Lawmakers delay vote on tax overhaul

Published 11:21 am Thursday, March 31, 2011

An overhaul of Georgia taxes has stalled amid objections from Democrats and tea party activists.

They said the plan hikes taxes on the middle class while handing wealthier Georgians a tax break.

House and Senate leaders met throughout the day Wednesday but were unable to strike a compromise.

House Speaker David Ralston called the plan a top priority this session and suggested that lawmakers could meet Saturday if needed. Negotiations were set to continue on Thursday.

The bill that passed out of a joint legislative committee on Tuesday cuts the personal income tax rate from 6 percent to 4.5 percent but also caps itemized deductions.

It taxes automobile repair, the person-to-person sale of cars and telecommunications services.

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House Bill 387: www.legis.ga.gov