ATLANTA- State Representative Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine) sent a letter responding to the St. Marys City Council’s request for local legislation. In this letter, Rep. Spencer explained why he cannot support the city council’s request to remove the income cap from the St. Marys Senior Homestead Tax Exemption.
“The intent and spirit of the current exemption is to reduce the tax burden on the primary residence of low-income seniors,” said Rep. Spencer. “The removal of the income cap changes the intent of this exemption and requires a thorough study of the consequences of such change. I encourage the City Council to engage in dialogue with the citizens of St. Marys to determine how the change will affect the tax digest and local services. As a state representative, it is my responsibility to ensure fairness and balance in the tax system, so I welcome open, public debate on the issue.”
In the letter, Rep. Spencer explains four reasons why he cannot support the removal of the St. Marys Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. First, Rep. Spencer points out that the removal of the income cap would not only change the intent of the current tax exemption, but it would also shift the tax burden to hardworking families already struggling to meet the increasing cost of living. Second, as the population of St. Marys ages, there will be an increased demand by seniors for more city services. Third, seniors are already exempt from state ad valorem taxes and will soon be exempt from state retirement income taxes. Fourth, the Georgia General Assembly is in the process of examining the recommendations of the Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians, which could lead to reform of the state’s current tax structure.”
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Representative Jason Spencer represents the citizens of District 180, which includes Camden County and portions of Glynn County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves on the Game Fish & Parks, Special Rules, and Children and Youth committees.