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DEL.ICIO.USIsakson, stimulus cash, and property tax relief
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday was a day to celebrate peanut butter and U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson at the state Capitol.
Legislators and lobbyists handed out free doses of disease-free peanut butter. Isakson, officially there to kick off his re-election campaign, handed out free advice on what to do with the billions in stimulus money.
Even though Gov. Sonny Perdue and state lawmakers had already decided what to do with $428 million of the cash — that it was just the thing to get them out of a nasty political clash.
Isakson first addressed the state Senate:
“Regardless of people’s position on [the stimulus], the reality is the money will be flowing, over time, to the states. And there will be significant money coming to Georgia. My one admonition to all of you is, this is a one-time purpose. Don’t get used to it, and don’t get dependent on it.
“I know you will spend it wisely.”
Isakson elaborated before the state House:
“This is a one-time occurrence. It may allow us kick the can down the road for another year but reform of how we raised money for highways, reform of Medicaid, reform of all types are going to have to take place for us to continue to be a very strong state.”
At the main event, off the Capitol rotunda, Isakson was joined by U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, House Speaker Glenn Richardson, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, and the governor — who lauded Isakson as “bigger than peanuts in Georgia.”
But Perdue had money on his mind, too. He said this about Isakson and Chambliss:
“The only problem is they didn’t bring the check directly. They say it’s coming.”
The governor is about to hold a press conference with the House speaker and the lieutenant governor. He’ll shorten the budget by a significant amount, to account for declining tax revenues.
But Perdue will also sign H.B. 143, acceding to state lawmakers’ wishes and guaranteeing $428 million in home property taxes for one more year — worth $200 to $300 to you and me.
They’ll use money from President Barack Obama’s stimulus package to fund it.
So what did Isakson think of this use of recovery money?
“The stimulus we passed last May in Congress sent $300 per family back to families making $75,000 or less, so I think it would fall in the definition of being a stimulus. A lot more so than paying for a study of [socially transmitted diseases] or global warming or some of the other stuff that’s in there.” Isakson said.
On the other hand, Isakson also said that the tax refunds last spring didn’t work. “Consumers paid debt down and sat on the money. So things got worse,” he said.
Photo credit: Kim Smith/AJC
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Comments
By David Murphy
February 17, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this
Keep your stimulus money, give me a real President. This country is in a world of hurt with group of Pelosi, Reid and Obama. We will all have to towels on our head before long and denounce Jesus as Lord and Saviour. “Old” Jermiah prayed, “no,no,no,no, Not God Bless America, G******* America and his prayer was answered in November 2008 and on February 13, 2009. I stll say God Bless America, that is the only hope we have, not these evil people.
By Barry
February 17, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
the stimulus package will work in revitalizing our economy. All the negative talk about it is comming from “player hatting”, jealous Republicans who wish they were in office making history in returning our economy back on track and more. These Republicans got us into this mess with their tax breaks for the rich and famous concepts that has driven this country into the ground. That type of thinking of government and taxation has “FAILED”. And it ammazes me that these same Republicans are bringing this issue up again when Democrats are in office to clean up this terrible mess.
Let’s not become dumb and blind to the same old Republican tax propaganda. When in office they were given the chance and it has bankrupt our economy and only their cronies (i.e., Dick Cheney and Haliburton, and the like) have benfited and robbed the citizens of this country. We can never trust these Republicans with the same old tax rhpouse. They are playing a “DEMONIC GAME” that does not benefit the financial well being of our Christian society.
Selah
By Connie
February 17, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this
I suggest thqt the state of Georgia turn down the money. Put your principles first.
By Welfare for the Rich
February 18, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this
Those greedy, lying, porkers. Isakson, Chambliss, Perdue should not receive a dime from the stimulus. It has been stated that no one in there districts or in Georgia (30-1 voted against). They will use the money for their own benefits and they did not voted for the bill. What Hypocrites and REP LIARS.
By Just A Grunt
February 18, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
What is more despicable in this Generational Theft Act isn’t the money being poured down a black hole but all of the hidden little agenda items to push forward the liberals socialistic programs such as the repeal of the welfare reforms on the 90’s, new mandates on the health community, restrictions on energy exploration and procurement. There is a lot of stuff in this bill that simply got bypassed in everybody’s attention being on the dollar items. Very shortly Americans will become aware of what was hidden and then it will be too late, well actually it already is. Obama is not the threat but rather Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and their socialistic friends in congress are. Barry O is just their lackey to rubber stamp their agenda.
By Just A Grunt
February 18, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this
What is more despicable in this Generational Theft Act isn’t the money being poured down a black hole but all of the hidden little agenda items to push forward the liberals socialistic programs such as the repeal of the welfare reforms on the 90’s, new mandates on the health community, restrictions on energy exploration and procurement. There is a lot of stuff in this bill that simply got bypassed in everybody’s attention being on the dollar items. Very shortly Americans will become aware of what was hidden and then it will be too late, well actually it already is. Obama is not the threat but rather Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and their socialistic friends in congress are. Barry O is just their lackey to rubber stamp their agenda.
By Copyleft
February 18, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this
Grunt: The only “generational theft” going on has been the massive borrow-and-spend sprees that jacked up huge deficits. And who were the leaders of that process? Reagan and G.W. Bush.
You’re right, Obama is not the problem. Conservative economic policies are.
By David A. Staples
February 20, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this
It’s time to elect a Libertarian governor to come in and clean up the mess our Republicans and Democrats have created.
By Jim Callihan
March 30, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this
Were it not for having to live in DC for six years, I would launch my own “door to door” campaign to personally oust the “tail-chasing” pariah. My campaign slogan would be this simple: “We the People…” was NEVER intended to become an LLC or INC or a “dot org” non-profit, political shell. JIM CALLIHAN - Made in America - For America! …and you can call that PROTECTIONISM!