Georgia’s tuition-tax credit law weakest in nation
Eleven states have adopted tax-credit programs that encourage donations to private-school scholarship programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislators.
None of those programs is like Georgia’s program.
Most states at least make an effort to ensure that tax-subsidized scholarships are limited to lower-income students who might otherwise be stuck in an underperforming public school. That’s the whole philosophy behind the program nationwide. States do not want the program to become a backdoor means of subsidizing private school tuition for those who can already afford it.
But Georgia law, by design, contains no such safeguard. It is against the law for the state to even ask how many of the scholarships are being awarded to lower-income students.
Most states also attempt to monitor the performance of private schools receiving that taxpayer subsidy. And they should. Under the tax-credit system, every dollar donated to a private-school scholarship fund is a dollar not paid to the state treasury, meaning that state government takes a serious hit on such programs. (In Georgia, it’s $51 million a year.) If the state is going to subsidize private-school tuition in that amount, it has an obligation to the taxpayer and to the student to ensure that the education meets minimal standards.
But Georgia law, again by design, contains no such safeguard.
In Arizona, for example, the corporate tuition tax credit is limited to low-income students. Private schools that accept the money must administer a standardized test and release those results to the public. In Florida — often cited as a model for such programs — scholarships are limited to students who qualify for reduced or free lunches, and schools that accept 30 or more such scholarship students must release results of a national standardized test to the public.
Pennsylvania’s tuition tax-credit program is means-tested. Indiana’s program is means-tested and requires standardized testing. The same is true in Virginia. In Iowa, only lower-income students are eligible for the taxpayer-subsidized scholarship, and schools must be certified by the state Department of Education, which requires standardized testing as an indicator of quality.
Louisiana imposes an income limit and requires means-testing and standardized testing. New Hampshire requires means-testing. As does Rhode Island. And Oklahoma limits recipients to students attending failing public schools.
State after state — most of them conservative — either tries to target the aid to those in need or to make the schools accountable for their product. Many do both.
Georgia does neither.
Georgia is different in another way as well. In most states, students eligible for a private-school scholarship had to be attending a public school when first applying. Again, the intent was to give students in public school an option, not to create a tax subsidy for those already in private schools.
Yet when Georgia’s law was drafted, it required only that students be enrolled in a public school, not attend a public school. The distinction might seem subtle, but it was deception by design. The slight word change meant that private school students could enroll in a public school, with no intention of ever attending, and thus become eligible for scholarship money. And that’s just what they were encouraged to do. As one of the bill’s sponsors, state Rep. David Casas of Lilburn, was caught telling a group of parents:
“Some people felt a little bit weird about that; felt it was a little dishonest that they would take their child, enroll them in a public school and not have them actually attend, but all of a sudden they actually qualify for a scholarship. I’m telling you, we deliberately put the wording in there for that.”
This year, Casas is joining state Rep. Earl Ehrhart of Powder Springs in an effort to greatly expand the scholarship programs. The current tax-credit limit of $2,500 for a married couple would disappear. Instead, you could eliminate up to 75 percent of your state tax bill through donations to a private school scholarship. The annual total of such tax credits would increase to $80 million, a $29 million hit to an already inadequate state budget.
But their bill makes no effort to tighten how the scholarships are used.
Again, by design.
– Jay Bookman
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469 comments Add your comment
In the middle
February 6th, 2013
12:16 pm
So, all of these posts and articles and references to sites……have never ever ever made any reference to income other than mine, seriously, are you kidding me.
indigo
February 6th, 2013
12:16 pm
td – 11:06
Smartness, or intellectual apptitude, is a biological thing. It is usually inherited, but not always. Environment usually determines how much of that apptitude will be developed.
I never said people could not learn. In fact almost everyone, with proper education, is capable of learning. However, those with higher IQ’s are, potentially, capable of learning MORE than those with lesser IQ’s.
We are all, intellectually speaking, a combination of our genetics and environment. Its very easy for most of us to accept the environmental part. For some reason, many have a very difficult time with the biological part.
I do not know why that is.
Logical Dude
February 6th, 2013
12:19 pm
In Kayaker’s Link: http://www.cfcsra.org/Resources/391.pdf
it says “How will a student qualify?
Students must be Georgia residents enrolled in a Georgia secondary or primary public school or
eligible to enroll. Scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale based on the availability of funds, the
annual household income of applicant families, and household size. Income is verified by income tax
returns and/or other documentation. In order for a child to receive a scholarship in any amount, total
household income cannot exceed $85,000.
But in reading the actual bill; http://ideateedu.org/GA%20Tuition%20Tax%20Credit%20Bill%20HB%201133.pdf
An individual taxpayer shall be allowed a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter
25 for qualified education expenses as follows:
26 (1) In the case of a single individual or a head of household, the actual amount expended
27 or $1,000.00 per tax year, whichever is less; or
28 (2) In the case of a married couple filing a joint return, the actual amount expended or
29 $2,500.00 per tax year, whichever is less.
