ATLANTA (January 17, 2013) – Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R- Rome) sponsored Senate Resolution 8 in the State Senate today. The resolution, proposed by Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus), is a plan that would create a constitutional amendment to phase out the Georgia State Income Tax.
“In order to continue promoting job creation and boost Georgia’s economic competiveness, we must begin to evaluate how to eliminate the state income tax,” said Sen. Hufstetler. “I will be supporting this resolution to ensure that the hardworking citizens of Georgia take more of their hardworking dollars home each year.”
If approved by Georgia voters, Senate Resolution 8 would phase out the income tax completely by the year 2027. This process would be gradual, reducing the tax rate by .5 percent every year until the income tax is eliminated.
The Georgia income tax rate is 6 percent. Several states do not have an income tax including Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming, Washington, New Hampshire, Nevada and Alaska. Other states have the abolition of their state income tax under consideration, including North Carolina, Louisiana and Nebraska.
The sponsors of Senate Resolution 8 include Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), Sen. Butch Miller (R- Gainesville), Sen. Steve Gooch (R- Dahlonega), Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta), Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton ), Sen. Brandon Beach (R -Alpharetta), Sen. Hunter Hill (R-Smyrna) and Sen. Barry Loudermilk (R- Cassville).
Amendments to the Georgia Constitution may be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. An amendment must be approved by a 2/3 majority of each legislative chamber in order for it to be placed on the ballot for voter approval.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 17, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Emily Williams, Communications Associate
Emily.Williams@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028