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Dear Neighbor:
This week the Senate returned from its spring recess. With the completion of day 36, the Georgia General Assembly has 4 days of session remaining. Many important issues were discussed.
Troops to Leave Afghan Badland
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, U.S. troops are pulling out of Afghanistan’s perilous Korengal Valley as part of a new focus on protection population centers. “The shift reflects new thinking among commanders that forces are best used to protect the civilian population rather than placed in scattered outposts highly exposed to militant activity, which are difficult to resupply and reinforce. The strategic shift coincides with the deployment of an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, most on missions to drive the Taliban from populated areas and provide enough security to let local governments consolidate control and bring about economic recovery.”
Pilot Program Presented by Senator Balfour
A House Bill, sponsored by Senator Don Balfour will require the secretary of state to develop a pilot program for the electronic transmission of absentee ballots by military and overseas citizens. The pilot program will encrypt and authenticate information, verify the electors’ identity and eligibility to vote, and allow the elector to verify the ballot transmission was successful.
Passage of Georgia Tax Relief Act
On the eve of national tax day, the Georgia General Assembly has passed major tax relief; House Bill 1055 called by some the “Georgia Taxpayer Relief Act of 2010”. The measure eliminates retirement income tax on Georgia seniors and eliminates the state property tax. This was a great day for Georgia as the General Assembly has moved to completely eliminate two separate taxes. The elimination of the state property tax is a true tax cut for every Georgian who owns property or a vehicle which will save $94.4 million annually. We coupled this with the elimination of retirement income tax on Georgia senior citizens, saving $150 million annually. The Act eliminates by phase-out the taxes on senior retirement income and the state property tax. Once fully enacted the tax cut is expected to be more than $250 Million per year. Another major component of the act reduces taxpayer subsidizing services for others by adjusting outdated and antiquated state fees and fines. When a fee does not cover the cost of the service provided, Georgia taxpayers subsidize the activities of specific individuals or businesses by paying the remaining cost. By addressing this issue now, users will rightfully pay the bulk of the cost of services provided. Overall, the Georgia Taxpayer Relief Act of 2010 will provide relief for almost every taxpayer in Georgia while making significant progress in alleviating the state budget crisis.
I appreciate your support throughout the 2010 legislation session. It is an honor to serve you.
Please contact me with questions or concerns.
Best Regards,
Don
