DOUGLAS, GA (Apr. 1, 2010) – A bill authored by State Sen. Greg Goggans (R-Douglas) requiring tax expenditure reports to be included in Georgia’s annual budget report was overwhelmingly approved by the Georgia House of Representatives Thursday. Senate Bill 206 has been endorsed by both Republicans and Democrats seeking increased efficiencies and cost savings for Georgia’s state government operations.
“Lawmakers have an obligation, not a choice, to be good stewards of taxpayer’s hard-earned money in both good and bad economic times,” said Goggans. “This bill will give budget writers an invaluable resource to ensure we are protecting our families and small businesses from increased and unnecessary tax burdens. I am proud of this bi-partisan plan that will allow greater fiscal responsibility with state revenues and help the General Assembly improve the way we appropriate taxpayer dollars.”
“This bill is yet another opportunity to provide greater transparency in our budget process and prevent unnecessary tax burdens in this economy. Senator Goggans has shown exemplary leadership in this effort and we are proud of his efforts,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.
Under Goggans’ measure every tax allowance, exemption, credit, and exclusion would be analyzed and scrutinized to project if it is still beneficial and having a positive impact for Georgia. These tax expenditure reports must include the tax revenue impact over a three-year period, low long the provision has existed, a description on the original objective, and whether or not the tax expenditure is achieving its goal.
SB 206 passed the Senate 52 to 0 during the 2009 General Assembly and gained bipartisan support as a common-sense policy measure designed to provide legislators a helpful tool to identify areas taxpayer dollars can be utilized more efficiently for the next fiscal year. SB 206 cleared the House by a unanimous 158 to 0 vote with several minor revisions, so it must be sent back to the Senate to approve the changes before landing on the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Sen. Greg Goggans represents the 7th Senate District, which includes Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Clinch, Coffee, Echols, Lanier, Pierce and Ware counties and a portion of Cook County.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
April 1, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028