Georgia tax collections nudged up just 1% in February, one of the smallest increases since the state began recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic recession in 2020.

But sales tax collections were strong, and revenue remains well ahead of fiscal 2021.

That’s good news for Gov. Brian Kemp and lawmakers, who are currently considering proposals to boost spending in a big way, including providing raises and bonuses for state and university workers and teachers.

For the first eight months of fiscal 2022, which ends June 30, the state has seen a 16% increase in collections, or $2.72 billion. That’s impressive considering the state is coming off a record fiscal 2021, when the state wound up with a $3.7 billion surplus.

Income tax collections were off 6.8% from February 2021, largely because more money was paid out in refunds. Net sales tax collections were up 12.8% over February 2021.

Income and sales taxes make up the majority of state revenue.

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Republican Jason Frazier (right) speaks with a supporter after the public comment portion of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The board was voting on whether to make Frazier, who has challenged the registrations of 10,000 voters, a member of the county elections board. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

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