State government should operate efficiently and fiscally responsibly and strive to limit the tax burden of the citizens of Georgia, said President Pro Tempore Johnson upon making the appointment.  Sen. Pearson has a proven track record of being fiscally conservative.  I am confident that he will carefully consider the best possible expenditures that will adequately fund the operations of government while ensuring that our citizens tax dollars are well spent. 

Georgias revenues have increased the past few years and there is sentiment among taxpayers for reducing their tax burden.  The Study Committee will investigate measures to provide for meaningful limits on state government taxing and spending powers so as to expend revenue only as necessary.  Other growing states already have implemented reductions by providing that annual growth in state expenditures cannot exceed a percentage that reflects ordinary citizens personal income and providing that excess revenues are refunded to taxpayers. 

Our states increasing revenues are an indication of the over-taxation on our citizens, said Pearson, who also chairs the Senate Appropriations General Government sub-committee.  I am honored to have been chosen to serve as chairman and to head this study on government taxation and spending.  I am dedicated to ensuring that Georgia taxpayers are not overtaxed and support them receiving refunds in the event of a budget surplus. 

The Senate Committee on Limited Taxation, chaired by Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg), will be composed of Sens. Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone), Joseph Carter (R-Tifton), Greg Goggans (R-Douglas), Pearson and Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock).  The committee will make a report of its findings and recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, by December 1, 2006.