. . .
23 (g) In order for the taxpayer to claim the student scholarship organization tax credit under
24 this Code section, a letter of confirmation of donation issued by the student scholarship
25 organization to which the contribution was made shall be attached to the taxpayer´s tax
26 return. The letter of confirmation of donation shall contain the taxpayer´s name, address,
27 tax identification number, the amount of the contribution, the date of the contribution, and
28 the amount of the credit.
29 (h)(1) No credit shall be allowed under this Code section with respect to any amount
30 deducted from taxable net income by the taxpayer as a charitable contribution to a bona
31 fide charitable organization qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
32 Code.
33 (2) The amount of any scholarship received by an eligible student or eligible
34 pre-kindergarten student shall be excluded from taxable net income for Georgia income
35 tax purposes
But it has NO $85,000 limit showing anywhere in the document (even searching for “85″ comes up with no results.
Odd.
Mr_B
February 6th, 2013
12:21 pm
“Corbin, I wish that were true but it has been proven over & over that throwing money at a problem isn’t always the answer.”
Yeah, but sucking money out of the system works even worse.
We do spend more, but we’re not actually that far down; and in some respects do much better than most.
Paul
February 6th, 2013
12:22 pm
Christian Conservative
Isn’t time-out over yet?
Hope you got that mote out of your eye okay -
alex
February 6th, 2013
12:22 pm
indigo, I suspect it is because it is out of our control, Omly the uninformed do not believe ina genetic influence, but -as you have noted- there are no absolutes and sometimes you can find amazing or disturbing stories-all of which goes to prove this is WAY above our ability to predict outcomes of nature vs. nurture for the individual, mabye for a population-based study, not for the individual
GOT that JAY, no Fisher T tests, no, not one!
Joe Hussein Mama
February 6th, 2013
12:22 pm
L. Dude — “But it has NO $85,000 limit showing anywhere in the document (even searching for “85″ comes up with no results.”
“Odd.”
Could Kayaker be looking at an archived version of that page? An old version that’s still in his browser cache?
DownInAlbany
February 6th, 2013
12:22 pm
Where is the evidence of abuse of the tax credits? Or just slinging pooh to see what will stick?
Peter
February 6th, 2013
12:22 pm
Please the education system in Georgia is behind the nation. You don’t want smart Voters do you in Georgia ?
Speed Racer
February 6th, 2013
12:23 pm
“Under the tax-credit system, every dollar donated to a private-school scholarship fund is a dollar not paid to the state treasury, meaning that state government takes a serious hit on such programs…If the state is going to subsidize private-school tuition in that amount, it has an obligation to the taxpayer and to the student to ensure that the education meets minimal standards.”
Seems to me that the foundation of this comment is that all money belongs to the state, and that state is the benevolent one who gets to decide how much you can keep and/or where it can be donated.
Doggone/GA
February 6th, 2013
12:24 pm
“Seems to me that the foundation of this comment is that all money belongs to the state”
Nope. Just the money you owe in taxes. There’s nothing in what you quoted to justify a determination that ALL money belongs to the state. You just made that part up out of whole cloth.
Peter
February 6th, 2013
12:25 pm
4 to 8 years down the road, the demographics will change in Georgia…… soon it will be a BLUE state as with most of the country.
Then we will see real change having common folks in mind.
Brosephus™
February 6th, 2013
12:25 pm
Paul
Way off topic but something I think I’d get a rise out of you with…
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/teamrank/2013/all/all
Guess who’s #1????
Paul
February 6th, 2013
12:29 pm
DownInAlbany
“Where is the evidence of abuse of the tax credits? Or just slinging pooh to see what will stick?”
Again, it was dealt with in earlier threads. As I recollect the way the process works, parents make their tax-deductible donation, then they work with school officials to get their kid placed in the school of their choice.
indigo
February 6th, 2013
12:30 pm
Brosephus – 12:09
Looked
Could not find it
Paul
February 6th, 2013
12:31 pm
Brosephus
You know what happens to people who bet on preseason rankings….
Texas A&M had a field day with signings of high school players. They’re building quite a foundation. Heck, they even signed one of the top quarterbacks in the state (and when I say ’state’ I mean “Texas” so you can read that as ‘country’).
Brosephus™
February 6th, 2013
12:32 pm
indigo
Let’s just say that I probably have more confidence in genetics than you’d probably ever guess.
indigo
February 6th, 2013
12:34 pm
Brosephus – 12:32
Well, that works for me.
