By John Fredericks / Staff

Conservative pro-growth Georgia legislators - and at least one North Fulton candidate for State Senate - are calling for the State Assembly to override Gov. Sonny Perdue's (R) surprise veto of a sweeping tax break plan when they return to session next year.

Perdue said the dire economy forced him to veto a proposal that would have slashed the state's capital gains tax in half over two years and provided significant tax incentives to those who hire the unemployed. The bill, HB 481, was heralded by Republicans in the state house as a sure fire way to spur job growth in a sputtering local economy where jobless rates are approaching unprecedented levels.

Some GOP leaders say lawmakers should consider overriding the veto - a move that would take a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers when they return in January.

Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, a Republican running for governor, called the veto a “tragedy” and said legislators should override it. The National Federation of Independent Business also called for an override.

BEACH WANTS MORE JOBS IN GEORGIA

GDOT board member Brandon Beach, CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and a candidate for state senate next year, voiced disappointment over the veto. “Our number one priority in this economy is to create meaningful private sector jobs,” Beach said. “HB 481 was designed specifically to provide incentives for entrepreneurs and small businesses to invest in the state’s economy while inspiring job growth. The targeted tax cuts in that bill have proven effective time and again. Lowering taxes on Georgia’s small businesses is paramount to economic recovery.”

GRAVES PROMISES OVERIDE NEXT YEAR

Rep. Tom Graves (R- Ranger) was livid over the veto. “[Perdue’s] veto is a setback for the job creation movement in Georgia, but it is not the end.  I will continue working throughout the summer to return next session with more legislation to create, expand and attract jobs for Georgians by making Georgia the most business friendly state in the nation,” Graves promised. “I commend the leadership of the House and Senate for embracing creative, conservative solutions to the difficult challenges of today.  These solutions were in stark contrast to the Washington “print and spend” mentality.  Our conservative solutions are derived from sound economic principles which seek to protect the taxpayer, not the government,” Graves added.

HANDEL RAILS VETO BUT PLAYS NICE WITH PERDUE 

Sec. of State Karen Handel (R), also running for governor, issued a prepared statement that attempted to rail the veto while acknowledging Perdue’s concerns.

“While I appreciate the Governor’s position that the tax cuts included in the bill would have made balancing our state budget even more difficult, I believe that the economic benefits to our state would have outweighed these concerns. Now is the time for us to cut taxes in order to help grow jobs and ignite our economy,” Handel said, through aides. “The capital gains tax cut seemed particularly problematic for the Governor, and I do share some of his concerns about the timing and lack of immediate relief it will offer…The Governor makes a very valid point that a comprehensive tax-cutting policy – rather than piecemeal legislation – is very much needed.” Handel said if that if she were governor she would have signed the bill.