Georgia Property Owners Score Victory
ATLANTA (March 12, 2010) – The most sweeping overhaul of the Georgia property tax system in
decades has won unanimous (54-0) approval in the Georgia Senate. Senate Majority Leader Chip
Rogers’ (R-Woodstock) Property Tax Assessment and Appeals reform bill is aimed at ensuring all
Georgia properties are properly assessed at Fair Market Value and that property owners have
guaranteed rights to appeal.
Recent real-estate sales data show widespread disparities between actual sales prices and current
assessed values. A study of five metro-Atlanta counties shows an estimated overpayment of property
taxes in excess of $200 Million during 2009.
“This is a real victory for Georgia property owners. We are one step closer to protecting taxpayers
from assessments that greatly exceed true fair market value. Georgia property owners have the right to
expect a fair property tax system. While this bill does not cure all the ills, it surely moves us closer to a
system that actually works,” said Rogers. “The unanimous Senate vote is a sign that we are on the right
track and that regardless of political persuasion most everyone agrees the property tax system needs
major reform.”
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Rogers Elected to National Board of Directors for Legislative Leaders Foundation
ATLANTA – (Mar 9, 2010) Last week State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) was
elected to the Board of the Directors for the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. He will serve a
three year term which can be renewed if he remains in a leadership position when his term expires.
“The State Legislative Leaders Foundation is the nation’s premier organization for helping states
implement best practices and innovative legislation,” said Sen. Rogers. “I am honored to join this
board and look forward to a long-lasting relationship with the foundation. Throughout the duration of
my term, I will work to facilitate educational workshops and discussions in finding solutions to state
and national issues. Cultivating relationships and exploring new, viable solutions will help advance
Georgia’s top priorities – the economy, education and transportation.”
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Rogers Receives Conservative Group’s “Founders’ Award”
WOODSTOCK (March 5, 2010) – Georgia State Senator Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) received the first annual “Founders’ Award” from the Conservative Policy Leadership Institute (CPLI). Senator Rogers received the award for his consistent leadership of conservative principles in the Georgia State Senate.
“I appreciate the work of CPLI to promote conservative principles within the public policy arena”, said Rogers. “I am truly honored to receive the Founders’ Award. It is important that we continue to promote conservative ideas that will lead our state forward.”
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Rogers Endorsed as America 2.0 Leader for 2010
ATLANTA (Feb. 25, 2010) – The Council of Conservative State Legislatures (CCSL) recently endorsed Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) as an America 2.0 Leader for 2010.
“I’m honored to join this prestigious group of state leaders throughout America dedicated to the foundational principal of limited government. Our simple message is that government works for the people and by the people, not the other way around. Federal mandates, increased regulations on businesses, and government control over the private sector continue to strangle our economy. Empowering Americans, not government, will bring about real change we so desperately need,” said Rogers.
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Senate Votes to Save Millions in Taxpayer Dollars
ATLANTA (Feb. 18, 2010) – The Senate voted in favor of saving millions in taxpayer dollars
and allowed Georgians to have a greater voice in how their money is spent. Senate Majority Leader
Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) championed Senate Resolution 510 proposes an amendment to the State
Constitution allowing the General Assembly in general law to authorize the State Properties
Commission (SPC), the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, or both to enter into
multi-year rental agreements.
“As stewards of taxpayer money, we have a duty and responsibility to be as transparent as possible and
utilize tax dollars effectively and efficiently. By allowing the state to enter into multi-year leases, we
could save an estimated $37 million over 10 years,” said Rogers. “Georgia’s current leasing policy
prevents the state from obtaining lowest cost options and ultimately does not serve the best interests of
the state, agency occupants or the taxpayers. Giving Georgians the opportunity to make this costsaving
change in our Constitution provides transparency in how their money is spent and ensures longterm
cost savings.”
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Rogers Introduces “Early Hope Scholarship” for
Foster and Military Children
ATLANTA (Feb. 3, 2010) – Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) today introduced Georgia’s Early Hope Scholarship Program, to help military, foster and special needs children receive the best education opportunities possible.
“I know for certain that every child can learn if placed in the right learning environment. The decision of which environment serves the child best must be placed in the hands of those who ultimately have the child’s best interest in mind – the parents. Children of military and foster care often get shuffled from school to school and can fall behind. By providing parents a better choice for a stable learning environment, these children will be more likely to succeed in school and in life. The successful results shown by the Special Needs Scholarship are undeniable. These children deserve to be a part of this wonderful program that places education, not bureaucracy first,” said Rogers.
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