The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
The Georgia General Assembly is still debating the budget — the one where millions of dollars have to be cut from programs due to budget shortfalls, due largely to decreased spending due to a large unemployment rate, mortgage default rate, etc.
The state is in a pickle. And those in charge of this process continue to offer tax incentives and propose new programs while not being able to figure out how to pay for all of the ones they currently have.
But it’s time for everyone to get a grip.
Georgia needs revenue. The state is only going to get this revenue from increasing taxes somewhere. Should it be on smokers by adding a $1-per-pack tax? Should it be on non-profit hospitals already facing cuts in Medicaid spending and increased numbers of indigent patients? Should it come from taxpayers who can barely afford their house payments let alone an increase in property taxes?
And while the state is debating the merits of individual programs, seemingly aimed largely at the education arena, untapped revenue continues to flow from our state. Although national Internet retailers are recoiling at the suggestion that sales taxes be paid on purchases, perhaps it’s time to start looking at this as a source of revenue.
Sell the state’s fleet of planes. Sell the helicopters. Raise money like ordinary citizens are having to raise money — by doing away with luxuries to pay for necessities.
Education is a necessity. A new domed football stadium for the Falcons is not.
Teachers are a necessity. A new College Football Hall of Fame is not.
We recommend legislators do the math now while they still can. The next generation will have gone through so many cuts to education, they may not be able to.
