4-1783-4870 Georgia House of Representatives Public Information Office Room 131, State Capitol 30334 404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800 April 4, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAX CUT FOR MILITARY State Tax Exemption For Georgia Combatants The House has passed legislation which exempts from state income tax the pay of active duty Georgians serving in combat zones. Sponsored by Defense and Veterans Committee Chairman Representative Ken Birdsong, D-Gordon, the measure is now being considered by the Senate. The tax break applies both to National Guardsmen and military reservists. "This is the least we can do to support our troops," Birdsong said. "We owe so much to our men and women in uniform and this a gesture we can do at the state level to express our gratitude to them." Georgia currently has approximately 12,000 reservists and guard personnel, and around 6,400 have been mobilized so far for the war in Iraq. HB 383 is expected to cost the state between $2.4 million and $4.8 million. The measure passed the House unanimously with a 175-0 vote. -30- For further information please contact Rep. Birdsong at (404) 656-7149.