By State Sen. Greg Goggans
There is no doubt Georgia has faced an extremely difficult period of time this last year or so. This state and our nation have suffered through an historic economic downturn and recession. The negative effects have left families and businesses forced to make some very hard choices dealing with their budgets.
Much has been made of our state having a spending problem. While it is important to ensure Georgia’s government operates in a fiscally responsible manner, the state currently is 50th (lowest) in the nation in debt per capita and ranks 49th (second-lowest) in spending per capita. Both figures are wonderful news and indicative of the work conservative leadership has done over the years to create an efficient spending model that provides essential state services while keeping taxes and debt low.
But the next figure I have to share with you is truly an important one in addressing the state’s shrinking funds. Georgia ranks 50th (last) in the nation for revenue per capita.
Looking at these figures, it is clear to see Georgia does not have a spending problem as much as it has a revenue problem and we need to act now.
Furloughing teachers and state employees is not a long-term solution. Releasing prisoners from their sentences early simply because we cannot afford to house them is not a long-term solution. Adding a hospital bed tax and considering deep cuts into the reimbursement rates of medical providers who already have low rates is not a long-term solution. We need to find a fair, stable remedy for revenue shortfalls in our state. To address this urgent need, I have proposed a Constitutional amendment (Senate Resolution 939) which would take away the tax exemption on lottery tickets sold in Georgia. If my amendment is passed by the legislature and voted into law by the people of Georgia, estimates show it would bring roughly $130 million a year to the state and $92 million a year to local governments. That is truly a win-win for the people of Georgia.
When I spoke on the Senate floor this past week I mentioned a lot has been made about this figurative “kitchen table” that families across Georgia are supposedly gathering around to try and figure out how to get by. I told my colleagues that a new day has come in Georgia and the stark reality is that this “kitchen table” is no longer there. That table, so to speak, has been sold, repossessed, or cut up into firewood to help keep warm over the winter months. Many Georgians are no longer gathered around a table; they are backed into a corner trying to not just weather these down times, but trying to survive them. It is clear that people across our state need help now and are looking to their elected officials for effective solutions.
I realize that not everyone will agree with this legislation, but it would let the people of Georgia ultimately determine the best course of action when it comes to state revenues. This resolution was just introduced this week and will have to be passed by a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate and get signed by the Governor before appearing on the November ballot.
I feel SR 939 will create a consistent revenue source for the long-term. The citizens of this state need the help of its elected officials more than ever and I will do all I can to help us get out of this economic recession and bring long-term jobs, growth and prosperity to Georgia.
Please remember to contact me in my office on the issues that are affecting you and your area. I am here to represent you and it is an honor for me to work on your behalf. As always, I’d like to thank members of the Senate staff, who contribute regularly to my column.
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:
February 5, 2010
For Information Contact:
Matt Colvin, Broadcast Specialist
matthew.colvin@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028