Georgia Legislative Watch

Here is the latest specifics on the GlennTax:

In a nutshell, here is what would happen if the new plan passes the Legislature and wins voter approval:

* Effective Jan. 1, 2009, Georgians no longer would pay ad valorem taxes on their personal cars and trucks. The state would reimburse counties for the revenue they lose.

* Effective Jan. 1, 2010, Georgia homeowners no longer would pay school ad valorem taxes. School systems would continue to set millage rates and bills would be issued, but the state would reimburse them penny-for-penny for the amount they otherwise would have collected from homeowners.

So where does the state get the money?

* In 2009, Georgians will start paying state taxes again on groceries, and lottery tickets would be taxed.

* In 2010, consumers will start paying sales taxes on services they use, most of which are not now taxed. There will be no sales tax on services like medical, education, child care and business-to-business transactions.

As the article notes, the name “GREAT plan” is dead and it is now called the “Property Tax Reform initiative.”

The AJC has a list of the 174 services that would be taxed. I see all types of contractors, movie tickets, taxis, limos, recording studios, cable, cell phones, various banking activities, legal services, tax preparation services, rental services (video, electronic, etc.), trash service, various real estate and property services, sports event tickets, historical sites, museums, the zoo, golf course, car washes, barber shops, beauty salons, parking lots and garages…and “all other personal services.”

I don’t think he’ll get the 120 votes, but with some arm twisting…who knows.

Any thoughts on the plan?