New Georgia senate committee created to eliminate state income tax

ATLANTA (WRBL) — Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones announced on Thursday the creation of the Georgia Senate Committee on eliminating the state’s income tax.

The senate’s special committee will commence later this summer and will be led by Sen. Blake Tillery (R- Vidalia). State lawmakers have previously voted to gradually lower the state’s income tax over time.

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“Last year alone, nine states cut individual income taxes, and three others cut corporate income taxes,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “In fact, among southeast states, only South Carolina currently has a higher income tax rate than Georgia. If we wish to remain the number one state for business and keep our state competitive, we must expand on the progress made over the past four years to eliminate Georgia’s income tax.”

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The following members of the Georgia Senate will serve on this committee:

• Senator Ed Harbison (D – Columbus), Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property Committee
• Senator Jason Anavitarte (R – Dallas), Senate Majority Leader
• Senator Greg Dolezal (R – Cumming), Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee
• Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R – Rome), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee
• Senator Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega)
• Senator John Kennedy (R – Macon)
• Senator Nan Orrock (D – Atlanta)
• Senator Michael “Doc” Rhett (D – Marietta)
• Senator Larry Walker (R – Perry) President Pro Tempore Nominee; and
• Senator Sam Watson (R – Moultrie), Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee.