Georgia lawmakers promise fight on hospital fee

Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 16, 2009

Lawmakers say the state spending plan Gov. Sonny Perdue gave them this week leaves them two paths to fiscal salvation: They can go along with his proposals to charge fees to hospitals and insurers and eliminate grants that save homeowners on their property taxes. But legislative leaders made it clear that they will do everything possible to preserve the grants, which save many homeowners $200 to $300 a year on their property taxes. House members have also voiced strong opposition to fees on hospitals and insurers.