About a year ago, the president made a comment about going to Vegas as it related to bailed out companies having meeting in Vegas. What he didn't tell you was that government agencies and associations have been having parties in exotic locales, too. And while Rome is burning and Americans are losing their jobs, federal payrolls are growing at a record pace. ( http://washingtontimes.com/news/2010/feb/02/burgeoning-federal-payroll-signals-return-of-big-g/ )
Yesterday, during the president's town hall meeting in Nashua, New Hampshire, he discussed the need to curb spending during tough economic times. "When times are tough, you tighten your belts," the president said. "You don't go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage. You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college."
First of all, leave Vegas alone, Mr. President. You love Europe, if you are going to use this analogy say, "you don't blow a bunch of cast in Monte Carlo..." Secondly, you are doubling down on every American's future with the abomination you call a budget. You say one thing and do another. Lead by example and present a balanced budget.
Under the Gold Dome, Sen. Chip Rogers is busy protecting the people. Also, Sen. Rogers, a former radio guy, will be filling in for me on The Martha Zoller Show on February 12. Today, Sen. Rogers will unveil a new school voucher program and we'll comment on it tomorrow.
He's already announced an overhaul of the property tax system and he and Rep. Tom Graves have introduced a new job creation bill. Here are the details on the property tax bill.
Senator Rogers Announces Major Overhaul of Georgia Property Tax System
ATLANTA (Feb. 1, 2010) - Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) today announced a much-needed overhaul of Georgia's property tax system. After collecting information and input from property owners, assessors and local governments, Rogers presented a property tax assessment and appeals reform bill with more than 40 changes to the tax system.
"The collection of taxes should be fair, transparent, and easy to understand. Sadly, theproperty tax in Georgia accomplishes none of these things. This legislation attempts to bring fairness to an unfair system," said Rogers. "Georgians from all over the state created this legislation. During my eight years I have never witnessed an issue where everyone agreed the current system is broken. We have had hundreds of suggestions for change. The more than 40 changes represented in this bill represent the will of the people and will bring needed relief toproperty owners."
Property values in Georgia have fallen drastically over the past few years. Assessed values have not kept pace, resulting in property taxes for many property owners being artificially high. Rogers created and chaired the Property Tax Assessment Committee to look into the issue. Homeowners, business owners, tax assessors, and property lawyers testified to present the flaws, challenges and suggested solutions to the system. As a result, Rogers worked with everyone in the industry and achieved bi-partisan support to overhaul Georgia's property tax system.
"Ultimately, the property tax must be eliminated. However, the political will for a complete and drastic repeal is not possible at this time. That sort of change takes place gradually and this is just the beginning," said Rogers.
Changes to the assessment and appeals system include year-round assessment appeals, all comparable sales including foreclosures and banks sales must be applied, and the "view factor" will be eliminated as a way to determine value. The proposed changes to assessments and appeals relieve burdens from property owners, but also achieve efficiency for the process and for county governments.
Property Tax Assessment & Appeals Reform Highlights
- Year-round property assessment appeals
- Every property shall receive notice of assessment every year
- Statewide uniformity of assessment notice & appeal forms
- Sales price of "Arms-Length" transactions shall be maximum assessed value for following tax period
- Tax assessor shall apply all comparable sales including foreclosures and bank sales
- Allow counties to accept payment plans for property taxes
- Allow for Commercial Appraisers to substitute for Board of Equalization on Commercial properties
- Establish time limits for assessor action in response to appeals
- Department of Revenue shall update assessor guidelines and training no less than once every five years and all info shall be placed online
- View Factor shall not be used to determine value
- Unanimous vote by Board of Equalization members required to increase assessed value
- Current Use and not "Highest and Best" value shall be used to determine current assessed value
Finally, The Democrat Governors Candidates debated last night and talked a lot about more school spending. It's clear former Gov. Barnes got the message on education. However, the budget has to be dealt with first. Here's Ashley Fielding's account of the event from The Gainesville Times. ( http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/article/29064/ )
Tomorrow, I'll rant on energy policy....
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