Legislative Session Priorities: Gaines Focuses on Tax Cuts and Property Owner Protections
As the state legislature commenced its session in January, Representative Houston Gaines of District 120 outlined his legislative goals, particularly as he prepares to pursue a Congressional seat in the 10th District, currently held by Mike Collins. Among Gaines’ top priorities is the reduction of taxes for homeowners.
Emphasizing the significance of tax relief, Gaines stated, “The House has put forward a plan to eliminate property taxes on a primary residence for homeowners, it’s a thoughtful plan that phases out the tax burden on homeowners over the next five years.” He expressed eagerness in advancing this proposal through the committee, particularly through his role in the Ways and Means Committee, which will review the bill.
In addition to tax cuts, Gaines is advocating for House Bill 295. This bill aims to enhance existing legislation by offering compensation to local property owners adversely affected by the presence of unhoused individuals.
Gaines explained the bill’s purpose: “The job of the bill and what we’re trying to do with the bill, is to make sure local governments enforce their own ordinances, enforce their own rules, particularly related to homelessness, camping, loitering. It’s an issue we’ve certainly seen in Athens and we’ve got to make sure our local governments are enforcing their own rules and state rules, by allowing property owners, if their home or their business has loss value, or if they’ve had to add security fences, or security cameras, then they can get a refund on their property taxes up to the amount of expenses incurred.”
Since his election to the state house in 2019, Gaines has consistently worked on policies he believes will benefit his constituents.
