Ginn talks legislation as his first session draws to close

Of course, there’s been plenty to debate. Numerous issues have been hashed out in 2011 in Atlanta: tax reform, immigration reform, gun control, Sunday alcohol sales, just to name a few.

As of March 28, Ginn had not read the latest version of the proposed tax system overhaul, which includes a reduction of income taxes but the creation of several new taxes. Ginn was reluctant to offer opinions on specifics in the bill until he had read the text.

“It would be shooting in the dark as far as addressing specifics,” said Ginn.

The original tax reform bill proposed reinstituting a sales tax on groceries, which Ginn opposed. The grocery tax plan has been dropped. Likewise, a proposal to impose taxes on services such as haircuts and lawn maintenance was also dropped after significant public outcry.

However, if the proposed tax bill passes, satellite television customers in rural Georgia could potentially see their monthly TV bill go up. That’s because a seven-percent tax is planned on satellite services. Cable providers already have a tax on services. Likewise, if you want your car repaired, you may face higher bills from the mechanic if the tax reform is passed. That’s because the General Assembly is considering imposing taxes on auto repair services.

“There are some things I’ve been struggling with (in the tax bill),” said Ginn.

However, Ginn seemed less hesitant about supporting one proposed car tax, which would be imposed on casual car sales. He notes that there’s an “underground economy” that’s not taxed.

Ginn said the governor met recently with freshmen senators and that he appreciated the sit down talk. He said Gov. Nathan Deal spoke about the tax reform bill and said he didn’t want to see more taxes put on cigarette purchases. But Ginn said he’d like for more taxes to be put on tobacco, noting the tremendous health costs that are associated with smoking and tobacco use.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported Tuesday that the tax reform bill was working its way through the General Assembly and may come up for a vote in the Senate as early as Friday.

Some local leaders have voiced concern about one early proposal in that bill, which would have significantly chopped insurance premium tax funds from local budgets. Madison County receives roughly $1 million in insurance premium tax revenue. If the tax was cut to one-fourth of its current rate, which was initially proposed, it stands to reason that Madison County could see a $750,000 drop in that annual revenue, from $1 million to $250,000. But Ginn said he didn’t believe that was a part of the revised bill.

“I believe that’s been taken off the table,” said Ginn. “For most local governments, that’s around eight percent of their budget (insurance premium tax revenue). That would devastate them.”

While tax reform has been a hot topic, immigration reform has also grabbed headlines. Ginn said his primary interest with immigration reform is to “see the federal government do their job.” He said he would like to see law enforcement in Georgia certified under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“Instead of sending illegal immigrants to jail, we could start the deportation process and put the cost back on the federal government,” said Ginn.

The senator said it’s inexcusable for the federal government not to have control of the border. He said those crossing the border “ain’t just people from Mexico,” but are also people from the Middle East.

“It’s people from other parts of the world who want to come and do us harm,” he said.

Another matter of debate this year has been the proposed Sunday alcohol sales. Ginn said he’s “not into drinking and doesn’t promote alcohol consumption.” But he said he ran on the mantra of “local control” and believes citizens should have the right to decide the Sunday sale issue for themselves through referendums.

The senator said he is a firm supporter of Second Amendment rights. He said supports the allowance of firearms into most public places. And legislation this year provides more leniency on where firearms can be carried, such as in churches.

“There are only a few places where I don’t feel guns should be allowed: a correctional facility, a courtroom or visiting a nuclear plant,” said Ginn. “I don’t want kids carrying guns into schools. But I think a parent dropping a kid off at school should be allowed to have a gun in their car as long as they are a law-abiding citizen.”

Ginn has drawn attention for a couple of pieces of legislation this year. He is a co-sponsor for Senate Bill 86, a measure that would make comprehensive planning for local governments optional. That bill is still alive.

“This stirred interest with different planning groups,” said Ginn. “People are concerned that I’m against planning, but nothing could be further from the truth.”

Ginn said he doesn’t want every county to be saddled with the same planning responsibilities, adding that planning needs vary greatly between different sized counties.

“I was discussing this with one woman and I asked if she had planned her dinner for the night and she said ‘No,’” said Ginn. “But if you have 10,000 people coming over for dinner then you would certainly have plans made, and she said ‘Yes.’ Planning is relative to the need. Planning should fit the size of the group.”

The senator also drew considerable attention this year for his initial support of Senate Bill 159, which has been dropped for 2011. The bill would have allowed governing authorities to meet in private with businesses to discuss economic development proposals. Ginn said his intent was not to allow secrecy, but to change the dynamic of how economic development works in a governing body. He said governing boards don’t want to violate open meetings laws, so board members typically meet with business representatives individually.

“Sometimes you’ll get situations in which they (businesses) will sort of play one board member against another,” said Ginn. “Then you get a situation where you’re giving the store away.

The senator said the governing agency stands a greater chance of acting in unison if its members can meet collectively with a business interest. He said the business doesn’t want to meet openly and reveal its potential plans to competitors.

But SB 159 was met with considerable public outcry. It would have opened the door for private discussions of issues that could have great public impact. Skeptics spoke of the potential for unsavory arrangements if the dealings were shielded from the public’s eye. Ginn said he recognizes that openness is important. He said he hopes to see a solution that allows for greater negotiating power for governments with businesses but that doesn’t diminish the public’s right to know what’s happening.

“I don’t know the right answer,” said Ginn.

— published March 31, 2011