Property Assessments Freeze

Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed a bill that would stop home assessments from rising for two years. The bill sponsored by state Rep. Ed Lindsey, an Atlanta Republican, is designed to provide relief to Georgians struggling with rising property taxes. The new law prevents property assessments fro rising for the taxable years beginning Jan. 1, 2009 and ending January 2011. Critics complain that the freeze will hurt the ability of local governments to provide services to residents.

(Associated Press)

Early bill takes on property taxes

Today a Georgia lawmaker filed the first "pre-bill" in anticipation of the upcoming 2009 legislative session. Republican Representative Ed Linsdsey wants to cap property tax assessments. House Speaker Glenn Richardson had sought to wipe out property taxes in the last legislative session but the plan died. The legislative session begins Jan. 12.

(Associated Press)