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News Release

August 2, 2012                                                      Contact:      Bill Heath

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          770.537.5234

Senator Heath Challenges Carruth to Series of

“Show the Facts” Debates

(Bremen) Senator Bill Heath challenges his runoff opponent, Bill Carruth, to a “Show the Facts” debate in each county in Senate District 31 next week.

Heath has reserved the Paulding Chamber of Commerce in Paulding for Monday, August 6th; the Sewell Mill – Cherry Blossom Room in Haralson for Tuesday, August 7th; and the Rockmart Community Center in Polk for Thursday, August 9th.

Said Heath, “Every single thing I have said during this campaign about myself and my opponent has been 100% true and documented.  In stark contrast, Bill Carruth has consistently and intentionally lied and misled the voters about his record and mine.  It’s time for Carruth to put up or shut up.  I challenge him to meet me at these locations and bring the documentation.  I can back up everything I have said and will gladly present it to the public at these debates.  Let’s see if Carruth has the courage to actually face real scrutiny from public documents standing in front of the voters and the media.”

Each debate will begin at 7pm and will last for one hour. Each candidate will be given 20 uninterrupted minutes to provide factual and documented information about their records and the records of their opponents.  After each candidate has presented their information, they will then be given 10 minutes of rebuttal.  The order will be chosen by coin toss at the start of the debate.

A reporter from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution will moderate the debates.  They will be videotaped and posted online.

Senator Heath has emailed Bill Carruth to extend this challenge.

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Haralson County

Haralson County Courthouse

4485 Georgia Highway 120

Buchanan, Georgia 30113

Paulding County

Paulding County Elections Office
240 Constitution Blvd.
Dallas, Georgia  30132

Mt. Tabor Park
1550 East Paulding Drive
Dallas, Georgia  30157

Poplar Springs Baptist Church
2056 Hiram Douglasville Hwy.
Hiram, Georgia  30141

Crossroads Public Library
909 Harmony Grove Church Rd.
Acworth, Georgia  30101

Polk County

Polk County Board of Commissioners Office

144 West Ave. Suite B

Cedartown, Georgia 30125

Rockmart Community Center

604 Goodyear St.

Rockmart, Georgia 30153

When: Tuesday, July 17, 2012

6:00 – 8:00 PM

Where: Stone Creek Inn

2769 Cedartown Highway Rockmart, GA 30153

Suggested contribution $10 to attend

Regrets 770-537-5234

As one of the original 13 colonies, Georgia’s role during the American Revolution was significant. Men such as James Oglethorpe, Archibald Bulloch and James Wright laid a strong foundation for our state and our nation. We continue to honor them today with universities, museums, and bridges; there isn’t a corner of our state that isn’t marked with the history of our nation’s birth and the men who stood strong in the face of adversity. We should stand with pride for our ancestors who revolted against British rule in the American Revolution by signing the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Georgia history runs deep as we became the fourth state of the Union after ratifying the Constitution on January 2, 1788. By taking these brave and risky steps, the first Georgians set in motion a new country and a new government that honors individual freedoms and celebrates a government of the people, by the people.

As we pause to celebrate the 4th of July, be mindful of the numerous set backs and insurmountable challenges we have overcome to arrive where we are today.  The citizens of these United States have made great sacrifices throughout our nation’s history so that we can enjoy the many freedoms that make us uniquely American.  From the Revolutionary War, where our founding fathers first defended our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, to the end of the Cold War, where President Ronald Reagan was instrumental in ending Communism, the leaders of this country have demonstrated time and time again that America stands as the land of the free and the home of the brave.

July 4th is a time to set partisanship aside and join together in celebration of a nation that gives us the right to disagree, to speak our mind, and to chase our dreams no matter how big or small they may be. However, we cannot ignore that our nation remains in continued turmoil as our liberal leadership in Washington is single handedly rewriting the Constitution and diminishing the tireless efforts of many who fought to bring freedom and choice to our nation. We must use this national holiday to reflect on the principles on which our nation was founded as well as our current state of affairs in which a mammoth government continues to tax its citizens and methodically erase our freedoms and liberties. The opening of the Declaration of Independence contains one of the most poignant expressions of our nation’s founding principles:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

In the midst of all of this, we must still remember how blessed we are to call this wonderful country home.  Take a moment out of your day Wednesday to honor those who have gone before us and to acknowledge those that are still defending the freedoms we hold so dear. Let’s ask ourselves how we can honor our founding fathers by returning to a nation built on a smaller, less intrusive federal government that respects states’ rights and does not initiate undue burdens on its citizens, a nation that supports free market principles as a way to create jobs and strengthen the economy, and a nation which holds individual freedoms paramount. These are the building blocks laid by our nation’s first leaders and they remain the guiding principles that make our nation the greatest nation in the world.

