Seniors Concerned About Proposed Legislation

The following "Letter to the Editor" appeared in the Jan 28, 2005 issue of the Cherokee Ledger. We look upon this as a serious piece of proposed Legislation that could and would have disastrous and damaging effect on all senior Home owners in Cherokee and 11 other Counties in the State, that provide a School Tax exemption to for Senior home owners

We request that you contact your local County and State house Representative and your State Senators (Listed at end of this doc), to oppose this type of Legislation for reasons stated in the letter and hopefully some of your own.

What's behind this proposed "Pick-Pocket” Type of Legislation against the Seniors, we do not know but we intend to find out and keep you informed.

Seniors concerned about proposed Legislation

Dear editor,

I recently read an article where the Georgia House of Representatives may soon launch a debate that will cost senior taxpayers in Cherokee County their school property tax exemption. According to the plan known as the Keen-Richardson plan (two state representatives), will replace the school property tax exemption with a three percent hike in the State Sales Tax. It appears that these representatives are trying to impress the homeowners that they are doing them a favor by eliminating property school taxes! To some it well may be a favor, but to that senior who owns a home and lives in Cherokee County, it would be no different than revoking the school tax exemption we currently have. This would be especially devastating for the elderly people who live on fixed incomes.

Unless senior citizens are made aware of this and do something now, it will be the same thing as as losing their school tax exemption. I urge every home owning senior to call or write their State Representatives and express their disagreement with a Bill like this before the issue is even placed on the Ballot.

Rex Wood, Woodstock

 State Representatives Cherokee County

 State Representative

State Senate

Cherokee Commission

Note: We will probably put a petition together as this progresses and will need the help of every Senior in the county. We all are at risk if this passes including those who are not Seniors as they will be paying an additional 3 percent sales tax. Don't wait or put this off. We have ample time opportunity on our side for a change. Call me at 678 493 2516. We need you help NOW.

Ed Garreau

Please check back often. This information will be updated.