ATLANTA (May 6, 2009) – Governor Sonny Perdue yesterday signed into law Senate Bill 168 (SB 168), which included Sen. Eric Johnson’s provision requiring the Department of Revenue commissioner to report annually the names of legislators who avoid filing their taxes to their respective Senate or House Ethics Committee. As chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, Johnson took swift action this session to ensure that Georgians have a right to know if their elected officials evade that responsibility.
“I regret that a law like this is even necessary. But legislators who determine how your taxes are spent must be paying theirs. From now on, they will or they will be removed from office,” stated Johnson. “As leaders in Georgia who create the laws, we have a duty and responsibility to uphold the State and U.S. Constitutions and be held accountable when those laws are broken.”
Johnson sought action after reports that 10 percent of legislators had failed to file their income taxes for multiple years. The reports stated that the majority owed $20,000 or more in back taxes. This bill was necessary to expose the names to the legislature and the public.
Under SB 168, the Senate and House Ethics Committees can conduct an investigation of those members to determine if they have committed misconduct by failing to file a Georgia personal income tax return. If the committee conducts a public hearing for the misconduct, the names will become public at that time. Each body can discipline their members, including removal from office, holding state elected officials accountable for filing and paying their taxes.
Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st Senate district serves as the chairman of the Ethics Committee. He represents Bryan County and portions of Chatham and Liberty counties. He may be reached at 404.656.5109 or via e-mail at eric.johnson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028