The right to vote is one of the most cherished liberties given to us by our Founding Fathers. As we approach election season, take a moment to educate yourself about our nation’s roots and the candidates who will best represent the values you hold near and dear.  Monday July 9, early voting begins.  You can go to your election office and cast your ballot on the same voting machine that will be available at the polls on Election Day.

It has been an honor to represent you in the State Senate.  Thank you for trusting in me.  I promise to always make every attempt to fairly represent the people of this district and to never embarrass you with my personal or professional life.  If I can ever be of assistance to you please feel free to call on me either by email at billheath@billheath.net or by calling my office (404-656-3943) or my home (770-537-5234).

I pray that you have a happy and safe Independence Day and enjoy some time with your friends and family.

SB 153                  Documentation Requirement for Teachers & Administrators Terminated for Financial Reasons.

SB 289                  Online Learning Options for Georgia Students.

SB 293                  “In God We Trust” License Plates: Upon request, Georgia drivers may display the nation’s motto in place of the county name.

SB 309                  Taylor’s Law: DNR’s ability to give special authorization to hunt big game or alligators to any person not older than 21 years of age who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

SB 332                  Retail Advertisements; Public Reporting of Surplus SPLOST Funding; Local Energy Excise Manufacturing Tax.

SB 333                  Foreclosure Sale Notice Requirements

SB 358                  Preference for Products Produced in Georgia.

SB 432                  Local Government Prohibited from Further Constraining Knife Use

SB 441                  Unlawful Pointing of a Laser Device at a Law Enforcement Officer or Aircraft.

SB 473                  Purple Heart License Tag: Expands availability of the tag to include recipients who are currently serving on active duty or in the reserves.

SB 492                  State Purchasing Contracts: Authorizes Multiple award schedule contracts which allow multiple vendors to be awarded a state contract for goods and services which results in competitive pricing, administrative savings, expedited procurement, and flexibility for state purchasers.

HB 100                 Creation of the Georgia Tax Tribunal

HB 175                 Online Clearinghouse Act: Creates an online clearinghouse of computer-based distance learning courses offered by local school systems and charter schools.

HB 386                 Comprehensive Tax Reform: Exemptions in the bill that go into effect on July 1^st include the Film Sales Tax Exemption and Jet Fuel Exemption.

HB 685                 Responsible Dog Ownership Law: Requires the classification of dogs as dangerous or vicious and provides for regulation of those dogs.

HB 766                 Foundations of American Law and Government Displays: Allows displays of educational and informational material about the history and background of American law, and the Foundations of American Law and Government display, to be in any public building of the state.

HB 797                 State Charter Schools Commission: The seven-member Commission is a state-level authorizing entity that would work in collaboration with the Department of Education under the supervision of the State Board of Education. The Commission has the power to approve or deny petitions for state charter schools and renew, not renew, or terminate state charter school petitions according to rules and regulations.

HB 824                 Quality Basic Education (QBE): Re-calculates equalization grants

HB 861                 Social Responsibility and Accountability Act: Requires most applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to take a drug test as a condition for receiving benefits.

HB 872                 Regulated Metals; Certificates of Title: Cancellation—Scrap Vehicles/Parts

HB 1176               Criminal Justice Reform

Please feel free to email me with any questions you have or ideas for future legislation that this list may have sparked.  I am always open and eager to hear from you.  Also, if you are interested in seeing the complete list of bills effective July 1^st, 2012, I would be happy to provide that to you.  Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you as citizens of the 31^st Senate District.  It is an honor and privilege to be your voice at the State Capitol.

Section 6-1 of HB 386 deals with who is required to collect and remit sales and use taxes on online purchases.  The intent of this section is to ensure that Georgia businesses that employ our citizens and pay taxes are treated the same as out of state, online retailers. Some of you may assume that goods purchased over the internet are exempt from state and local taxes, at least that is what some online companies may have lead you to believe. The issue is not whether there is a tax liability, which there is, but rather who is responsible for remitting the tax to the state.  Similar to store bought purchases where the buyer generally sees a line added for “Sales Tax,” officially the state revenue laws include a “Sales and Use Tax” where the term “use” refers to the obligation of the buyer to pay taxes on out of state purchases which are used in Georgia. The National Conference of State Legislators estimates that states will lose a combined $23.3 billion in FY2012 in uncollected use taxes.  Prior to the passage of this important tax reform package, Georgia was estimated to lose $88.6 million over the next 3 years in uncollected state and local taxes.

