By: Sen. Cecil Staton
ATLANTA (February 6, 2009) – The state Senate had another very productive week under the Gold Dome with 5 legislative days and a busy committee meeting schedule. I can assure you that there is an overwhelming sense of urgency as we sort through the state budget crisis and make these unfortunate but necessary cuts to balance the $2.2 billion shortfall in revenues. This year is not a time for partisan politics and I’m confident we will come together as one legislature to make our decisions financially responsible and beneficial for the state’s long-term growth and prosperity.
On Tuesday the Senate passed the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) plan, a measure in which I am proud to have supported. TSPLOST will fund much needed and long-term transportation infrastructure by offering a flexible solution to meet the diverse needs across the state This voter-approved transportation funding enhancement will allow counties the option to band together to levy a one percent sales tax to fund transportation projects in their district. The greatest benefit is that local counties will decide what projects in their area need funding the most. As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee I was happy to work with my colleagues in a bi-partisan manner to ensure TSPLOST brought the greatest value to local areas. It is vital for our state’s future as we work to seek sustainable and effective transportation solutions The TSPLOST will generate up to $850 million in funding each year for the metro Atlanta area, and up to $1.2 billion for the entire state. Contributing to transportation infrastructure will produce jobs and a better economy, capitalizing on the relationship between transportation development and economic growth.
As a voting member of the Senate Finance Committee, I supported the passage of two bills that will provide property owners much-needed tax relief. We passed Senate Bill 83 out of committee which would double the current statewide homestead tax exemption from $2,000 to $4,000 with automatic future adjustments for inflation. The Homestead Exemption Act became State law in the 1930s under Governor Eugene Talmadge’s Administration. The tax exemption was proposed at $2000 and has remained that amount ever since. The adjustment proposed by the Senate this week will protect homeowners from possible HTRG cuts in the future. Additionally Exemption funds would not be subject to appropriated funding decisions each year. The funds would be guaranteed to those it impacts most – the taxpayers. House Bill 143 was also passed by our committee which would ensure that the Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) would be honored for 2009 and be provided in future years if there is a budget surplus. Providing this tax relief grant was a promise made by the General Assembly that we intend to keep and work to find as much tax relief as possible for the future. Both measures passed in the Senate on Friday, February 6.
Please remember to contact me in my office on the issues that are affecting you and your area.
Sen. Cecil Staton serves as Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes portions of Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones and Monroe counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.5039 or via e-mail at cecil.staton@senate.state.gov
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber,Director
Matt Colvin Communications Associate
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028