3/29/2010 - GEORGIA TAX REFORM COMMISSION CREATED

Rep. Rick Crawford (D-Cedartown) introduced this Resolution proposing creation of a Georgia Tax Reform Commission looking for a more diverse revenue mix for the State and local governments.  This Commission would be composed of 17 members: Chairs of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees; five members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and five members appointed by the President of the Senate (both would have to have representatives proposed by the Minority leaders in each chamber); and five members appointed by the Governor.  This Commission would undertake a comprehensive and exhaustive study of Georgia's tax laws and policy looking at ways to modernize those and the revenue structure. This Commission, if passed, would be abolished on January 15, 2011.

GCN has made efforts to ask that a representative from the nonprofit industry be included in the commission membership.   Regardless, nonprofits should plan to be actively involved in the discussions of this commission as they will impact state contracts and services to client groups.  GCN will have a more detailed release of the commission membership and work plan as it evolves. 

If your organization is interested in joining a larger coalition engaged in this conversation, please attend the next Georgia 2020 meeting on April 16th at GCN from 10 – 12.  Georgia 2020 is a growing coalition of leading nonprofit organizations who are organizing a campaign for a balanced approach to state revenue needs, which might include alternatives to further cuts such as increased taxes, evolution of fees, etc. 

If you would like further information, please contact info@gcn.org with GA2020 in the subject line.