ATLANTA (February 3, 2009) – Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers has introduced a bill to amend the Homestead Exemption Act doubling state-wide homestead exemption. This comes on the heels of Governor Perdue’s attempt to remove the Homeowner Tax Relief Grants (HTRG) for 2009.
“This bill creates a homeowner tax relief the taxpayer can rely on each year. Increasing the Homestead Exemption in lieu of a grant, removes the state government as the middle man,” said Rogers. “The amount of the exemption has never changed since its inception in the 1930s. It has been unresponsive to the economic situations for far too long. Homeowners deserve some relief.”
Specifically the bill will increase the amount of the state-wide homestead exemption from $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 with automatic future adjustments for inflation.
While the Senate and House are committed to funding HTRG in 2009, Rogers says that by doubling the Homestead Exemption homeowners would be protected 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.
Lt Governor Casey Cagle recently commented on Senate Bill 83 saying, “The Senate has stood strong in our commitment to fight for lower property taxes and not increase the burden on homeowners during this tough economic time. Our proposal to double the homestead exemption will provide necessary relief for homeowners across the state and is a step in the right direction. President Pro-Tem Tommie Williams and Majority Leader Chip Rogers have displayed solid leadership on this issue and we look forward to moving this legislation forward.”
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.
SB 83 goes before the Senate Finance Committee today and will likely go to the Senate Floor for a vote by the end of the week. For more information on SB 83, go to www.legis.ga.gov.
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:
February 3, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028