Jobs package easily passes House
The House overwhelmingly backed a package designed to give businesses tax incentives to hire and retain unemployed Georgians.
The bill pushed by House Republicans, which passed 164-4, gives a $2,400 tax credit for each unemployed person hired and kept on the payroll for two years. In addition, it provides a credit against unemployment taxes for hiring jobless Georgians, eliminates start-up fees for new businesses and gives businesses back $160 million to $180 million they have sent the state in sales tax deposits.
Later, the House also voted 166-0 for legislation eliminating the state’s tax on business inventory.
“True economic recovery comes from the creation of new jobs, not by work created by government,” said Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger), who sponsored the package. “Let’s put over 400,000 Georgians who are unemployed back to work.”
The measures had bipartisan support.
“This bill is an opportunity to give a shot in the arm to both big and small businesses in this state,” said Rep. Virgil Fludd (D-Tyrone).
The package now goes to the Senate for it’s consideration. Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) has already endorsed the plan.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2 comments Add your comment
geekboy
March 12th, 2009
10:43 am
Does this give employers an incentive to churn employees? For example, if I let go a group of employees and hire another group and keep them for 2 years do I get a tax break that I can keep repeating every 2 years? If so, that’s quite the boon for employers … that can just churn employees and never offer health or other benefits.
TonyG
March 13th, 2009
8:48 am
The $2,400 tax credit invites fraud unless safeguards are in place. This cannot be done on the honor system. I need to see the details. Many of the employees hired will be from the unemployed pool, but what if the best person is already employed? They can become unemployed and I get $2,400 after 2 years. Who keeps track? No way to select employees.