02/21/2008
Legislative days remaining: 18
Legislative schedule: The General Assembly reconvened Tuesday, Feb. 19, and will recess Friday, Feb. 22, 2008.
Measure promoting Georgia manufacturers passes state Senate
On Thursday, the Senate passed Senate Bill 359 sponsored by Sen. Tim Golden (Valdosta), which would create the "Made in Georgia" program. SB 359 would enable the Georgia Department of Economic Development to create a "Made in Georgia" program to promote goods manufactured in the state. The bill provides that the program shall:
- Showcase products that are produced in Georgia.
- Inform Georgians of the diverse manufacturing sector within the state.
- Provide educational outreach efforts to bring the science of manufacturing into the classroom and emphasize the significant contributions that Georgia companies make to the economy and quality of life in Georgia.
SB 359 now moves to the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee for consideration. NFIB will work with the Department of Economic Development to ensure the proposal passes in order to highlight the importance of Georgia-based manufacturing.
House tax credit proposal aims to cut health insurance costs
Rep. Ron Stephens (Savannah) introduced House Bill 1195, which allows a taxpayer or individual related to taxpayer by blood, marriage or adoption to claim a tax credit for 50 percent of health insurance premiums paid. The proposal limits tax credits to $2,000 or the taxpayer's income liability, whichever is less. There is a limit of one credit per family, and it is not allowed to be carried forward or applied retroactively.
NFIB supports this initiative as a way to promote personal responsibility with regards to buying health insurance. It helps move away from the employer-sponsored model and promotes a market-driven, affordable and portable approach to providing health insurance.
HB 1195 awaits action in the House Ways and Means Committee.
Property tax assessment cap passes Senate
On Tuesday, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 796, sponsored by Sen. Chip Rogers (Woodstock). The measure would freeze the assessed value of all property at the 2008 level until the property is sold to someone other than the owner's spouse. The property's assessed value could be adjusted if additions or improvements requiring a building permit are made to the residence. The proposal limits increases in the valuation of residential property to 4 percent for tax year 2010 and 2 percent for each subsequent tax year. For non-residential property, the valuation could be increased by no more than 6 percent in 2010 and 3 percent for subsequent tax years.
NFIB continues to advocate for including commercial property in any comprehensive property tax reform proposals. SR 796 now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.
Senate votes to comply with federal tax changes benefiting small business
On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee approved a House measure to bring Georgia tax law into compliance with recent federal tax-law updates.
HB 926, sponsored by Rep. Larry O'Neal (Warner Robins), addresses Section 179 of the federal tax code. Section 179 states that business owners can write off most business equipment/furniture in the year in which they put the equipment into service rather than depreciating it over a longer period, as in the past.
The bill is now eligible for action by full Senate body.
Useful links 
Georgia General AssemblyGeorgia Public Policy Foundation's Friday FactsGeorgia's Regulatory ReformGeorgia's Entrepreneur and Small Business Division of the Department of Economic DevelopmentSmall Business Administration-Georgia
Sincerely,
David Raynor
NFIB/Georgia State Director
david.raynor@NFIB.org
