For Immediate Release
February 6, 2008

Additional Information:
Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown
404-656-5035

House Democratic Leader Dubose Porter
404-656-5058

Georgia's schools, property owners win with Democratic plan

HB 1057 keeps our promise to kids, delivers fiscally sound tax relief with no new taxes

Atlanta – Georgia students, homeowners, and local governments could see some much-needed help under the Democratic tax relief bill released last week. Data released today shows how much each city and county school system could receive after they lower property taxes with HB 1057.

"It's not too often in politics that you find a win-win scenario, but the Democratic plan is just that," said House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter (D-Dublin).  "We keep our promise to Georgia 's students to give them a world-class education and schools we can finally be proud of, we put an end to $1.5 billion in education cuts forced on families by the Republicans, and we provide some fiscally sound tax relief for homeownership. This is true property tax relief."

"This is a win-win situation; we invest in education without burdening the local taxpayer," said Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown (D-Macon).

Last week, Georgia Democrats proposed HB 1057, which will put a stop to school cuts and take the burden of $1.5 billion in property tax shifts off local government. Under HB 1057, city and county school systems that lower local property taxes can access their share of $300 million in state education funding.

The funding for local governments that reduce property taxes would come from the state's $1.6 billion reserve fund for the next two years, $300 million this year and $300 million next year.  Funding received would be dedicated to the Quality Basic Education formula that funds public education.

"HB 1057 touches every city and county in Georgia . It is immediate, effective tax relief without shifting the burden to local governments," said Rep. Jeanette Jamieson (D-Toccoa), sponsor of HB 1057. "And, unlike the Speaker's plan, HB 1057 creates no new taxes."

"Our Democratic plan just makes good common sense," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus).  "It's based on Georgia 's values – equipping our children for the future, and not punishing homeowners for realizing the American Dream."

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Editors Note: Click here to see the attached spreadsheet for how much each city and county school system could receive under HB 1057, the Democratic Plan.