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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2006 > January > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFirst bill to clear Legislature halves home heating fuel tax
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gov. Sonny Perdue’s proposal to cut the state sales tax on home heating fuel sailed through the Senate on Monday and became the first measure to pass both chambers in the 2006 session.
The Senate voted 51-3 in favor of House Bill 970, a measure that halves the tax on natural gas and liquid propane from 4 cents to 2 cents per dollar. On a $300 winter heating bill, the change would save the consumer $6, or $5 on a $250 bill.
Once Gov. Sonny Perdue signs the bill into law, it becomes effective through March on liquid propane and through April on natural gas. Perdue is expected to sign the bill this week.
Republican leaders praised the measure as another example of the Governor’s efforts to help Georgia taxpayers. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg), who introduced the bill in the Senate, said that the state collected extra revenues due to the increase in natural gas and liquid propane prices following last year’s natural disasters, particularly Hurricane Katrina.
“The Governor and many of us believe it is unfair for the state to benefit on such an essential commodity due to natural disasters,� Seabaugh said. “This was the best way to give those dollars back to the people of Georgia.�
But several Democrats grumbled that the bill did not provide enough relief for the rising home heating fuel costs faced by many Georgians.
“It’s good as far as it goes, but it’s too little, too late,â€? said Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta). “We should have done this in September. We should not have waited until January to get this done.â€? Fort said he wanted to propose an amendment to remove the entire four percent sales tax for a period of time.
But he was unable to do so because at the start of the debate, Seabaugh made a motion to engross the bill - a procedure that prevents lawmakers from proposing and voting on amendments to the bill. The motion to engross passed 33-20, and sparked some partisan bickering. After the motion to engross, Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor sarcastically asked Seabaugh, “to speak to his perfect legislation.�
“Thank you Mr. President, I’ll take that as a compliment,� Seabaugh retorted.
Sen. Steve Thompson (D-Powder Springs) said that the bill would not help people on fixed incomes because their home heating bills are so high.
“Let’s do something for the public that has some teeth to it, and quit putting on a show cause we’re not doing anything,� Thompson said. Sen. Regina Thomas (D-Savannah), one of the three senators who voted against the measure, said that lawmakers should consider regulating the natural gas industry.
“It’s a feel good thing to say we want to give you a break on taxes in an election year,� Thomas said. “This is a joke and I’m not going to be a part of it.�
Senate Minority Leader Robert Brown (D-Macon) and Sen. Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain) also voted against the bill.
Permalink | Comments (11) | Categories: Breaking news
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By Bob
January 23, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
so now I can take this 6 dollar savings and go to Wendy’s and get 6 mini cheese-bacon-burgers? What about the prices doubling and nearly tripling…why can’t we stop that? Deregulation my butt!
By teach
January 23, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
Wow, where will I spend my two dollars??? Perhaps I’ll buy some more school supplies for my students because their parents don’t have the money to buy them pencils.
By Kathy
January 23, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
I agree, the lawmakers should regulate the natural gas industry. We should not be taken advantage of because of a natural disaster and this is too little, too late.
By P.H.
January 23, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
My per therm charge which is not fixed is approx. $1.41, the current Nymex prompt month is trading at the equivalent of 84¢. The $1.41 price was trading for a few days in December. Yet, my bill will be based upon this for two months. The gas marketer will say, “well, I have to pass one the cost and what if it were that high or higher?� OK, so let me get this right, I am their hedge. They are not in the gas marketing business, they are only in the bill generating business. Why must I assume the business risk for the gas marketer? Our deregulated system in GA is pointless. Also, AGL is getting a $14 customer fee for me. I am in an apartment - $14?
By CHEAPGAS
January 23, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
As much as I appreciate the gesture, $6 on a $250.00 gas bill is an insult and is not going to make me feel any better. That is not even enough to put gas in my car with! remember those prices continue to rise.
Why do they think that the little assistance they give is such a great deal?! How about they take a $6 salary increase and make that work!
Let’s regulate the oil industry and really create new sources of power. Where are the benefits that were suspose to be passed on to the consumer when the oil companies made their record $10 billion dollar profit? It just sickens me that we continually accept the rich making more and more money off of the dwindling middle class and the poor.
By jayne blaze
January 23, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Chavez: Can Georgia some of that discounted oil you sent to Massachusetts?
By Tammy
January 23, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
My gas bill would be $125,but with all the add on’s where everybody gets paid it is $185. That makes me sick. No other Utility Company charges you to read your meter or be their customer. Why should I pay you to be your customer?
By Shawn
January 23, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
This does alot to help those of us who have selected an all electric heat pump as our means of heating. Thanks again.
By Craig
January 23, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
It’s good to see all that proactive notion from gas failed to kick in on every other aspect of our daily lives. Did Sonny want a token PR shot for the campaign file and forget about the rest of the daily lives of the common man? And this “after the fact” tax drop as token as it is, thanks for thinking of the people who elected you AFTER your coffers are filled. And Mitch, thanks for showing how totalitarian government works. It’s good to see suppression of debate and amendments that go beyond photo ops and actually HELP people. The party of people has turned into the party of power.
By Clarence
January 23, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
I hope that hard working Georgians who are trying to feed their families, pay the natural gas bill, put gas in their cars to go to work so they can pay more income taxes realize the Sonny is trying to buy votes! The Georgia GOP makes me sick. What happened to lower taxes, less government, and individual freedoms? This GOP is governing from the pulpit. God help us!
By Antonio Stinson
January 23, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
We the disable folks still need a little more help. That little money is not helping a 200.00 or 210.00 gas bill. Help lower the therms. Or help with the cost of living raise, Or raise the hourly wage.Before we go from disable folks to Homeless folks.