ga-house-caucus

House Republicans Announce Plan to Eliminate Property Taxes

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:07:49 GMT

Georgia House Republicans are delivering on their commitment to provide historic property tax relief for homeowners across the state with the introduction of the Homeownership Opportunity and Market Equalization Act of 2026 (Georgia HOME Act) . While property tax assessments have soared, many local governments have left millage rates stagnant or even voted to raise them. This has fueled unfair and unsustainable property tax increases that threaten housing stability and affordability for families across the state.

Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved property tax relief in every county in 2024 (HB 581). Despite this clear demand for relief, over 300 local governments opted out of the measure, while some imposed property tax hikes of up to 158 percent in a single year.

That’s why Georgia House Republicans are leading to ensure no one is ever forced out of their home because they can’t afford to pay rent to the government.

Quick Facts on the Georgia HOME Act

Enables the total elimination of homestead property taxes (property taxes on primary residences) by 2032
Provides local governments with the tools they may need to recover lost revenue with an optional, flexible 5-penny local sales tax
Allows for optional local assessments and fees
Caps revenue growth to 3% for non-improved/non-exempt properties (2032)
Provides Homeowner Tax Relief Grants (HTRG)
Doubles the State Homestead Exemption every other year until 2032

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does the Georgia HOME Act impact local education funding?

Schools will have access to up to two pennies of local sales tax if needed.
In most communities, this will fully replace the money currently collected from homestead property taxes.
This ensures schools remain strong and fully funded while providing homeowners with historic tax relief.

How will local governments continue to provide essential services?

No one cares more about strong schools, public safety, and essential services than the Georgia House, and that is clearly reflected in the Georgia HOME Act.
Local governments will have access to tools, including:

Assessments for essential services or capital
Fees for optional services, if needed.

This creates more transparency and accountability for taxpayers, so they know exactly what they’re paying for.

What impact does the Georgia HOME Act have on renters?

The Georgia HOME Act also provides relief beyond homesteaded properties.
It caps revenue growth at 3% for non-homestead properties, which include many rental properties, limiting cost increases that often get passed on to renters.

What about communities that won’t be able to make up the loss in homestead taxes with additional sales tax revenue?

The vast majority of communities can replace lost revenue using the flexible local sales tax option.
For the small number that can’t, the state will provide homestead property tax equalization grants to help make up the difference, ensuring no community gets left behind.

House Republicans Propose Eliminating Property Tax on Homesteads

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:16:54 GMT

Georgia HOME Act of 2026

While property tax assessments have soared, many local governments have left millage rates stagnant or even voted to raise them. This has fueled unfair and unsustainable property tax increases that threaten housing stability and affordability for families across the state. Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved property tax relief in every county in 2024 (HB 581). Despite this clear demand for relief, over 300 local governments opted out of the measure, while some imposed property tax hikes of up to 158 percent in a single year.

That’s why Georgia House Republicans are leading to ensure no one is ever forced out of their home because they can’t afford to pay rent to the government.

Quick Facts on the Georgia HOME Act

Enables the total elimination of homestead property taxes (property taxes on primary residences) by 2032
Local governments can opt-in at any time before the mandate takes effect in 2032
Provides local governments with the tools they may need to recover lost revenue with an optional, flexible 5-penny local sales tax
Allows for optional local assessments and fees
Caps revenue growth to 3% for non-improved/non-exempt properties (2032)
Provides Homeowner Tax Relief Grants (HTRG)
Doubles the State Homestead Exemption every other year until 2032

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Georgia HOME Act impact local education funding?

Schools will have access to up to two pennies of local sales tax if needed.
In most communities, this will fully replace the money currently collected from homestead property taxes.
This ensures schools remain strong and fully funded while providing homeowners with historic tax relief.

How will local governments continue to provide essential services?

No one cares more about strong schools, public safety, and essential services than the Georgia House, and that is clearly reflected in the Georgia HOME Act.
Local governments will have access to tools, including:

Assessments for essential services or capital
Fees for optional services, if needed.

This creates more transparency and accountability for taxpayers, so they know exactly what they’re paying for.

What impact does the Georgia HOME Act have on renters?

The Georgia HOME Act also provides relief beyond homesteaded properties.
It caps revenue growth at 3% for non-homestead properties, which include many rental properties, limiting cost increases that often get passed on to renters.

What about communities that won’t be able to make up the loss in homestead taxes with additional sales tax revenue?

The vast majority of communities can replace lost revenue using the flexible local sales tax option.
For the small number that can’t, the state will provide homestead property tax equalization grants to help make up the difference, ensuring no community gets left behind.

Speaker Jon Burns Outlines 2026 Agenda

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 01:15:53 GMT

January 7, 2026

ATLANTA - Today, Speaker of the House Jon Burns unveiled his policy agenda for the 2026 Legislative Session, focused on affordability and quality of life for families across Georgia.

The Georgia House of Representatives’ 2026 agenda continues to build on last year’s historic tax cuts, reductions in insurance premiums, cost-saving measures, education initiatives, and investments in healthcare by reaffirming the House’s strong commitment to delivering meaningful results, starting with making everyday life more affordable.