Buck Alford
February 6th, 2013
12:37 pm
@Jay, while research doesn’t support the “government takes a serious hit” claim, there is much we agree with in your post. Though it is important to remember that not all SSOs operate the same, and many are doing great work. You’re right in stating that the current law does little to ensure accountability and less to provide real choices for kids who need them most. That’s precisely why we at Arete Scholars Fund designed a highly transparent program that exclusively targets families eligible for free and reduced lunch.
In less than three years, Arete has awarded more than 2,300 scholarships worth $11 million to more than 1,100 low-income students. In 2011-12, nearly 40% of Scholars lived below the federal poverty line, 78% were minority, and the average scholarship family earned gross income of less than $28,000 annually. You can read our latest annual report for more details (aretescholars.org/annual-reports-audits).
And the opportunities are making a difference academically and socially in the lives of Georgia kids. While much of our evidence is anecdotal at this point – though no less compelling – we’ve begun a multi-phase research initiative that will help quantify the impact on kids, schools and the state budget. Phase 1 was a more subjective parental satisfaction survey and the results were overwhelmingly positive (read more here: http://bit.ly/Ql9ca8). As we move forward, we’re also implementing a number of standards to measure the effectiveness of our participating schools.
Research from other states indicates that tuition tax credit scholarships – when implemented wisely – are a fiscally responsible way to support public education, not dismantle it. We would love to see the program grow and serve even more students in need, but not before cleaning up the law and eliminating current abuses.
Buck Alford
Arete Scholars Fund
Brosephus™
February 6th, 2013
12:38 pm
Paul
I’m looking forward to that trip out to College Station this fall. I likely won’t set foot on Texas soil, but I will be there in spirit!!!
captguitarman
February 6th, 2013
12:42 pm
Note to TaxPayer @ 8:21 a.m. When Chattahoochee High School opened in north Fulton county in 1991, that was not its originally chosen name. Its original name was John’s Creek High School. However, it was discovered at the last minute that while Mr. John (don’t recall his first name) was a prominent citizen and leader in his day, and was a fine and upstanding citizen, he was a slave owner. Ironically, the whole city is named John’s Creek, and that is as it should be, and as it should have been with the high school.
So, I must be a dyed in the wool racist who misses slavery? No, not at all. But I am very strongly opposed to the PC crowd’s practice of “presentism” (now there’s an “ism” for you), which is passed off these days as the study of history, but which is actually antithetical to the scholarly study of that hugely important subject — a subject that does not get the respect and attention that we as a nation need to give it.
Presentism is simply the study of and interpretation of history and historical events through the eyes of perfect, 20/20 hind sight. It is sloppy and lazy scholarship because it allows the interpretation of historical events utilizing modern information, ideas, social codes, mores, scientific facts, and cultural advancements not in place during the time or events being studied. It basically makes history a study of how what our ancestors and predecessors were clearly doing wrong by modern day standards, thereby creating warm and fuzzy feel good moments (which the PC crowd loves) by applying our now morally superior judgments.
The real study of history requires work and research. It requires an effort to understand the times in which historical figures were living and what cultural, social, political, economic, and cultural forces were impacting them. Clearly, slavery is a morally corrupt system. While that was also known during Mr. John’s time, it was not universally condemned in America, and many tried to rationalize its existence. The issue dated back the earliest days of the Republic, with slave owners such as Washington and Jefferson agonizing over how to deal with it and keep the fragile union between the northern and southern colonies – critical to whether America would survive or not.
For better or for worse, right or wrong, at that time, the south’s entire economic system rested on slavery just as economy now rests on carbon based fuels. If the government said that starting on March 1, it shall be unlawful for any American to use carbon based fuel for any reason, what do you think might happen? Perhaps many people would disobey that law, and perhaps even rebel against the government.
The point is simply this. Lazy and sloppy scholarship and convenient PC presentism, and modern day 20/20 holier than thou judgments made by people with no clue about the nature of the times, people, and events that they are so perfectly judging, will increasingly become the rationale for changing the name of parks, streets, cities, counties, etc. And calling these people “adults” is not exactly a proper use of the word.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
February 6th, 2013
12:43 pm
@Taxpayer,
“Why pay for an education when they can get what they need for free on FOX. After all, it’s not like Republicans do math or science.”
How many hours per week do you log watching FNC programming anyway?
Jay
February 6th, 2013
12:45 pm
kayaker is taking a VOLUNTARY household income limit of $88,000, a limit that was self-imposed by GOAL, just one of many scholarship organizations in operation in the state, and claiming that the limit is mandatory, established by law, and applicable to all scholarship organizations.
None of which is true. The law contains no such limit, or any limit.
kayaker has repeatedly been given conclusive evidence, in the form of the actual law and in statements from two state agencies, proving that what he claims is not true.
He continues to claim it anyway.
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
12:45 pm
Possibly kayaker’s charitable organization has set an $85,000.
income limit on the tax credit donation.
