Published Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Looks like our state will need more of citizens' money

Editorial

Get a tight hold on your wallets, citizens of Georgia. Our esteemed executive and legislative branches of state government are at work under the Gold Dome in our state Capitol, and they seem intent on raiding your pocketbooks.

Call it fees or taxes or fines, but Gov. Sonny Perdue and our lawmakers are looking for ways to raise money for the operation of state government. And the fallout from their efforts are likely to also raise our property taxes -- if not this year, then next year.

Here's just some of the talk under the Dome this week.

n A Republican plan has been offered to protected the $428 million homeowner tax relief grant program this year but eliminate the grants to local governments for next year. That may save you from an additional property tax bill this year, but expect your local property taxes to go up at least $200-$300 next year. Can't we all agree that's a tax increase the state again is handing down to local governments and local citizens? Such actions need to stop.

n House Republicans want to add a $10 annual fee on each passenger vehicle that would be paid when you get your car tag. This money would be used to help pay for trauma care. Call it a fee, if you want, but it's a tax passed along to citizens. We're not going to get too hot and bothered by this additional tax, because something has got to be done to fix our state's pathetic trauma care system, which allows 500-600 people to die each year because of lack of trauma care.

n Georgia lawmakers are again pressing for a one-cent sales tax to help provide relief for the state's clogged roadways. Senate Republican leaders unveiled legislation Monday that would permit regions to band together to charge a one-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects. Road money is critical, and this will be a big ticket tax item on impacted communities.

n Perdue is pushing again a plan to slap excessive or repeat speeders with stiff fines. The legislation would generate about $23 million for trauma network. The so-called super speeders legislation would add an additional $200 fine for driving over 85 mph and for driving 75 mph or more on a two-lane road. If earmarked for trauma care, this is a solid proposal; however, $23 million is only a drop in the trauma care bucket. Much more is needed.

These are just some of the revenue-generating ideas being discussed this week. There are others. To their credit, the governor and lawmakers are facing a difficult time balancing the state budget, and by law they must balance the budget each year.

Some of these revenue-generating proposals are needed. Out point is that citizens need to know that during these tough economic times, our governor and state lawmakers are going to be asking for more of your money.