Tomorrow, October 15, 2024, is the first day of early voting in Georgia. Women Lead Right encourages all Georgians to VOTE EARLY. You may vote at ANY polling place in your county of residence. Find YOUR early polling locations here: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/advanced-voting-location-information

 

In addition to the more well-publicized national races, we wish to bring your attention to an important City Council Post 3 election for those living in the City of Atlanta. Learn more about the candidates here: https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/where-atlanta-city-council-candidates-fall-on-top-issues/O7ZW2JWE2BGJJF5UVK4XZ5ENZI/.

 

Importantly, your ballot contains two Constitutional Amendment proposals and a State-wide Referendum Question which were approved by 2/3 of the Georgia Legislature. Learn more below:

 

Constitutional Amendment 1: Authorizing a Statewide Homestead Exemption for Ad Valorem Taxes:

• The legislature approved a bill to slow property tax hikes that occur when home values rise. If approved, property assessments would be capped at the inflation rate for the previous year. By capping assessments, property tax increases are limited unless there is an increase in the millage rate.
• Any local government may choose to opt out of the new homestead exemption and they may use revenue from a 1% sales tax increase to lower property taxes.
• For a local government entity to opt out of a new homestead exemption, it must advertise its intent to do so and conduct at least three public hearings. O.C.G.A. § 48-5-44.2(i), as passed in 2024.

 

Summary: Women Lead Right generally believes in lower taxes to encourage economic growth, while recognizing that certain infrastructure and safety net programs are essential to our community. We understand that every tax dollar assessed by the government takes important resources away from our families.

 

Constitutional Amendment 2: Creation of a Georgia Tax Court 

This vote will decide whether the Georgia Constitution should be amended to permit the General Assembly to add a Georgia Tax Court. This new Court would operate under the Judicial Branch of Georgia and replace the current Tax Tribunal which operates under the Executive Branch. The Tax Court would be a part of the Georgia Judiciary.

• The advantage of this Court is that its judge or judges will have expertise to decide cases pertaining to the assessment and collection of State or local taxes.
• Appeals would be permitted from decisions of the Tax Court as currently apply for appeals from Superior Courts.
• For the Tax Court to obtain jurisdiction of a case, it must be by agreement of the parties to the dispute.

 

Summary: Women Lead Right supports the efficient administration of justice and the independence of the judicial branch of government.

 

Statewide Referendum: To Increase the Property Tax Exemption on Tangible Personal Property: 

• In the 2024 Session, the General Assembly passed HB808 which will increase the exemption for ad valorem taxation on certain personal property from $7500 to $20,000. It will only go into effect if approved by the majority of voters statewide at the election on November 5, 2024.

 

Summary: For several years, Georgia has operated at a budget surplus. The General Assembly has passed several pieces of tax reduction legislation in response and this referendum is an additional tax reduction measure. Property tax exemptions result in lower taxes.