[SEDXC] Response from the Governor on Amateur License Plate Fee's...

[Keith LaBorde (K4KAL)]

Dear Mr. LaBorde:



Thank you for writing my office about Georgia's budget.  I appreciate your thoughts and concerns.



As you are aware, the economic downturn continues to affect our families and our government.  Revenues have continued to be stagnant, and there is no way to know for sure when tax receipts will rebound.  Just like Georgia families are tightening their belts on spending, state government is also focusing on living within our means.   

  

As Governor, it is my responsibility to work with the General Assembly each year to develop a budget that balances the many needs and priorities of our state.  Our goal is to manage the state in a thoughtful, conservative way to ensure Georgians are receiving value for their tax dollars.  While there are always programs that are favored by me, legislators and others that are not funded, our system is designed to end up with a budget compromise that focuses on performing core services and accomplishes as much as possible with our limited funds.  



Unlike the federal government, the state of Georgia is constitutionally required to maintain a balanced budget.  Reducing spending by the necessary amounts cannot be achieved by simply cutting waste.  Balancing the FY11 budget required a number of difficult decisions and this will impact the services Georgians receive from the state.



Due to this shortfall, on May 12, 2010 I signed into law House Bill 1055, which adjusts fees to help cover the actual costs of many state services.  Among these are fees for some specialty license plates that were previously offered without charge.  



I appreciate your interest in the management of our state, and I hope this information is helpful to you.  



Thank you again for writing.