Last week, Senate President Pro Tempore Larry Walker (R–Perry) and his Republican colleagues in the Georgia Senate advanced what they describe as the largest income tax reduction in state history. The move is part of ongoing efforts to address the rising cost of living faced by families across Georgia.
“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.”
Since 2002, when Republicans took control of state government, Georgia’s income tax rate has been reduced from six percent to its current rate of 5.19 percent. Walker credited disciplined budgeting and conservative fiscal policies for these reductions while maintaining a strong economy.
“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 has maintained its status as a top state for business through competitive taxes, workforce development programs, infrastructure investment and conservative fiscal management. According to Senate Republicans, continued tax relief is necessary for keeping this advantage and reducing government size.
While legislative debate continues between chambers on specific measures such as SB 476 and SB 477, Walker emphasized the Senate’s priorities.
“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.”
State Senator John F. Kennedy also held leadership roles within the Senate including President Pro Tempore and chairing committees such as Administrative Affairs; he represented Georgia’s 18th District while engaging in legislative activities according to his official website. Kennedy’s responsibilities included sponsorship work and participation on key committees like Ethics, Finance, Health and Human Services, and Rules.
Senator Larry Walker III serves as President Pro Tempore and chairs the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor for District 20.