Jobs, Tax Reform Will Be Hot Topics During General Assembly Session

Jobs and tax reform are the two topics public policy specialist Ray Newman expects to draw the most attention during the current General Assembly session.

“They’re going to be talking about jobs in every way possible,” Newman said.

The discussions, he said, will include everything from creating new jobs in private industry to eliminating some government positions.

Another major issue facing state lawmakers is tax reform.

“Speaker [David] Ralston has already said that everything is on the table,” Newman said.

Whether tax reform will include the imposition of a consumption tax, the reduction or elimination of the personal income tax or some combination thereof remains to be seen.

“There’s also some talk about putting taxes back on groceries in Georgia,” Newman added.

However, Newman questioned whether lawmakers will have the political willpower to tackle such a contentious issue in an election year.

“Whether they have the courage to do what they say they want to do or whether they’ll punt like they did last year -- I think it will boil down to that,” he said.

Regardless of what happens, Newman is looking forward to watching the session unfold.

“It’s going to be an interesting session as they always are,” he said.

See the video for more about the current legislative session.