TaxPayer
February 6th, 2013
12:47 pm
captguitarman,
Using your logic, I’m sure you can find evidence of some native American occupants of said “John’s Creek” land whom more aptly deserve rights to name said land. Then again, you seem to prefer something linked to a slave owner. Why such bias.
TaxPayer
February 6th, 2013
12:48 pm
How many hours per week do you log watching FNC programming anyway?
I do not seek an education from FOX, purgatory.
That Black Guy
February 6th, 2013
12:49 pm
On and off topic at the same time:
Aquagirl – “We don’t tax for schools on the assumption everyone will take their turn, so to speak, even though it usually works out that way. We tax because an educated populace benefits everyone, period.”
Years ago, I used to be in the camp of “I don’t have children in school, why should I have to pay taxes to support public schools”. I felt I was paying for something I didn’t use.
Then I sat back and read an exchange on this blog on that topic. I think it was JHM, or Bro, or dB exchanging with a right leaning poster. There was no name calling, snark, or insults.
That exchange caused me to examine my thoughts and position on childless or people with adult children. It helped me realize that we ALL benefit from an educated society.
I said all that to say, although that person on the left held a different view than I, they were able to influence my thinking and bring me over to their side. Same with the healthcare debate.
There are people on this blog that may have a great point on a topic. A point that could some with differing views to reconsider their position. BUT that point will never be read by that person because of the “CONS/LIBS S*CK MONKEY AZZ AND THEY ARE THE CAUSE OF ALL OUR PROBLEMZZZZ!!!!” style of posting (DannyX, getalife, kayaker, RB, Taxpayer, FINN, UNCLE SAM come to mind). When you start your arguement with an insult, do you think your point will receive the same consideration as your insult.
When you want your wife/husband to consider your POV, do you start off with an insult?
/off soapbox
catlady
February 6th, 2013
12:51 pm
Aw, Cummon, Jay, we commented on Get Schooled or this blog or Political Insider about this before it was voted in. EVERYONE with the reading ability of a ten year old knew EXACTLY what was in the bill and who would benefit, “allowing” the rest of us to pick up the slack to make up those missing state taxes.
If someone is given a pass, then the rest of folks are making up the difference. It is that simple.
Am I surprised we are the only state obviously giving away state money to private schools with no oversight? Not one iota.
The sped kids who get the scholarship for private school–is there any testing or reporting on this money?
I am SICK of the perfidy!
That Black Guy
February 6th, 2013
12:51 pm
oops- “A point that could some with differing views ”
should be “A point that could CAUSE some with differing views “
Paul
February 6th, 2013
12:52 pm
Brosephus
If you do make it out, you’re more than welcome to overnight at my place (close to DFW), then head to College Station, which is about 200 miles south. The Bush the Elder Presidential Library is worth seeing, too.
Jefferson
February 6th, 2013
12:56 pm
The problem is the state needs the revenue, the roads are crumbling, the teachers are furloughed and the state ows the fed 600 mil already for kissing businesses butt. Tax credits for privates schools is bs.
indigo
February 6th, 2013
12:57 pm
Jay – 12:45
It seems that the same people flat out lie here on a regualr basis. Then after you correct their lies, they either continue with the same ones or, without admitting any wrongdoing, proceed to another lie.
I think someone or ones are prompting them.
Brosephus™
February 6th, 2013
1:02 pm
TBG @ 12:49
Amen!!! I’ll say that I’m guilty of using descriptive adjectives when posting, but I try to make a salient point before I devolve like the others around me.
————————–
Paul
I appreciate the offer, and I’ll keep that in mind.
getalife
February 6th, 2013
1:09 pm
“Stop giving more tax breaks and handouts to the rich. They don’t freakin’ need it.”
Pea writes like me.
getalife
February 6th, 2013
1:10 pm
tbg,
Perhaps you should wait for me to opine on the subject before attacking me.
Thanks.
DannyX
February 6th, 2013
1:15 pm
“When you start your arguement with an insult, do you think your point will receive the same consideration as your insult.”
You do know that more often than not you belong to the same group you called out don’t you, That Black Guy?
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
February 6th, 2013
1:17 pm
“4.5 billion ‘alien Earths’ may populate Milky Way”
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/02/06/45-billion-alien-earths-may-populate-milky-way/#ixzz2K90I6JsE
I hope they don’t start coming here as illegal aliens !
Regnad Kcin
February 6th, 2013
1:20 pm
“When you start your arguement with an insult, do you think your point will receive the same consideration as your insult”
Thanks for that, TBG.
BTW, even if you don’t have kids in school, pay your taxes gladly – would you rather have a bunch of bored teenagers hanging around?
Granny Godzilla
February 6th, 2013
1:24 pm
would you rather have a bunch of bored teenagers hanging around?
