ATLANTA - A proposal by some House Democrats to revive a statewide sales tax on groceries looks dead after the top Democrat today said it's a bad idea. <br>
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House Speaker Terry Coleman of Eastman gave reporters a short statement saying he opposes any tax increase. <br>
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The statement was a reaction to a bill introduced Monday to bring back a statewide four percent percent sales tax on groceries, subject to voter approval. <br>
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The proposal was crafted by other top Democrats as a way to pay for a property tax relief program started by former Governor Roy Barnes. <br>
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The bill's chief sponsor -- Democratic Representative Richard Royal of Camilla -- said the measure was intended to give voters a choice -- a sales tax cut or a property tax cut.