Opposition to property tax cut getting vocal

Groups opposed to House speaker Glenn Richardson’s proposal to eliminate the property tax in Georgia are stepping up their lobbying efforts.
Richardson already toured the state pushing his plan to eliminate the property tax.

He wants the state to collect sales taxes on food and other items instead and let the state decide how much money will go back to about 640 local governments.
Now, local governments have complete control over property taxes.

That’s why the Georgia Municipal Association is against the plan. Jim Higdon is the groups Executive Director

“This will destroy Local Governments, plain and simple," says Jim Higdon with the Georgia municipal association. "If a mayor and council have no authority, why do they even exist?"

Hidgdon’s group joins the Georgia School Boards Association, the Georgia AARP and others in their own tour of Georgia, to show they say that Speaker Richardson’s plan only benefits those owning big homes in high priced areas and landowners. The plan they say would hurt the elderly because medical services would be taxable.

The Tax Reform: A Reality Check tour will visit cities throughout Georgia, holding events from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on the following dates:
September 25, Macon - Ramada Plaza Hotel
October 2, Rome - Days Inn Downtown
October 9, Athens - UGA Center for Continuing Education
October 17, Albany - Albany State University
October 23, Augusta - Ramada Plaza Hotel
October 30, Savannah - Savannah State College
November 6, Gainesville - Gainesville State College