Rep. David Wilkerson (D-Cobb) says the third time is not the charm for Georgia Republicans, who have spent the entire legislative session trying to find a way to raise taxes on the middle class that doesn’t look like it’s raising taxes on the middle class.

Wilkerson says he wants to have time to read the bill, something Republicans would prefer he not do, as it will actually allow the people of Georgia to know what the General Assembly is doing.  Says Wilkerson in a press release published this morning:

“This coming Monday is the last chance for this tax bill to be considered by the House this session,” says Wilkerson.  “The desire of Republicans to get something done is outweighing the desire to get something done right.”  Initially touted as revenue neutral, the latest changes create a $220 million hole in the budget.   The House recently passed a balanced budget and additional cuts will have to be made.  School systems around the state could see even less funding than they thought just a week ago. “We are required to pass a balanced budget,” Wilkerson said.  “We need to see what Republicans are cutting before we vote for this bill.”

Despite being touted as neutral when paying income taxes, Georgians will see new and increased taxes if the revised bill is passed.  Taxpayers will find a new sales tax on satellite TV service, auto repair work and the private sales of automobiles.  “At the end of the day, the last thing we should be doing is raising taxes on our working families,” Wilkerson said, “and I am afraid that is what this bill will end up doing.”

The fully press release, sans snappy editorial comments, can be found after the jump.  

REP. WILKERSON – THIRD TIME IS NOT THE CHARM

Legislator stunned to hear of latest tax bill

(Atlanta, GA) – April 7, 2011 – Today, State Representative David Wilkerson (D- Austell) voiced concerns on a major piece of legislation making its way to an expected vote next Monday.  The legislature is out of session this week, however Republican leaders have been meeting behind closed doors for another re-write of their tax bill.

This is the third recent attempt at changing the way Georgia funds its annual budget. Rep. Wilkerson wonders if the third time will be the charm. “I am very concerned at the pace in which this legislation is constantly being changed,” says Wilkerson.   The first 4 bills, House Bills 385-388 would have turned every scout and brownie troop into mini tax collectors.  After public outcry, those tax increases were scrapped for a new plan.  After seeing the second attempt, Democrats and Republicans quickly realized that many middle class Georgians making up to $180,000 would be paying higher income taxes.

“This coming Monday is the last chance for this tax bill to be considered by the House this session,” says Wilkerson.  “The desire of Republicans to get something done is outweighing the desire to get something done right.”  Initially touted as revenue neutral, the latest changes create a $220 million hole in the budget.   The House recently passed a balanced budget and additional cuts will have to be made.  School systems around the state could see even less funding than they thought just a week ago. “We are required to pass a balanced budget,” Wilkerson said.  “We need to see what Republicans are cutting before we vote for this bill.”

Despite being touted as neutral when paying income taxes, Georgians will see new and increased taxes if the revised bill is passed.  Taxpayers will find a new sales tax on satellite TV service, auto repair work and the private sales of automobiles.  “At the end of the day, the last thing we should be doing is raising taxes on our working families,” Wilkerson said, “and I am afraid that is what this bill will end up doing.”

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MORE ABOUT DAVID WILKERSON Representative David Wilkersonwas elected to the State House on November 2, 2010 and represents parts of Austell, Powder Springs, Mableton, and Smyrna. He serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Children Youth and Retirement committees.  Rep. Wilkerson is a CPA and works with the professional services firm of Resources Global Professionals.