ATLANTA (February 6, 2009) – The Georgia State Senate today voted historically to double the statewide homestead exemption. Senate Bill 83 overwhelmingly passed out of the Senate by a 40-14 vote and will now go to the House.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) introduced the bill that will amend the Homestead Exemption Act to increase the exemption from $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 with automatic future adjustments for inflation.
“This is crystal-clear legislation that is the proper way to deliver property tax relief to homeowners,” said Rogers. “Overall, this coupled with the tax assessment caps, will impact those who need it the most – taxpayers.”
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. If the measure passes in the House, it will go on the special-election ballot in June for voters to make the final decision.
“Today we sent a strong message to over three million homeowners throughout Georgia: the Senate will remain steadfast in our commitment to keep property taxes low during this tough economic time,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “The fact is, in the time that we have seen thirteen U.S. Presidents sworn into office, the homestead exemption has not increased. Increasing the exemption is not only long overdue, but it is the right thing to do for homeowners who are wading through this economic downturn.”
Rogers also supports House Resolution 1 to help protect Georgia property owners from unfair property assessment increases. Senator Rogers authored similar legislation, Senate Resolution 796, which provides tax relief for homeowners through a constitutional amendment to cap property tax assessments. Residential property assessed value may not increase anymore than two percent a year and non-residential property assessed value may not increase anymore than three percent a year or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. In addition, it allows property to be assessed at a real, fair market value and will establish accountability for the property tax system. The resolution passed the State Senate in 2008.
Rogers passionately urged his colleagues to vote for the amendment stating, “If we can ask voters for a penny tax increase in a special election, then we can certainly ask voters if they’d like to lower their property tax liability in a special election. This is legislation truly acting in voters’ best interests.”
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 6, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber,Director
Matt Colvin Communications Associate
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028