Though Georgia faces unprecedented economic and budget challenges, these challenges also offer a unique opportunity to build an even better and more prosperous state. We now have the chance to take action that keeps Georgia focused on the future, action that encourages and maintains the State’s long-term fiscal well-being. By investing in our families, in our resources, and in our existing assets, we create the potential for the renewed prosperity of our state.
In the past, Georgia has led the way, through innovative investments, in creating a healthy environment for economic growth. These strategies have included universal pre-K and college scholarships; internationally-renowned seaport and air transportation infrastructure; insurance for children through PeachCare for Kids; and 21st century post-secondary instruction and skills advancement through technical colleges, universities, and QuickStart. If we do not keep building on these successes, we risk falling behind.
We urge policymakers to use the following Guiding Principles as they build a state budget that creates a better Georgia for all citizens:
- Take a balanced approach. A balanced approach to meeting Georgia’s current budget crisis will lead to faster, more sustainable recovery and prosperity. Innovative funding and revenue solutions must be considered along with cuts to public services, as available resources are falling far short of need.
- Address the immediate crisis and plan for the future. Now more than ever is the time for long-term strategies and lasting solutions. Georgia must thoughtfully invest in education, public safety, health, the environment, and our state’s natural and cultural resources to ensure that Georgia remains prosperous and competitive.
- Craft revenue solutions that promote Georgia’s competitiveness. Georgia is facing the demands of a growing population while collecting less revenue in fiscal year 2011 as compared to fiscal year 2006. We must reform our outdated revenue system in order to meet current needs and position our state for further growth.
On October 21, 2010 we presented a letter to the Tax Council that included policy recommendations, to read the full letter please click here.