EEEEEK!
guy
February 6th, 2013
1:27 pm
To those who don’t like all of this: move on to the state of your choice. Bitch,bitch,bitch!!!!!!
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
February 6th, 2013
1:28 pm
captguitarman:
Excellent post ! Most liberals are incapable of understanding or viewing events/history from the perspective of the times in which they occurred.
By the way, it is my understanding that John Rogers (Johns Creek) was a great, great uncle of Will Rogers.
td
February 6th, 2013
1:28 pm
Jefferson
February 6th, 2013
12:56 pm
The problem is the state needs the revenue, the roads are crumbling, the teachers are furloughed and the state ows the fed 600 mil already for kissing businesses butt. Tax credits for privates schools is bs.
The states revenues are about $500 million behind their all time highs (2007) yet we are still cutting money from education and every other department/agency/program except one (medicaid). We will continue into the foreseeable future to have to take money from all other programs and give to this one program until the Georgia people wake up and tell the legislature and their fellow citizens to pay for their own issuance so that we can educate all the children of Georgia.
Granny Godzilla
February 6th, 2013
1:31 pm
guy
February 6th, 2013
1:27 pm
To those who don’t like all of this: move on to the state of your choice. Bitch,bitch,bitch!!!!!!
.
.
.
.
I suppose the cowards way out is ok for some.
I suggest we all stay and make it better!
Logical Dude
February 6th, 2013
1:31 pm
Scout/0311.
I like how scientists keep on re-estimating the number of “alien Earths” that might populate the Milky Way.
Because any number they throw out to the masses will only be an estimate and could be wrong by a factor of 100 quite easily.
See, here, let me show you:
There are about 100 billion stars in the Milky Way. Our star has about 10 planets (and one earthlike), so that means there are about 1,000 billion planets and about 100 billion earthlike planets.
or.
There are about 100 Billion stars in the Milky Way. Eliminating red giants, blue dwarfs, and other non main-sequence stars (because they are too variable to keep planets at a stable temperature), Plus eliminating “new” stars that are too young, and eliminating stars near Supernovae that happened when the Milky Way was younger. (insert other restrictions here). we have about 1 billion sun-like stars. Our sun has about 10 planets, but only one Earthlike. So there are possibly 1 billion Earthlike Planets in the Milky Way.
So, any estimate between 1 and 100 billion can be tossed out. (and even estimates way down to “there is a one in a million chance for a planet to be in the “inhabitable” zone of stars” can reduce estimates even further.)
Granny Godzilla
February 6th, 2013
1:32 pm
Mr Digits
“Most liberals are incapable of understanding or viewing events/history from the perspective of the times in which they occurred”
.
.
.
piffle
.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 6th, 2013
1:33 pm
Excellent post ! Most liberals are incapable of understanding or viewing events/history from the perspective of the times in which they occurred.
Says the poster who cannot comprehend that the Founding Fathers were radical liberals and progressives standing up to “conservative views” of the time.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
February 6th, 2013
1:38 pm
Logical Dude:
Ah ……………….. sonar to bridge, sonar to bridge …….. range ……….. mark !
TBS
February 6th, 2013
1:40 pm
“Excellent post ! Most liberals are incapable of understanding or viewing events/history from the perspective of the times in which they occurred.”
Translation: If anyone doesn’t view a particular event from the same political perspective and narrative that I have, they are wrong.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
February 6th, 2013
1:41 pm
Good Fight:
“Says the poster who cannot comprehend that the Founding Fathers were radical liberals and progressives standing up to “conservative views” of the time.”
You mean those “liberal” Founding Fathers who owned slaves, kept their women in the kitchen and gays in the closet ? THOSE “Founding Fathers”.
LOL !
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
February 6th, 2013
1:42 pm
Granny:
“sniffle” !
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 6th, 2013
1:45 pm
Yep, those are the ones!
Thank for proving your lack of comprehension.
guy
February 6th, 2013
1:46 pm
Granny, then use your time to make things better instead of bitching and using sarcastic remarks to others. Go for it,girl! Tell ‘em cabbage,you got the head!
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
1:46 pm
TBS
Translation: If anyone doesn’t view a particular event from the same political perspective and narrative that I have, they are wrong.
………………………………………………………..
keep that in mind if you want to intercourse with me……
Granny Godzilla
February 6th, 2013
1:48 pm
Mr Digits
Contrary to your post, many men of the time did not own slaves (hence civil war) nor did
the force women into the kitchen. In fact many think of Abigail Adams as this nations first liberated woman.
May I suggest Cokie Roberts book – “Founding Mothers”
Reading will help you shed the last of your “oink”
Granny Godzilla
February 6th, 2013
1:51 pm
guy
February 6th, 2013
1:46 pm
Granny, then use your time to make things better instead of bitching and using sarcastic remarks to others. Go for it,girl! Tell ‘em cabbage,you got the head!
