The Georgia General Assembly was not officially in session this week; however, work was still taking place on behalf of the people.  With only three days remaining of the 2011 legislative session, several items are still on the agenda.  The number one priority is the passage of the upcoming budget for Fiscal Year 2012.  In addition to the budget, numerous other highly publicized and debated issues have yet to pass this session, such as: tax reform legislation and immigration legislation.

            This week, members of the budget Conference Committee met to discuss the budget for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2012, which begins on July 1st.  The Committee includes three Representatives and three Senators all united with the same goal: a fiscally responsible budget that meets the necessary needs of the citizens and the state.  The members meet to work out the differences between the Senate and House versions of the $18.25 billion budget for FY 2012. 

Tax Reform in Georgia has been a topic discussed often; however, if a solution will be passed this session, the clock is ticking.  The House is working together with the Senate to find solutions to revise the state tax code.  The Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians was created last year (HB 1405) by the General Assembly and was composed of 11 members with the task of studying the state's revenue structure and making recommendations to the legislature. 

            There were several different recommendations passed by the panel, but not all of the recommendations are going to be included in the tax reform package.  Currently, the legislature is looking at reducing the state income tax rate from 6 percent to 4.6 percent for 2012 and then reducing the rate after 2012 to 4.55 percent.  Other parts of the tax reform bill being looked at and discussed include a gradual reduction in the sales tax paid on energy for production over the next three years until the sales tax paid on the use of energy is eliminated.  There will be new sales taxes on items such as: telecom services, casual sales, and automotive repair.  We have heard and have listened to the people and are currently looking at keeping itemized deductions up to a certain limit. 

            Changes in Georgia's tax code can be in the form of one or more tax reform bills.  There are also several other items being looked at and discussed in regard to tax reform and I will discuss those  if, or when, legislation passes this session.  If a tax reform bill comes out of the special joint House-Senate committee, each chamber will vote either for or against the bill, without changes.  With three legislative days remaining, tax reform here in Georgia could still be a possibility. 

            Immigration reform has been debated throughout our country and now within our state.  Starting with Arizona, several other states are also approaching the illegal immigration issue.  Two bills are still in play this session regarding immigration, House Bill 87 and Senate Bill 40.  The majority of the members of the legislature agree that immigration legislation is needed to combat those that are here illegally in our state; however, differences arise as to what the best approach is.  The legislature is analyzing both of these bills and the intended, and unintended, results of the passage of this legislation. 

            The legislative session for this year is drawing to a close.  Even though it has been a very difficult year with the major issues that are facing us in the state of Georgia, it has been an honor serving you and the ideas, values, and beliefs you represent.

            The members of the General Assembly will continue our work at the State Capitol on Monday, April 11th for our thirty-eighth day of session.  Please do not hesitate to let me know your position or thoughts on issues that concern you. If you would like to reach me, please call me at (404) 656-7153 or write me at: State Rep. Jay Roberts, 218 CAP, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334 or e-mail me at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.