President Pro Tempore Larry Walker III Applauds Senate Passage of Historic Income Tax Relief Package

ATLANTA (February 16, 2025) - Last week, Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker (R-Perry) joined his Senate Republican colleagues in advancing the largest income tax reduction in Georgia history, reaffirming the Senate's commitment to putting hardworking Georgians first.

As families across the state continue to feel the pressure of rising costs, the Georgia Senate has made income tax relief a top priority.

"For years, Senate Republicans have worked to responsibly lower Georgia's income tax rate and return money to the people who earned it," said President Pro Tempore Walker. "The rising cost of living is the number one issue I hear about in middle Georgia. Families are stretching every dollar to cover groceries, childcare, rent and fuel. This week, the Senate acted to provide meaningful, permanent relief."

When Republicans first took control of state government in 2002, Georgia's income tax rate stood at six percent, where it had remained for more than three decades under Democratic leadership. Through disciplined budgeting and conservative fiscal stewardship, Senate Republicans have steadily reduced that rate while maintaining one of the nation's strongest economies.

Today, Georgia's income tax rate stands at 5.19 percent, saving taxpayers billions annually. The Senate's action reinforces its long-term commitment to continuing that downward trajectory in a responsible, sustainable way.

"This didn't happen by accident," Sen. Walker continued. "It happened because we made tough decisions, prioritized taxpayers and kept our state on solid financial footing, even during COVID and historic inflation. Because of that discipline, Georgia is now in a position to deliver even greater tax relief."

Georgia consistently ranks as the number one state to do business, supported by a competitive tax climate, strong workforce development, reliable infrastructure and conservative fiscal management. Senate Republicans believe maintaining that advantage requires continued tax relief and reducing the size of the government.

While debate between chambers is part of the legislative process, Sen. Walker emphasized that the Senate's focus remains clear.

"We believe families, not bureaucrats, are best positioned to decide how to spend their money," Walker said. "That's the difference in philosophy, and it's why Georgia continues to lead. We are delivering real relief for working families and strengthening Georgia's long-term competitiveness. The Georgia Senate will continue leading the fight to put families first."

You can read more about SB 476 and SB 477 here.

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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20^th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen and Wilcox counties, as well as a portion of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at [email protected].

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