News

Plan Could Put at Least $400 Million Back in Georgians’ Pockets

DeKalb County, GA – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Mike Thurmond announced today his plan to eliminate state income taxes on tips and overtime earnings to put money back in the pockets of hardworking Georgians. Mike is running for governor to put boots on Georgia ground in the fight to lower the cost of living so that working families can thrive.

“As Governor, I will cut taxes on tips and overtime pay to provide immediate relief to working Georgians. I will put that money back in Georgians' pockets, because the best people to make decisions about how to spend their hard-earned dollars are working families, not politicians and bureaucrats," said Mike Thurmond.

Mike's tax relief plan for working Georgians could eliminate approximately $400 million in state taxes on earnings derived from tips over a five-year period, according to Georgia State University’s Fiscal Research Center. This plan, which also includes the elimination of state taxes on overtime pay, will provide direct relief to the workers who need it most.

Eliminating the state income tax on tips and overtime will help families hold on to their money by providing critical and immediate increases to take-home pay for families struggling with the skyrocketing costs of food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities.

"I've spent my career eliminating budget deficits, improving the efficiency of governmental agencies, and delivering for Georgians,” said Thurmond. “This tax relief plan will provide a much-needed boost for the people who keep Georgia running — public safety personnel, nurses, restaurant workers, truck drivers, and tens of thousands of other workers who hustle for tips and pull overtime to make ends meet.”

Mike, the former Chairman of the Georgia House’s Ways & Means State Income Tax Subcommittee, is no stranger to delivering tax relief to hardworking Georgians. From authoring tax policy that saved Georgia seniors and families over $500 million in the General Assembly to passing legislation generating more than $1.6 billion in property tax relief for homeowners as CEO of DeKalb County, Mike has a proven record of passing tax policies that deliver real results for Georgia families and small businesses.

Throughout his career, Mike has made government operations more efficient to better serve working Georgians. As Labor Commissioner, Director of Family and Children's Services, and Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, he transformed dysfunctional agencies, eliminated multimillion-dollar deficits, and modernized ​systems to help Georgians find good jobs, get a good education, and support their families.

Mike understands that Georgia families can’t take another four years of leaders who put politics before people by rubber-stamping policies that allow the cost of living to skyrocket and create economic uncertainty. As Governor, he will champion fair, responsible tax policies that keep our promises to working families and seniors while making life more affordable for Georgians – just like he’s done throughout his career.

ABOUT MIKE

Mike Thurmond has dedicated his life to public service, building a distinguished record of fighting for working families and taking on tough jobs to help Georgians in need of support. A Clarke County native and the youngest of nine children, Mike learned the value of hard work and education from his family. Throughout his career in public service, from the Georgia General Assembly to Labor Commissioner and DeKalb County CEO, Mike has become Georgia’s go-to turnaround expert when institutions are broken and communities need results – not just promises. Whether it's eliminating multi-million-dollar deficits, modernizing outdated systems, or creating programs that support working families, Mike gets things done when others say it’s impossible. Now, Mike is running for Governor to help Georgia live up to its full promise. Learn more at MikeThurmond.com.