In the end, Georgia will see substantial benefits from the collection of online sales tax. Additionally, the small brick and mortar companies in our communities will gain from the Marketplace Fairness Act.  The current inclusion of sales and use taxes results in a competitive disadvantage for these companies. We must support the benefits our state and our communities receive when we collect a sales tax on products bought within our state lines. Businesses in our state employ Georgians, build safer communities, and contribute to our education system.  Think about the difference you make when you buy locally – whether it’s at a Big-box chain store or a local boutique. Buying locally reaches far beyond simply collecting a sales tax; it gives us the tools to build our state. Collecting on taxes owed to us, such as online fees, is one of the most promising solutions that Georgia has to decrease the tax burden on our citizens and provide a modernized tax code.  Ensuring that our local businesses are treated fairly is key to sound tax policy.

Section 6-2 in HB 386 reinstates the annual Sales Tax Holiday (STH), another area of tax reform we felt was important for hardworking Georgians. The STH is a great opportunity for families and individuals to make necessary back-to-school purchases for things like supplies and clothes or investments in technology such as personal computers and environmental investments that include household devises with special energy savings ratings. Reinstating the STH is a decision we felt would benefit each and every Georgian.

You may be surprised to know that this day is actually a substantial loss to the state in terms of earned revenue. On the STH, the estimated revenue loss is $32 to $45 million.  Knowing this, you may ask yourself what the real benefit is to the state. It’s important to remember that gains aren’t always seen in the bottom line, but  can be felt by increasing the quality of life for Georgians through helping them to get the most out of their hard earned money whenever possible. Despite the apparent loss to state revenue, STHs are of particular importance to us as legislators because they help to support you, our constituents, build up our communities and support growth in Georgia businesses.  This year, families watching their budget carefully can once again feel a reprieve in their pocket books as the cost is lowered on necessities such as clothing and school supplies. STHs also promote consumption that is believed to be socially beneficial through the purchase of items like computers that promote computer literacy among children and adults, and energy or water efficient appliances and fixtures that promote conservation. Lastly, they boost the state’s economy (particularly in border counties) and tax revenues by encouraging residents of neighboring states to cross the border to shop during this three day weekend in July or August, during the “back to school” shopping season. The increased revenue from neighboring states comes from sales of fuel, purchases at restaurants, and stays at hotels for those who travel to Atlanta for “premium” shopping. As the southeast continues to become one of the most competitive regions for growing businesses and building communities, it is vital that we use tools such as the STH to support Georgia’s businesses, communities and hardworking citizens.

I am encouraged by the progress made this year on tax reform in Georgia, but I’m fully aware that our job is not done. We must strive to flatten our tax rates and make our tax code fairer and simpler. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions as to how we can create a fair tax system in Georgia, one where the burden is minimal and everyone pays a fair share and no more.  It is an honor to serve you and to listen to your thoughts, concerns and hopes for our state’s future. I have no doubt that the smallest group of Georgians can be the largest voice at the State Capitol when an issue is of deep importance to them. I encourage you to use your voice and share your ideas with me on how we can create a better Georgia each and everyday.

The first official observance of the holiday was on May 30^th, 1868 when flowers were placed on Confederate and Union soldiers’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery.  In the years that followed, both northern and southern states adopted this date as a time to come together and remember those that gave their lives to protect the freedoms we still enjoy today.  With the passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971, Memorial Day is now celebrated around the country on the last Monday in May.

I’ve heard it said before that freedom is not free.  Memorial Day reminds us of this truth.  Countless Americans have given their lives in the name of freedom since that first Memorial Day back in 1868.  While we have come to recognize Memorial Day weekend as the official start to summer and welcome it in with some of our favorite American pastimes- cookouts, baseball games, and family gatherings by the pool- I encourage you to pause and remember the real meaning behind Memorial Day this year.  We owe it to the men and women that have given their lives to never forget the incredible sacrifice they made for our country while serving in the armed forces.

Join me today at 3:00 p.m. for the “National Moment of Remembrance,” a time to pause, reflect, and remember the ultimate sacrifice made by those that gave their lives for our country and the values and principles it stands for.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you and the state of Georgia in the State Senate.  Please continue to reach out to me with your ideas of how we can continue to make Georgia a place where families and businesses thrive.  To our veterans and soldiers that are currently serving in the US and around the world, thank you.  Your commitment to defend and protect the principles and beliefs of this nation and the freedom it offers is truly inspiring.  Happy Memorial Day and God bless. 

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

Currently when you buy a vehicle, you pay sales tax on the price of the vehicle at the time of purchase (6-8% depending on the county the vehicle is titled in) as well as an ad valorem tax (determined by your County Tax Commissioner) each year on your birthday when you renew your license or car tag.  Under the provisions in HB 386, you will no longer pay sales tax or ad valorem tax on the newly purchased vehicle.  Instead, you will pay a one-time title fee that in most cases is less that you would have paid in sales tax alone.  Here are the details:

If you purchase a new or used vehicle,

Prior to January 1, 2012:

• You will continue to pay the ad valorem tax each year on your birthday.