.
.
.
Grandly able to multitask..I do have societal “interests” that I work on and for.
ANd you?
getalife
February 6th, 2013
1:51 pm
guy,
Using your logic, those that bitch about our President should leave too.
Right guy?
indigo
February 6th, 2013
1:53 pm
Scout – 1:41
Many people in that time period owned slaves. Almost all the women were in the kitchen and virtually all the gays were in the closet.
The Founding Fathers were quite liberal and progressive compared to the Loyalists who wanted a status quo with England and The English King.
It’s clear you know little or nothing about this period of American Hisory.
DannyX
February 6th, 2013
1:59 pm
“THOSE “Founding Fathers””
How about the ones that cut n paste their own Bibles! Taking out all of Jesus’ miracles, like the father of the war on Christmas did, Thomas Jefferson.
Doggone/GA
February 6th, 2013
2:04 pm
“I think someone or ones are prompting them”
I’ve taken to calling it “WORM brain” (WORM = write once, read many)
Once it’s written into their brains it can’t ever be changed, only repeated and repeated and repeated
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
February 6th, 2013
2:05 pm
To those who don’t like all of this: move on to the state of your choice. Bitch,bitch,bitch!!!!!!
I was born in this state, sport.
I would rather stay and effect the change I want through the electoral process.
It’s the randroids who want to go Galt that are the cut-and-runners.
DannyX
February 6th, 2013
2:10 pm
“4.5 billion ‘alien Earths’ may populate Milky Way”
It took God 73,972,602 years to create them all!
Liberal Nightmare
February 6th, 2013
2:10 pm
Cookman waging a blog war on those rich elitists kids in private school…… Jealous much? Maybe you too could have sent your kids to private school if you did something besides psuedo-journalism with your history degree?
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 6th, 2013
2:12 pm
Cookman waging a blog war on those rich elitists kids in private school……
Nope. He’s made that clear if you read and engaged your brain. He and others have a problem with tax money being used to support their kids in private school.
Paul
February 6th, 2013
2:16 pm
“Using your logic, those that bitch about our President should leave too.
Right guy?”
Heh, heh, heh….
Thomas
February 6th, 2013
2:18 pm
Below is a (half arse) cut and paste. The first is obviously a calculus problem while the second was found by google searching “online college sample math problem”.
We have a technology and education gap. The result of this problem is a earnings/net worth gap. The solution is not more gov’t money as, guess what, the problem gets worse not better.
I would rather my kid sit on a bus for 3 hours and attend 5 hours of school v. wasting 8 hours on a non performing school.
Alpharetta is now known as “Alpha Ghetto” Beyond the obvious racism, as a parent, actually like it. My kids are assured of diversity, they see other kids economically less sufficient, all said they don’t grow up ignorant white crackers.
Let c > 0 be a constant. Give a complete description, with proof, of the set of all continuous functions
f : R ! R such that f(x) = f(x2 + c) for all x 2 R. Note that R denotes the set of real numbers.
B5-2009 Let f : (1;1) ! R be a differentiable function such that
f0(x) =x2 (f(x))2×2/((f(x))2 + 1) for all x > 1.
Jessica deposits $300 into a savings
account that pays an annual interest rate
of 2%, compounded twice a year. How
much money will Jessica have in her
account at the end of one year?
A $304.00
B $306.00
C $306.03
D $312.12
stands for decibels
February 6th, 2013
2:21 pm
Maybe you too could have sent your kids to private school if you did something besides psuedo-journalism with your history degree?
Remind us all, again, who’s footing the bills for your kids’ private education, why don’t you?
—–
Taking out all of Jesus’ miracles, like the father of the war on Christmas did, Thomas Jefferson.
Yes, he spent years working on a literal cut-and-paste version of the Gospels, where he stuck to what he believed were Jesus’ authentic words and deeds.
He also ensured that this work was never published, and never saw the light of day as long as he was alive; in fact only when his grandson gave it to the Smithsonian was it made public, 70 years after his death.
Frankly, the more I learn about TJ the less impressed I am with him. I have come to think of him as a privileged loudmouth who was very, very skillful at convincing other people to “water the tree of liberty” for him.
These days when I read “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever” I just roll my eyes and say “then set your slaves free and offer to pay them a fair wage, you whiny chickenhawk.”
