Georgia Senate Proposes Historic Income Tax Cut, Dividing Stone Mountain Residents

State senator Kim Jackson criticizes plan as favoring higher earners, while Republicans hail it as tax relief

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Georgia State Senate has proposed a plan to eliminate income tax on the first $50,000 to $100,000 of earnings, a move that has divided residents of Stone Mountain. Republican lawmakers are touting the proposal as historic tax relief, while Democratic Senator Kim Jackson, who represents the Stone Mountain area, has criticized it as a "scam" that would favor higher-income earners and blow a multibillion-dollar hole in the state's budget.

Why it matters

This debate over Georgia's income tax plan highlights the ongoing political tensions in the state, with Republicans pushing for tax cuts and Democrats warning of the potential fiscal impacts. The outcome could have significant implications for Stone Mountain residents, affecting their take-home pay and the funding available for local services and programs.

The details

The Senate plan would gradually reduce Georgia's income tax rate from 5.75% to 4.99% by 2028. Supporters argue this will provide much-needed relief to taxpayers, while critics contend it will disproportionately benefit higher-income earners and create budget shortfalls that could force cuts to education, healthcare, and other vital services.

  • The Georgia State Senate approved the income tax legislation on February 15, 2026.
  • The Georgia House is also considering the income tax proposal, along with separate bills on foreclosure surplus funds and HIV prevention medication access.

The players

Kim Jackson

A Democratic state senator who represents the Stone Mountain area and has criticized the income tax plan as a "scam" that favors higher earners.

Georgia State Senate

The legislative body that approved the income tax legislation, which is now being considered by the Georgia House.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Georgia House will now consider the income tax legislation, and the judge in the Waymo vandalism case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the suspect to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This debate over Georgia's income tax plan highlights the ongoing political divisions in the state, with Republicans and Democrats offering vastly different visions for the state's fiscal future. The outcome could have significant implications for Stone Mountain residents, affecting their take-home pay and the funding available for local services and programs.