If we are successful with eliminating “the birthday tax,” it would be one of the most progressive tax cuts ever adopted in Georgia. 93 percent of Georgians own vehicles. Some may not own a home, but virtually no one is without a vehicle.

When government has extra revenues and record reserves, it has taxed its people too much. Georgians want to keep that $200 or $300 per vehicle to buy a birthday present, take their families on a vacation or even throw a party. The birthday tax cut would not only be a present we can give all Georgians, but it would be a gift of new revenues to the state's economy and its budget.

Mark Burkhalter is a Republican state representative from Johns Creek and is Speaker Pro Tempore of the Georgia House.