ATLANTA (April 1, 2009) – Today, a majority of the Georgia Senate Democrats voted against allowing the people to vote on increasing the Statewide Homestead Exemption. House Bill 483 was amended by Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) to include a referendum for November 2010 ballot. The measure would have allowed the voters to decide on an incrementally increase of $1,000 per year for 8 years. The measure, which required a two-thirds majority vote, failed the Senate by a vote of 35 – 21. The vote results fell mainly along party lines. Every Republican Senator voted in favor of the tax relief. Senator Kasim Reed (D-Atlanta) was the lone Democrat voting for the measure.
Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) made the following statement:
“Georgians are being taxed out of their homes. Yet, some elected officials would rather protect government than the homeowners they represent. Today’s vote shows a clear difference between those who stand with homeowners and those who side with government.”
Upon not receiving the two thirds majority vote, the Senate voted for reconsideration of the measure.
The statewide homestead exemption has not changed since its inception in 1937.
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:
April 1, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber,Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028