Georgia House Approves Tax Bill

Georgia House lawmakers have approved a bill that would fund a property tax break worth an average of $200 to $300 per household. But the legislation would eliminate the relief in
future years if the economic downturn continues.

The House voted 117-55 on Friday to find $428 million to pay for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant. Gov. Sonny Perdue slashed the money from his budget proposal. Lawmakers will have to make additional
budget cuts to pay for the tax break.

Georgia is wrestling with a $2.2 billion budget shortfall.

Local governments already have sent out tax bills. Homeowners would be slapped with an additional bill if the state fails to deliver the money. The state Senate must still pass the bill.