General Assembly; motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes; ratify Governor Brian P. Kemp's Executive Orders
Impact
By suspending fuel taxes, HR3 aims to offer immediate financial relief to Georgia residents amid rising fuel costs. The governor's actions were made under the authority of the Code Section 38-3-516, allowing for such measures during a declared state of emergency. The ratification by the General Assembly is a necessary step to formalize the suspension of these taxes and ensures that the executive decisions are supported by legislative authority.
Summary
House Resolution 3 (HR3) addresses the suspension of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes in Georgia. This resolution ratifies three executive orders issued by Governor Brian P. Kemp in response to a state of emergency declared due to rampant inflation affecting fuel prices. The executive orders, issued on September 12, October 6, and November 8 of 2023, aim to mitigate the financial impact on consumers by temporarily halting the collection of these taxes.
Contention
The resolution highlights the balance between executive action in times of emergency and legislative oversight. While the suspension is largely viewed as a necessary response to help citizens deal with inflation, it raises questions about long-term implications for state revenue generated from fuel taxes. Opponents of such measures may argue that a prolonged suspension could harm state budgets, whereas supporters contend that it provides essential short-term relief without sacrificing long-term fiscal stability.
Georgia Commission on Slavery; Governor Brian Kemp, Chancellor Sonny Perdue, and the Georgia General Assembly create a long overdue state agency; urge (PF)