/drive-by
AngryRedMarsWoman
February 6th, 2013
2:25 pm
Simple solution – eliminate all deductions and credits! People are probably sick of me beating the same old drum, but think how gloriously simple it would be if the IRS and GA Revenue stopped using the tax code to manipulate society. (Income minus a per household member exemption)* a reasonable (progressive is okay) tax rate. Doesn’t matter if you….own or rent…send your kids to daycare or stay home….give to charity or not. We wouldn’t have this silly argument about tax credits for donations to private schools and people whining that they should get a deduction for tuition…blah blah blah. BTW, I just wrote a check for $17k for ‘13/’14 tuition…no deduction…no scholly…and paid $3k last year in property taxes….the local HS is a Top 10, but I think my son will do better in a much (much) smaller school so I have to pay for it. Stop being controlled by the tax code – no more deductions.
Doggone/GA
February 6th, 2013
2:26 pm
“These days when I read “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever” I just roll my eyes and say “then set your slaves free and offer to pay them a fair wage, you whiny chickenhawk”
And I see it differently. I see it as a prayer for a more just future that he knew he would neither see, nor be capable of providing, in his own lifetime.
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
2:32 pm
Doggone/GA
And I see it differently. I see it as a prayer for a more just future that he knew he would neither see, nor be capable of providing, in his own lifetime
………………………………………………………………………….
and as a wealthy landowner and slave owner he was
incapable of starting the ball rolling by doing as sfd
suggested ?
Doggone/GA
February 6th, 2013
2:33 pm
“and as a wealthy landowner and slave owner he was
incapable of starting the ball rolling by doing as sfd
suggested ?”
Yes. Your are not taking into account the social and political climate of his time, and in his place. Not everyone who is capable of pointing out a better path is able to actually take it.
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
2:38 pm
Doggone/GA
Yes. Your are not taking into account the social and political climate of his time, and in his place. Not everyone who is capable of pointing out a better path is able to actually take it.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
actually, I am taking that into account and pointing out he was just a whiny
hypocrite unwilling to surrender his life of luxury…
Doggone/GA
February 6th, 2013
2:39 pm
“actually, I am taking that into account and pointing out he was just a whiny
hypocrite unwilling to surrender his life of luxury”
Even a hypocrite can show others a better way to do something.
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
2:43 pm
Doggone/GA
Even a hypocrite can show others a better way to do something.
…………………………………………………………………..
actually he only told them, if he had shown them he would have
my respect and history might have been much different…..
Doggone/GA
February 6th, 2013
2:46 pm
“actually he only told them, if he had shown them he would have
my respect and history might have been much different”
“Show” does not neccessarily mean by example
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
2:49 pm
AngryRedMarsWoman
February 6th, 2013
2:25 pm
Simple solution – eliminate all deductions and credits!
………………………………………………………………………
Simpler solution – eliminate income tax.
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
2:51 pm
Doggone/GA
“Show” does not neccessarily mean by example
……………………………………………………
Actions speak louder than words especially from a
founding father President.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
February 6th, 2013
2:52 pm
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
2:38 pm
It’s fair to say that everyone is a hypocrite at some time or another…no news there…we sure spend a lot of energy pointing that out…
That Black Guy
February 6th, 2013
2:53 pm
getalife
February 6th, 2013
1:10 pm
tbg,
Perhaps you should wait for me to opine on the subject before attacking me.
Thanks.
____________________________
get, my post is not limited to this topic.
But, having said that, as soon as I hit “submit comment” I figured I should not have used names.
That Black Guy
February 6th, 2013
2:55 pm
DannyX
February 6th, 2013
1:15 pm
“When you start your arguement with an insult, do you think your point will receive the same consideration as your insult.”
You do know that more often than not you belong to the same group you called out don’t you, That Black Guy?
________________________________________
Really?
Are you saying that my first post on a topic usually starts with an insult?
Really?
Doggone/GA
February 6th, 2013
2:55 pm
“Actions speak louder than words especially from a
founding father President.”
Considering the ongoing result, I’d say his words spoke pretty loudly and pretty clearly
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
2:56 pm
Stevie Ray
Some are hypocritical on a grander scale than others and
influence society much more, pointing that out is not a
waste of energy.
That Black Guy
February 6th, 2013
2:58 pm
Regnad Kcin
February 6th, 2013
1:20 pm
“When you start your arguement with an insult, do you think your point will receive the same consideration as your insult”
Thanks for that, TBG.
BTW, even if you don’t have kids in school, pay your taxes gladly – would you rather have a bunch of bored teenagers hanging around?
_______________________________________________
That kinda my point. I realized that my tax money benefits me even when it’s not directly.
AngryRedMarsWoman
February 6th, 2013
3:00 pm
@barking frog 2:49 pm “Simpler solution – eliminate income tax.”
I certainly would not call myself an expert on the subject, but having read quite a bit on both sides of that issue (including some insightful analyses in Jay’s comments section) I am not convinced that a tax based on consumption/sales would be both a sufficient and “fair” source of government revenue. Always happy though to hear what you (and others here) have to say on the topic….I have a very open mind.
