Georgia Legislative Watch

The AJC reports that Senate Republicans want to keep the Homeowners Tax Relief Grants in the budget:

Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), said he’ll look at “every possible alternative,” to continue to pay for homestead tax relief despite the state’s fiscal crisis.

Senate Republicans will make this a priority, Rogers said at a press conference this morning.

“Georgia taxpayers are having a very tough time right now. We have to make sure not to add to their misery,” Rogers said.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has cut $428 million from the state budget planned for local governments to pay for additional property tax relief. See story on Perdue cuts

The Homestead Tax Relief Grant is money the state gives to local governments, which in turn give it to homeowners to reduce their property taxes. It amounts to $200 to $300 per year on average. This is above and beyond the homestead exemption that each property owner can claim on their primary residence.