Consequence:

A balanced approach would move beyond cuts alone and include real solutions like:

• Eliminating narrow, ineffective tax breaks by requiring a cost-benefit analysis of each tax break that Georgia gives out;

• Modernizing the sales tax to cover selected services;

• Increasing the cigarette tax;

• Maintaining diversified revenue sources for stability; and

• Enacting a state earned income tax credit to support working families.

An outdated tax system, years of special tax breaks, and the recession have left the state unable to maintain our K-12 and higher education systems, health care, and other key public services.  We’ve gone through a few years with a cuts-only approach and have seen the consequences – closed parks, shorter school days, larger class sizes, closed libraries. We can’t keep going in this direction. Georgians understand that without tax reforms, there will be consequences for our schools, law enforcement, roads – and ultimately jobs and the economy. If Georgia puts college out of reach, if it fails to invest in economic development, education and good roads and bridges, then we won’t be positioned to have a skilled, healthy workforce and a strong economy when the next corporation comes looking to relocate.

Consequence:

The Department of Juvenile Justice (“DJJ”) provides education and job training for committed youth.  Helping youth obtain high school diplomas, GEDs, and job skills is key to lowering the recidivism rate of committed youth.   The proposed budget terminates 40 teacher and educational staff positions within the DJJ’s educational system.  Having fewer teachers not only negatively impacts the quality of education these youth receive, but the youth also will face a more difficult path in obtaining the necessary education and skills they need to succeed in society.

Consequence:

Every year Georgia misses out on more than $270 million in economic activity because almost 1 in 3 people eligible for food stamps are not receiving this federal economic support. Food stamps serve as a front-line defense against hunger, helping families to make ends meet and bringing federal dollars into local communities.  Food stamp cases have risen dramatically as Georgia faces high unemployment and stagnant wages, yet there are far fewer eligibility workers to assist eligible Georgians in accessing food stamps, TANF, and Medicaid. In 2004, the ratio was 379 cases per worker, and in 2011, the ratio had risen to 757 cases per worker. If the state office that administers the Food Stamp Program is forced to cut even more staff, we will lose precisely the people who ensure that food assistance reaches those who need it.

Consequence:

The past several years have been difficult ones for Georgia’s public schools. State funding reductions have left many schools with no options except to make significant reductions in the number of teachers and the length of the school year, as well as to increase the size of classes.  During the 2010-11 school year, some Georgia children attended school fewer than 150 days; meanwhile in many foreign countries, students attend school for more than 200 days. How can we expect Georgia students to compete internationally if they lack sufficient class time? Teachers, parents, and students know from experience that smaller classes improve discipline and safety, increase learning opportunities for students, and enhance class preparation and management.