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Whoops. Looks like Cagle will call for a cut in income taxes

Judging from an errant e-mail sent out by state Senate President pro tem Eric Johnson’s office, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle is about to enter the tax cut sweepstakes with a cut in income taxes.

Johnson sent out a statement — which his staff quickly tried to recall — congratulating the lieutenant governor on his decision, hours before it was announced.

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Senate President pro tem Eric Johnson at a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Tuesday. Elissa Eubanks/AJC

This was said, then not said, by the Senate president pro tem:

“By reducing income taxes, we will encourage productivity, reward work and savings, and create wealth. This will grow the economy and create jobs. John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan proved it. It will also allow families to keep more of their own money to pay for gas, health care and education. It’s good policy.”

An income tax would be the final limb in a three-legged race to the end of the session. The House has backed the elimination of the property tax on vehicles, and Gov. Sonny Perdue is calling for an income tax exemption for wealthier seniors.

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Comments

By Taxedtodeath

March 18, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Looks like twittle dee, the Governor and twittle dumb the Lt Governor have set their sights on keeping the tax system the way it is. So much for reining in out of control county assessors boards and back door local property tax increases. All they are doing is giving a small income tax break so the county and city can take it and more with an increase in property taxes. Thanks but no thanks.

By landon

March 18, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Taxedtodeath,

They might not strike the assessment caps. Remember that some form of assessment cap has already passed both chambers - SR 796 that died in the House - and now HR 1246.

If anybody is to blame in this battle, it is the Dems for stonewalling SR 796 due to local govt. spending caps.

By BobG

March 18, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Landon, on this point the Dems were right. It is easily proven— an assessment cap will cause more harm than good. And it will NOT eliminate the “back door tax increase” (rising tax bill due to increasing assessments) as the politicians claim.

There is only one answer— fix the flaw in the current law that allows cities, counties and school boards to adopt any millage rate they choose.

Visit MillageRate.com for more info.

By fartface

March 18, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

tax the rich feed the poor, can’t we all get along, those with ambition should float love food cash to those who could care less

By Taxedtodeath

March 19, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

BobG, The problem has nothing to do with Millage rate or how these are calculated. It is about the assessment process. County assessors have NO RULES that they must follow. They can simply raise you assessment, leave your neighbors the same, and tell you the reason is they like your property better. My taxes have gone up 75% in 2 years while the property right next to me hasn’t changed since 2001! They are paying half what I do and there is no difference in the properties. The Assessment Process is not equal or fair. Assessors need rules to follow.

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