Georgia legislators are once again using homeowners as pawns in their game of taxation. Industry lobbyists and associations want the state to keep the Homeowners Tax Relief Grants, but they want Georgia to fund them.
The debate over the Homeowners Tax Relief Grants has prompted the Libertarian Party to call for the repeal of the tax grant program.
Jason Pye, Legislative Director for the Libertarian Party of Georgia (LPGa) said the Libertarian Party of Georgia is the only party in our great state fighting for lower taxes and less spending at all levels of government.
“The costs for the Homeowners Tax Relief Grants are already being borne by taxpayers at some level,” Pye said. “The state has essentially created a welfare program for local governments by guaranteeing them millions of dollars while disguising it as a tax cut to property owners. It’s very bad public policy.”
“The grants should be repealed, but gradually and not during an economic downturn. Republicans, including Gov. Sonny Perdue and legislative leaders, are putting local governments in a tough situation, forcing them to cut spending or force property owners to write checks to fund the shortfall. This puts many homeowners at risk of having a tax increase during times where many Georgians are looking for ways to cut expenses.”
According to James Bell, Communications Director for LPGa, other Libertarian Party officials have expressed opposition to the tax relief grants because they hide the true costs of local services from the public. Ending the tax subsidy would bring greater clarity to local taxes and services, and give local governments more control over the taxing process.
