform options. Participants received fact sheets on various aspects of tax reform. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute which conducted the training has written a book discussing tax reform options for Georgia. Read the summary: DOING BETTER: FAIR AND ADEQUATE TAX REFORM IN GEORGIA.
GA CURB sent a letter to Governor Perdue and legislators on tax reform. GA CURB sent a letter signed by many groups to Governor Perdue and to all House and Senate members and members-elect asking them to use their leadership to ensure that Georgia has a fair tax system designed to meet the many needs of our state.