Could you see more money in your paycheck? Kemp signs bill to cut Georgians’ taxes

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp has signed two bills that could mean more money in Georgians’ paychecks.

Channel 2′s Richard Elliot was at the state Capitol, where the governor signed a tax cut and tax credit bill.

Georgians should see those tax cuts starting next year when the standard deduction increases. The change will amount to $800 for single filers and $1,100 for people married filing jointly.

Elliot spoke exclusively to the governor about how the bill will help Georgians.

“Right now, there’s a pandemic, and we need to make sure that we can do all we can do to make sure we can help Georgia families,” Kemp said. “And this was a small way for giving them some of their hard-earned money back.”

The other bill will triple tax credits for people who adopt or foster children.

“Placing our children in caring families is not controversial or partisan,” Kemp said. “This bill makes the process of placing foster children in loving homes easier, and it is the least we can do as public servants to secure a brighter future for our children.”

Both bills passed with bipartisan support.

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There were some concerns that tax cuts and credits were not allowed under the American Rescue Plan. Kemp and other state leaders wrote to the Biden administration asking for clarification, and state leaders said they got assurances from the Biden administration that it wouldn’t be an issue.

“I am very proud of the united front between the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and myself to stop such an egregious federal overreach,” David Ralston said.

Kemp said the fact that Georgia can give a tax cut shows the strength of the state’s economy moving out of the pandemic.

“We want people to keep more money in their pockets, so they can spend it on their kids,” Kemp said. “And that drives our local economy and helps small-business people and hard-working Georgians.”

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