Between January 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013:

• You can opt into the program until March 1, 2013 if the combined sales tax and ad valorem tax paid on the vehicle before March 1, 2013 is found to be equal to or greater than what the 6.5% title fee would be.  If the combined sales tax and ad valorem tax paid on the vehicle before March 1, 2013 is found to be less than what the 6.5% title fee would be, you may pay the difference between the two amounts and opt into the program as well.
• The Georgia Department of Revenue is in the process of drafting regulations governing the exact process; however, election for the opt-in can be made at the time of purchase, or it can be made post-purchase with the owner going to the local tag office to make the necessary payments to elect the opt-in so that his/her new vehicle will no longer be subject to the “birthday tax.”  Once again, only new and used vehicle purchases made between January 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013, are eligible for this option.

After March 1, 2013:

• The annual ad valorem, also known as “birthday tax,” and sales tax on the vehicle at the time of purchase will be eliminated with new and used vehicle purchases beginning March 1, 2013.
• To replace this, you will be charged a one-time title fee of 6.5% beginning March 1, 2013.  The fee will go up to 6.75% on January 1, 2014 and then top out at 7% on January 1, 2015.

If you engage in a casual sale of a vehicle,

After March 1, 2013:

• You will be required to pay the same title fee for casual sales unless the vehicle is sold to an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild).
• If sold or given away to an immediate family member, there is no title fee.  However, for transfers between family members there is a minimal title transfer fee of ¼ of 1% of the value of the vehicle that will be collected by both the state and the local county.

It is a pleasure and honor to serve you in the State Senate.  Limited taxation is a necessary burden of government.  I am always on the look out for sensible ways to lower the tax burden on our taxpayers.  If you have suggestions for improvements to the way taxes are applied and collected, I want to hear from you. Your livelihood and ability to support your family and enjoy the benefits of your labor are important to me and for the success for this nation.

Monday is Memorial Day and I will write about those who have given their lives for this great nation before returning to our discussion on the provisions of HB 386.

The landmark tax reform package passed during the 2012 Legislative Session has been touted as being good for business. Companies seeking to relocate or expand operations in Georgia will now be able to take advantage of several key incentives that reduce the corporate tax burden, promote industry growth and advance opportunity.

This week we will take a look at how HB 386 is also good for Georgia’s families. While the elimination of the vehicle ad valorem, or “birthday tax”, has received quite a bit of attention, there are several other components of the bill that will positively impact families.  I will begin this discussion with something that should benefit most families- the elimination of the “marriage penalty” that has existed in Georgia’s tax code.  Eliminating the “marriage penalty” increases the individual personal exemption for married couples who jointly file from $5,400 to $7,400.  This change effectively removes the in-state “marriage penalty” for Georgians.  If you are married and choose to file separately, there will be no difference in the amount of the exemption because you will be able to exempt $3,700.

Both Governor Deal and the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians, who suggested many of the recommendations included in HB 386, found the existing “marriage penalty” to be a tax that ignores family values. A long-standing discrepancy in both state and federal tax law punishes couples filing joint returns and claiming a standard deduction while favoring single filers claiming standard deductions based on the exemption amount.

Logically, it would seem that when two singles file together, the standard deduction would simply be doubled. Currently, this is not the case. The soon-to-be extinguished “marriage penalty” only allows for an increase of approximately 75% of the standard deduction. This anomaly causes two individuals who jointly file to only receive a percentage of the standard deduction that the two individuals would receive if they were unmarried, therefore penalizing couples who take marital vows.

HB 386 corrects this large discrepancy in state tax law by increasing the personal exemption to mirror that of two single filers, effectively increasing the personal exemption amount by $2,000 for couples. Although there is a difference in standard deductions and personal exemptions (a standard deduction is the dollar amount that those who choose not to itemize deductions can subtract from their income, while a personal exemption lowers income tax by claiming support for individuals and direct dependents), increasing the exemption amount corrects the problem in a very applicable way.

What does this really mean for you? It means that all of Georgia’s married taxpayers will now be treated the same under our state tax code whether you have mortgages, student loans, give to churches and charities, or take the standard deduction.  Families will see the impact of the increased exemption not just in their yearly tax returns, but also in their bank accounts. This extra money could be saved for a rainy day or used to make purchases that in turn spur our state’s economic growth.  It is the right thing to do for working families, and it is good for Georgia taxpayers to be able to keep more of their hard-earned dollars at home.  Now we just need to encourage Washington, D.C. to take note of what we are doing here and fix the federal marriage penalty.

It is a pleasure and honor to serve you in the State Senate.  Your livelihood and ability to support your family and/or enjoy the benefits of your labor are important to me.  While limited taxation is necessary to fund government, that burden should be as light as possible and applied fairly and equally.  After all, isn’t that part of what is required for you to enjoy those unalienable rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness that our founding fathers spoke of?