By Kyle Wingfield
The federal money being dumped on states is already burning a hole in some pockets. And with $4.7 billion in play, it’s an awfully big hole.
The trick for Georgia’s fiscally conservative leaders is to spend it without blowing…
Taxes are necessary to fund core government services, but tax policy should be structured to broaden the tax base while lowering rates overall. Taxes should consume as small a portion of income as possible, should not interfere with economic growth and investment, and should not place the state at a competitive disadvantage. When taxes are low, government spending and regulation are consequentially restrained; limited government is a foundational principle of a free market.
When Will the Legislature Break Up with Tax Breaks?
To be fair, some tax subsidies can be justified. But if taxes are higher than they would otherwise be, that leaves less income available for people to spend on other activities that also create jobs.
Federal Fix Can Help States and Encourage Work
Congress should revisit the hastily enacted $600 supplemental unemployment benefit.
Simple Change in Law Can Save Georgia Taxpayers Over $80 Million
Dedicate Georgia’s Early Intervention Program (EIP) funds to EIP services and require all local systems to follow state guidelines when classifying students as EIP.
Issue Analysis: Fiscal Policy Considerations in COVID-19’s Wake
Although some new federal funding flowing into Georgia could offset revenue losses, it remains to be seen how much will remain available after additional expenses are covered.
Estimated State Grants Under the Education Stabilization Fund Included in the CARES Act – CRS
Issue Analysis: Proposed Reforms to Georgia’s Teacher Pension System Missed the Mark
If anything, the current fiscal distress facing the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to adjusting TRS assumptions, funding policy, and plan design elements.
Pulling Back the Curtain on Georgia’s Budget Woes
Georgians are puzzled by an apparent dilemma: Why, in the middle of a booming economy and record-low unemployment, is the state government facing budget cuts?
No Reason to Call Off the Tax Cut Promised to Georgians
Don't misconstrue this shift in WHEN people pay their taxes as a shift in HOW MUCH tax people are paying.
Federal Tax Reform Opens Opportunities for Georgia and for Rural Georgia
Most experts agree that recent federal tax reforms will put pressure on high tax states to either reduce taxes or continue to lose residents fleeing to lower tax states.
Georgia Puts the ‘Commission’ in Tax Commissioners’ Pockets
Why do we allow county tax commissioners to line their pockets using county resources? And why does the Georgia General Assembly continue to allow individuals to profit at the expense of taxpayers.
IRS Forms, Instructions and Publications
This organized, summary information explains the differences between popular forms, instructions, and publications involved in paying taxes.
U.S. Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service is the nation's tax collection agency and administers the Internal Revenue Code enacted by Congress.
Rich States, Poor States
Rich States, Poor States examines the latest movements in state economic growth. The data ranks the economic outlook of states using fifteen equally weighted policy variables, including various tax rates, regulatory burdens and labor policies.
US Census Bureau – State Government Finance Data
The Annual Survey of State Government Finances provides a comprehensive summary of the annual survey findings for state governments, as well as data for individual states.
Georgia Department of Revenue Annual Statistical Reports
The mission of the Department of Revenue is to administer the tax laws of the State of Georgia fairly and efficiently in order to promote public confidence and compliance, while providing excellent customer service.
Tax Foundation – Georgia Tax Rankings
Each state’s tax code is a multifaceted system with many moving parts, and Georgia is no exception. The first step towards understanding Georgia’s tax code is knowing the basics.
Employees Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA)
ERSGA administers separate and distinct cost-sharing, multiple employer defined benefit pension plans for various employer agencies of the State of Georgia, as well as defined contribution plans, and a life insurance plan.
Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS)
TRS administers the fund from which teachers in the state’s public schools, many employees of the University System of Georgia, and certain other designated employees in educational-related work environments receive retirement benefits.
Regional Price Parities by State and Metro Area
This data offers comparisons of buying power across the 50 states and the District of Columbia, or from one metro area to another, for a given year.
