With five of the nation’s 10 fastest growing counties here in Georgia, our population is surging and so are our infrastructure demands. Water systems are straining to serve more people while meeting increasingly stringent federal water-quality mandates. Many roads are simply overwhelmed. Meanwhile, we face new demands on state funds, as our growing and aging population fuels the need for social services. Today, three-fourths of Georgia’s budget goes to education and health care, and the battle for the remaining 25 percent is intense. Increasing taxes is certainly no solution. With taxes claiming 27 cents of every dollar earned in Georgia, tax hikes would threaten our economic health. Already, our state and local tax take is 18th highest in the country. That’s worse than Massachusetts — and up from 41st in 1970. Instead, Georgia should use public-private partnerships, as appropriate, to supplement infrastructure improvement plans. It’s an idea whose time has come—but it’s not new.
It's always nice to read about ideas 'straight from the policitian's mouth.' The article outlines an interesting possible solution to Georgia's infrastructure problem.