“This year, the House is not taking our eyes off of what Georgians across the state have told us matters most, and we’re laser-focused on making life more affordable for our fellow Georgians,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “From property taxes and housing costs to healthcare and education, the House is committed to championing commonsense solutions that keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Georgians and create a better, brighter future for each of our neighbors across the state.”

2026 Georgia House Priorities

Property Tax Reform: The House will put forward a plan enabling the elimination of the homestead property tax statewide, ensuring homeowners are not priced out of their homes by rising valuations.
Homeownership: The House will address housing affordability by focusing on cutting through government red tape and reducing regulatory barriers that drive up housing costs.
Healthcare Access: The House will continue working to increase access to quality, affordable healthcare by expanding medical education opportunities and growing Georgia’s healthcare workforce.
Literacy: The House will continue its efforts to strengthen literacy outcomes for Georgia’s children by putting forward a plan to place a literacy coach in every elementary school across the state and increasing resources for birth-to-five education.

Additional details regarding the Georgia House’s 2026 policy agenda will be announced throughout the 2026 Legislative Session.

Ad Alert: Stop the Walkouts. Stop Stacey Abrams. Stop Extreme House Democrats.

stewart@gahousegop.com (Stewart Bragg) — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 18:51:45 GMT

A twice-rejected candidate for Governor can’t save House Democrats after they walked out on a vote to ban taxpayer funded trans-surgeries for prisoners.

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Georgia House Republicans Maintain Strong Majority

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 20:35:31 GMT

Majority Receives Strong Vote of Confidence

The House Republican Caucus is celebrating major victories, including holding the majority with convincing wins for incumbents in swing districts, and a victory at the top of the ticket for President Donald Trump.

“Republican House members have focused on the issues that matter to Georgia voters, cutting taxes for families facing rising costs, keeping communities safe and investing in our children’s education,” Speaker Jon Burns said. “While final counts are still being tallied in Democrat held seats, we are honored by this clear vote of confidence from Georgians.”

After last year’s redistricting ruling that reduced the number of Republican seats, House Republicans will hold at least 100 seats headed into the next legislative Session. There are two additional minority majority districts that have less than a 300 vote margin.

“We’ve shown the country that Georgia remains a red state, with big wins up and down the ticket,” said Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones. “We will take this mandate from the voters to continue lowering taxes, protecting our neighborhoods and quality of life and providing more options for Georgia’s students to thrive.”

“Washington Democrats’ radical policies have led to spiraling inflation, crime and illegal immigration,” said Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, “and Georgia’s voters know that the only remedy are conservative principles. We’ve led and we’ve delivered on those principles, and the people of Georgia showed tonight they think our state is headed in the right direction even if they think the country isn’t.”

“Our caucus has never worked harder to raise the resources needed to not only defend seats in a competitive environment but also go on offense against Democrats, and that effort has paid off,” said Caucus Chairman Bruce Williamson. “I’m incredibly grateful for all of the support we received and so proud of our members who traveled to their colleagues districts to knock doors and turn out Republican voters.”

“Keeping our Republican majority in the House is critical to the future of our state,” said Caucus Vice Chairman Houston Gaines. “The bottom line is that Georgia’s conservative leadership is working. That’s why the election results make it clear voters want to keep Georgia moving in the right direction.”

Georgia Republicans Announce Income Tax Relief Plan

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 03:09:29 GMT

House Republicans Join Governor Kemp to Announce Additional Income Tax Relief Plan

Speaker Burns and House Republicans joined Governor Kemp to announce their plan to return $1.1 billion to Georgia taxpayers. House Bill 1437 will be amended to further cut the income tax rate from 5.75% to 5.39%, delivering significant tax relief for Georgia families.

In recent years, the Republican-led legislature has passed billions of dollars in tax relief and prioritizing this legislation marks another step to help Georgians in the face of 40-year high inflation.

Speaker Jon Burns Issues Statement on Georgia Supreme Court Ruling

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:39:39 GMT

Speaker Jon Burns Issues Statement on Georgia Supreme Court Ruling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Saturday, October 24, 2023

ATLANTA – Today, Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) issued the following statement:

“Georgia defends the sanctity of life and today's ruling upholds our commitment to this noble goal. I appreciate all those who supported the LIFE Act and continue to support families in our great state.”

Speaker Jon Burns Issues Statement of Support for Israel

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 00:42:48 GMT

Speaker Jon Burns Issues Statement of Support for Israel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2023

ATLANTA – Today, Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) issued the following statement:

“I want to express our full support of the people and the state of Israel. When I visited Israel earlier this year, I witnessed the resilience and determination of the Jewish people. As with previous acts of violence against the nation, Israel will prevail. We stand with them today — and always.”

Atlanta needs Training Center – officials should have the courage to say so

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 00:22:22 GMT

Atlanta needs Training Center – officials should have the courage to say so

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 22, 2023

Georgia’s elected officials at the local, state and federal level should demonstrate a commitment to public safety – not political pandering – by publicly expressing support for the future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, the House Republican Caucus said today.

