Tax reform amendment passes House

Yesterday was Crossover Day at the state Captiol, and several bills did not make the cut for consideration this year. They include constitutional amendments to make English the official language of Georgia and to give a fetus the same rights as a person.

However, the state House did finally pass Speaker Glenn Richardson's tax reform amendment. The final version, which is dramatically different from Richardson's original proposal, passed with only five dissenting votes.

As it stands, the resolution would cut taxes on cars, eliminate the state portion of property taxes, and slow down property tax assessments. It does not cap millege rates, which had been a sticking point in debate of the measure last week. The amendment now goes to the Senate where it needs a two-thirds majority to be placed on the November ballot.

Augusta school officials oppose tax reform plan

School officials in Augusta are going on record against a controversial tax reform plan.

The Richmond County school board has voted to formally oppose the tax plan for education proposed by Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram).

They will take their opposition before legislators at a breakfast on Thursday.

The plan would eliminate a portion of property taxes, replacing education dollars with expanded sales taxes.

But school officials in Augusta fear they would lose control of local education funds.

"Now, we're working under a system where the local authorities have the ability to cut taxes or raise taxes to support a system that the public will support," said Jack Padgett, a Richmond County school board member. "I'm just not sure that anytime you send money away that you would get it all back."

Richardson eventually wants to eliminate all property taxes.

"Property taxes are rising faster than people's ability to pay them, and it is time that local governments stop balancing their checkbooks on the backs of homeowners," said Clelia Davis, a spokeswoman for Richardson. "All we are asking is for the citizens of Georgia to have the right to vote and decide whether they want to eliminate property taxes and change the system. That is the ultimate form of local control."

The Georgia School Boards Association, meanwhile, says only a few school systems so far have asked them for assistance in drafting resolutions opposing the plan. Richardson has dubbed the plan GREAT, which stands for Georgians for the Repeal of Every Ad Valorem Tax.

Richardson might compromise tax idea

Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson may be ready to compromise on his tax reform proposal. He has been shopping his idea of replacing all property taxes with an expanded sales taxes on goods and services.

Richardson's so called Great plan has gotten the cold shoulder from many including Governor Sonny Perdue. Opponents say it just wouldn’t raise enough money make up for the lost property taxes.

Richardson told the Macon Telegraph this week that he may propose to eliminate only that portion of the property tax that funds schools.

A spokesperson for Richardson confirmed that he is looking into that option. The move could silence opposition from counties and cities who fear the loss of control over their budget under the Great plan. School boards, especially those in wealthy counties, may not like the idea.

Any tax reform proposal hashed out during next years legislative session would need voter approval in November.