Georgia On The Line: Tax Cuts, Gas Prices, and Voter Suppression

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Republicans’ "Tax Cut" Comes With a Hidden Price Tag

Within the Georgia State House, Republicans are promising tax relief. Yet, the most important question for Georgia residents has remained unanswered. When Georgia Republicans blow a multi-billion dollar hole in the state budget, who pays? Nobody has explained to Georgians what gets cut from schools, infrastructure, etc. to pay for this so-called “tax cut”. 

Right now, HB 1001 which would lower the state income tax from 5.19% to 4.99%, has made it past the State House to the State Senate. This cut alone costs the state $778 million per year, with 73% of the savings going to the top 20% of earners making over $159,000 annually. Most Georgians get less than $80 back per year. As a policy analyst from GBPI explained, "The working class and middle-class folks might get hit twice — they might see their taxes going up and they might lose services. There are a lot of losers, and ..very few winners."

Yet, this break is not the most aggressive version alive within the legislature. HB 880, which has also passed the State House, proposes a slash to the income tax rate from 5.19% to 3.99% by 2028, subtracting another $3 billion in state funding. Most of Georgia's spending budget is allotted to schools and healthcare — which means when this money vanishes, those are the programs that will pay the price.

The final day of the Georgia General Assembly’s legislative session (Sine Die) is swiftly approaching on April 2nd. Georgian Republicans, however, have yet to name specific services this bill would plan to cut. Supposedly, these proposals would be funded partially by eliminating tax breaks for data centers and insurance companies. But, as State Sen. Parent said, “It is complete magical thinking. It's about delivering a headline without telling you what happens next when politicians promise you something for nothing.”

Without transparency and a clear plan, Georgians aren't getting a tax break. They're getting a bill — one that will be paid in closed rural hospitals, underfunded schools, and roads that don't get fixed. And when the state can't cover the difference, don't be surprised when the assessments show up at your door.

SAVE Act: The Fine Print on Your Right to Vote

In past newsletters, we wrote and explained the Republican-proposed SAVE Act that would disenfranchise millions of voters across the country. As time has gone on, the bill has passed the House, but not the Senate. However, this week, Republicans are fighting tooth and nail to pass this bill in the Senate. 

To recap, the SAVE Act requires voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship at the time of registration and a photo ID at the time of voting. The “documentary proof” of citizenship can either be a Real ID, valid passports, military identification cards, and/or a valid government issued photo ID along with selected documents. What does this mean for Georgia citizens?

According to a study done by the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement at the University of Maryland, around 760,000 Georgia would have difficulty providing documentary proof of citizenship and 98% of Georgians do not know all of the core voting requirements in the state. Many voters across Georgia are not aware of the strict voting laws in the state and that Republicans are attempting to pass. However, both Representatives Warnock (D) and Ossoff (D) have firmly stated that they are against the SAVE Act and how it will affect Georgia voters. 

With the uncertainty surrounding if the SAVE Act will pass in the Senate, Republican states have resorted to implementing their own state-wide voter bills that essentially enact the SAVE Act on a smaller scale. Florida, Utah, and South Dakota have passed similar bills, however, they haven’t been enacted yet. Wyoming, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Arizona have enacted similar bills into their legislature.

The changing landscape of voting in our country and state are frightening to experience. However, this is an opportunity for change. Georgia Democrats are against the SAVE Act and its disenfranchising nature. Georgia Republicans are in favor of the SAVE Act. To ensure that the integrity of voting in the state of Georgia is protected, support Georgia Democrats in their bid for state legislature. Whether your support is voting, phone banking, canvassing, or more, your support can and will protect the integrity of voting in the state of Georgia.

U.S. War With Iran Week 3: The Cost to Georgia

Three weeks into the U.S. war with Iran, the costs are climbing and the endgame is nowhere in sight. Here's what it's adding up to — and what it's costing Georgia specifically.

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