That Black Guy
February 6th, 2013
3:00 pm
DannyX
February 6th, 2013
1:15 pm
“When you start your arguement with an insult, do you think your point will receive the same consideration as your insult.”
__________________________________
BTW Danny X, what is your opinion of the above statement/question (I left off the “?” by mistake).
DownInAlbany
February 6th, 2013
3:01 pm
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
2:49 pm
AngryRedMarsWoman
February 6th, 2013
2:25 pm
Simple solution – eliminate all deductions and credits!
………………………………………………………………………
Simpler solution – eliminate income tax.
Now we’re getting some where! I like it!
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
3:01 pm
Doggone/GA
Considering the ongoing result, I’d say his words spoke pretty loudly and pretty clearly
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Yes, we fought a civil war with one side supporting his words, the
other supporting his actions. Too bad for thousands.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
February 6th, 2013
3:06 pm
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
2:56 pm
Well the point I’m making is that relative to politics, the same wheel goes around and around as no new strategies really exist. They are re-tread at the convenience of either party. Virtually, every subject ultimately finds both switching sides..
It can be useful in debate but pointing it out doesn’t necessarily mean more credibility for the pointer outer…
Of course, I’m the special exception:-)
LUCIFER
February 6th, 2013
3:09 pm
Man, Rachel Maddox really tore into Paul Broun last night. This guy must have sh** for brains because he says the most stupid and outrageous things. He is certainly an embarrassment to the great state of Georgia and should be tossed out of office on his ear at the first chance voters get.
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
3:10 pm
AngryRedMarsWoman
Georgia already has a corporate net worth tax for corporations that
primarily hold non income producing property which could be used
for individuals also in combination with the sales tax. No credits or
deductions or exemptions.
DannyX
February 6th, 2013
3:11 pm
“Are you saying that my first post on a topic usually starts with an insult?
Really?”
TBG, you are certainly no saint around here, you can be just as insulting as the rest of us. In fact when I first started to post here regularly I thought you were one of the worst offenders. For the most part I stopped reading what you wrote. This blog is full of crazy people like me, I know that when I post here that I will have to put up with them. I take the good with the bad. I’ve had one post removed and have never been given a yellow or red card, how about you?
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
3:13 pm
Stevie Ray
pointer outer credibility is not something I strive for.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
February 6th, 2013
3:17 pm
AngryRedMarsWoman
February 6th, 2013
2:25 pm
Eliminate all exceptions and have no more than 3 brackets…won’t happen as we are of the lawyers, by the lawyers and for the lawyers…heaven forbid any of them have to find a new livelihood..
Great in concept, but the inevitable arguement of today would be that “we’d have to eliminate (unnecessary) government jobs…..” It’s pretty clear that nobody has spine in DC to make hard decisions. Defense needs all 700 billion per year, can’t touch entitlements, let’s just continue to play small ball…
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 6th, 2013
3:17 pm
Thomas: Alpharetta is now known as “Alpha Ghetto” Beyond the obvious racism, as a parent, actually like it.
While I applaud the embracing of diversity and its benefits, I don’t know anyone who refers to Alpharetta as Alpha Ghetto. Let’s stop associating the “ghetto” as being “diverse”. Often it is not.
Stevie Ray..Clowns to the left and Jokers to the right..here I am...
February 6th, 2013
3:18 pm
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
3:13 pm
I know…wasn’t suggesting same….
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 6th, 2013
3:22 pm
won’t happen as we are of the lawyers, by the lawyers and for the lawyers…heaven forbid any of them have to find a new livelihood.
You might be more worried about Ernst & Young, H&R Block, CPAs and many other often non-lawyers involved in the tax industry.
getalife
February 6th, 2013
3:23 pm
“This is not a game.
This is reality.”
Panetta is angry on cuts to defense.
The gop are weak on national security.
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
3:25 pm
Keep Up
You might be more worried about Ernst & Young, H&R Block, CPAs and many other often non-lawyers involved in the tax industry.
…………………………………………………………………………….
Yep. They have been successful in stopping the IRS from
creating a usable interface for filing tax returns.
Doggone/GA
February 6th, 2013
3:25 pm
“Yes, we fought a civil war with one side supporting his words, the
other supporting his actions. Too bad for thousands.”
and yet, here we still are, one of, if the THE, longest lived democratic political system in history. And ne was instrumental, along with many others, of bringing that into being.
barking frog
February 6th, 2013
3:30 pm
Doggone/GA
and yet, here we still are, one of, if the THE, longest lived democratic political system in history. And ne was instrumental, along with many others, of bringing that into being.
………………………………………………………………………….
So was the King of England but i’m not going to praise his actions.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
February 6th, 2013
3:31 pm
Ah ……………… the liberating liberalism of revisionist history.
You guys are laughable !