ATLANTA (March 25, 2009) – The Jobs, Opportunity, and Business Success Act of 2009 (JOBS Act) passed with overwhelming support today in the Georgia State Senate. Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) championed the JOBS Act through the Senate and worked with House leaders on this vital legislation for Georgia’s economy.
“Today the Senate voted for a true Georgia economic stimulus package. Instead of saddling our children and grand-children with a trillion dollars in new spending, the Georgia Senate moved in a dramatically different direction. We are lowering taxes and reducing regulation. At a time when Georgians need help, job opportunities, and economic growth, the Georgia Legislature has created and passed a solid set of pro-growth policies that will create jobs and grow business,” said Rogers. “Together with House leadership, we listened to and delivered what the people of Georgia asked for – get the government out of the way, let the economy be free and give them room to take care of their own families.”
Recently the Wall Street Journal reported Georgia’s JOBS Act saying, “States are facing their deepest spending crises in decades, and more than two dozen are looking at raising taxes or fees to balance their budgets. But at least one state, Georgia, is bucking the trend and cutting taxes.” (WSJ – 3/17/09 “Georgia Has Tax Cuts on Its Mind”)
House Bill 481 and 482 comprise the JOBS Act with HB 481 providing a one-year filing fee holiday for new businesses, a $500 credit towards the unemployment insurance tax for each newly hired employee that was receiving unemployment benefits, a $2,400 income tax credit for each eligible employee hired, the refund of $186 million in state held sales tax deposits, and the gradual elimination of the Business income tax for Georgia based corporations. HB 482 is a referendum to eliminate the state inventory tax on all Georgia businesses.
Rogers also praised the Act as the most pro-business legislation the General Assembly has ever considered and believes its focus on protecting the small business will be the key to bringing Georgia through the current recession.
“I applaud Representative Tom Graves for his leadership with this bill and working together with Senate to do what’s right for Georgians and the economy. With this legislation Georgia can start the road toward economic recovery for our entire nation,” stated Rogers.
Sen. Chip Rogers serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 21st Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. He can be reached at his office at 404.463.1378 or by email at chip.rogers@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 25, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028