“The City of Atlanta’s plan to build the Public Safety Training Center is a smart solution to a dangerous problem,” said Majority Leader Chuck Efstration. “We’ve heard for years the need for better trained law enforcement officers to de-escalate violent situations. Now, we’re seeing far-left forces — some of which have already destroyed public property and endangered law enforcement officers — fight Atlanta’s efforts to protect the public and preserve law and order. This is ‘Defund the Police’ by another name, and officials from both parties must speak up. Those leaders calling for a referendum should also talk explicitly about why they oppose better training for law enforcement and safer streets.”

Earlier this month, Attorney General Chris Carr announced the indictment of 61 people in Fulton County following a multi-agency investigation into the violence that has occurred at the site of the future Atlanta Public Safety Training Center and other locations. All 61 defendants have been charged with Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Several of the defendants are also facing separate charges of Domestic Terrorism, Attempted Arson in the First Degree, and Money Laundering. Of the 61 defendants who have been indicted, only 13 are from Georgia.

House Public Safety Committee Chairman J Collins said proper training is essential to retention and recruitment of high-quality officers.

“In recent years, we’ve seen many experienced officers leave the profession, concerned leftist prosecutors would jeopardize their lives for doing their jobs in life-or-death situations,” said Collins. “And in cities like San Francisco we have seen the devastating effects of anarchy and lawlessness when elected officials abdicate their duty to protect life and property. Leadership on public safety – the most important role of government – means investing in facilities like Atlanta’s public safety training center. I’m voicing my support for the center, and I thank Governor Brian Kemp and Attorney General Chris Carr for leading on this critical issue.”

The House Republican Caucus is committed to ensuring Georgians are safe in their homes, businesses, and communities. In recent years, the General Assembly has taken numerous steps to combat human trafficking, prosecute violent gangs and hold prosecutors accountable in the performance of their duties. Working with Governor Brian Kemp, funding for the state’s public safety agencies has also been strategically increased to continue to recruit and retain highly qualified state law enforcement officers to protect residents and visitors alike.

On Labor Day, Georgia Workers Thriving

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:09:18 GMT

On Labor Day, Georgia Workers Are Thriving

ATLANTA- As Americans head into Labor Day weekend, Georgia's workforce has much to celebrate as our state's No. 1 business climate continues to expand prosperity across the state.

"With unemployment remaining at historic lows and Georgia celebrating one record breaking economic development victory after another, Georgians in every corner of the state have access to good-paying jobs," said Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), chairman of the House Economic Development Committee. "This success doesn't result from luck. It comes from visionary conservative leadership that has cut taxes, kept spending low and encouraged investment with consistently pro-business policies. Our ability to remain the No. 1 state for business results from our commitment to providing opportunity to hard-working Georgians."

Over the past 10 years Georgia workers have benefited from expanding opportunity:

Georgians' average annual salaries have gone up nearly $20,000, reaching nearly $66,000 in 2022
New jobs created totaled 343,644
Direct investment reached $101.2 billion
Annual income generated by Georgia's ports reached $33 billion

According to data from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce:

Georgia has the eighth lowest state and local tax burden in the nation.
The business community is extremely optimistic about the next year with 60% of Georgia executives positive about Georgia vs 32% nationally.
Small businesses are growing in every part of the state, from urban to suburban, exurban and rural counties.

"As we pause this weekend to honor the American workforce, we can take pride in Georgia that's never been a better time to live, work and raise a family here," Stephens said. "A happy Labor Day indeed."

REP. MAINOR’S COMMITMENT TO OPPORTUNITY A STRONG FIT FOR GOP

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 20:39:01 GMT

REP. MAINOR’S COMMITMENT TO OPPORTUNITY A STRONG FIT FOR GOP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

JULY 11, 2023

Rep. Mesha Mainor of District 56 in Atlanta announced today that she has left the Democratic Party and is joining Georgia House Republicans, saying that her commitment to public safety and education choice for parents better align with the GOP.

“Mesha’s public service has focused on providing opportunity for her constituents and families all over Georgia. Opportunity comes when streets are safe, kids have access to high quality education and adults can attain good paying jobs,” said Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “Today, she’s joining the party of opportunity, the one that has brought prosperity across our state by creating the No. 1 business climate in the nation. We welcome her to the Republican caucus, and we’re ready to get to work.”

“Representative Mainor has demonstrated a courage of her convictions that I admire,” said Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones. “She has fought to give choices to Georgia families trapped in failing public schools, and we welcome her to our team to continue ﬁghting for educational opportunities for all of Georgia’s children.”

Majority Leader Chuck Efstration highlighted Mainor’s commitment to public safety by stating that, “Representative Mainor’s announcement reﬂects the fact that Georgia Republicans are leading to keep our communities safe by making sure local prosecutors enforce the law and by stopping violent criminals and gangs.”

Today’s announcement showcases the unwavering commitment of Georgia Republicans to provide our state with better schools, safer streets, quality healthcare, and a stronger economy.