"We need pragmatic leaders who can make tough decisions that recognize the needs
of all Georgians, not just the ones who can afford a lawyer or lobbyist," said Senate Democratic Caucus Leader Robert Brown. "Governor Deal's proposed solutions to the state's budget shortfall impose a burden on Georgia's families and taxpayers, while giving taxpayer funded bailouts to large corporations."
House Democratic Caucus Leader Stacey Abrams concurred, saying that even
though the new Administration claims the goal is to create jobs, the focus is on tax cuts for major corporations.
"The majority of the new jobs in Georgia will come from small businesses - LLCs and small businesses that will not qualify for the corporate tax breaks. We will not be distracted by publicity stunts that do nothing to create new jobs," Abrams said.
"We don't need Gimmick Government," said Abrams. "We need a government that
works for all its citizens. Governor Deal has called on families to be responsible, and we want to provide Georgia families with the tools they need to make that happen. Our job is to hold the majority accountable, and ensure that decisions are made with the well-being of Georgia's families in mind."
Democrats are proposing a three-tiered legislative and budgetary approach that will help prioritize revenue and spending through the current state economic crisis:
· Fight for Economic Security
· Champion Educational Opportunities
· Protect Individual Freedoms
Each of the Democratic proposals is accompanied by both fiscal and legislative
packages designed to make the most of the state's limited resources and support
Georgia families, while limiting the amount of kickbacks, loopholes and earmarks
typically included by state elected officials.
The supporting legislation includes support for Georgians who want to meet their
tax obligations despite tough economic times. Other revenue initiatives will include the collection of taxes already paid into the state system and a restructuring of some state agencies, all programs designed to help working families without requiring new taxes.
Democratic plans will also include saving an ailing HOPE program, the state's most successful education program and one introduced under Democratic leadership.
Democrats will also seek to end misdirected corporate benefits paid for by Georgia's education dollars.
"When Georgians look at the State Legislature, many times they see arrogance of
power. They see leaders out of touch with the typical challenges faced on a day-
to-day basis by Georgia families. They don't seem to see those who have been
searching for jobs for over a year or families struggling to pay their mortgages or
rent. They don't know how hard it is for many families to pay increasing tuition
payments, while trying to pay down a doctor's bill. Leaders talk about supporting business, but that support seems only to prop up the largest in the state," Abrams said. "Our pledge is to be the conscience of this body and to support measures that support Georgians.
The Democratic Caucuses are opposing any new taxes on Georgia's families as part
of their platform and to hold accountable Gov. Deal, along with 41 House members
and 12 Senate members, who signed the American for Tax Reform's "Taxpayer
Protection Pledge." These elected officials made a written commitment to their
constituents never to raise their taxes.
"Budget earmarks are a good place to start on the road to greater accountability and transparency in government," said Abrams. "Fiscal conservatives hate them, and they have proven bad for Georgia. In a time of lean revenue, we cannot sacrifice our children's education to build fish and horse farms or give pet projects a boost at the expense of public safety. The Governor and the leaders in both chambers should be advocates of a no-earmarks policy, and we stand ready to support that policy."
"I believe it is critical to the success of our state that we have an informed electorate. What we do and how we do it under the Gold Dome impacts every citizen. It is important to our caucus that when elected officials talk about reducing corporate taxes, for example, that voters know exactly how that decision made in Atlanta will impact them in their own community," Abrams said. "A corporate tax break doesn't create a new job."
Senate and House Democrats will roll out their legislative packages in each chamber over the next few weeks.
"Governor Deal's proposed solutions to the state's budget shortfall impose a burden on Georgia's families and taxpayers, while giving taxpayer funded bailouts to large corporations," Senate Demcoratic Caucus Leader Robert Brown said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/1/235257