(The Center Square) – The Senate Study Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax will hear from Americans for Tax Reform at its first meeting next week.
The organization was founded by Grover Norquist in 1985, according to its website. Norquist will appear at the committee’s Aug. 19 meeting with Patrick Gleason, vice president of state affairs for Americans for Tax Reform. The organization is known for its “Taxpayers Protection Pledge,” where incumbents and candidates sign a written pledge not to raise taxes.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said he formed the committee to keep his promise of eliminating the state income tax.
“The work of this committee is essential to achieving this goal in a responsible, efficient and comprehensive manner,” said Jones, a candidate for governor in 2026. “If we wish to remain competitive for our nation’s workforce, we must support our citizens by putting more money back in their pockets.”
Georgia’s northern and southern neighbors, Tennessee and Florida, do not impose a state income tax.
The committee is chaired by Sen. Blake Tillery, R–Vidalia, who discussed eliminating the income tax during a speech at the Senate.
Georgia does not tax things that other states do, including labor services. Taxing services could bring in $12.2 billion, which could “almost eliminate the income tax overnight,” Tillery said in the March presentation. Tillery is running for lieutenant governor.
Other committee members are Sens. Jason Anavitarte of Dallas, Greg Dolezal of Cumming, Chuck Hufstetler of Rome, Steve Gooch of Dahlonega, John F. Kennedy of Macon, Larry Walker III of Perry and Sam Watson of Moultrie. Democrats on the panel are Sens. Ed Harbison of Columbus, Nan Orrock of Atlanta and Michael “Doc” Rhett of Marietta.
