Published in the Towns County Herald March 4, 2026
Dear Editor,
When considering who to vote for in the 2026 Georgia elections for governor and state legislature, I strongly recommend voters seriously scrutinize those candidates who are advocating to drastically cut — or even eliminate — the state income tax and property taxes. The resulting impacts on our public school system could be dramatic.
Income taxes fund state government, which is the largest source of funding for Georgia public schools, followed by funding derived from local property taxes.
As you consider your vote, question what these candidates propose to substitute for the missing income and property taxes. Most likely it will be increased sales taxes, the most regressive tax in our system because it hurts most those who can afford it the least.
The idea that Georgia property taxes are “insane” is absurd. Property taxes we paid in Fairfax County, Virginia, on a smaller house and smaller lot, were almost four times as high as here in Towns County. But, the public schools there are considered some of the best in the country.
Funding for Georgia public schools has already been negatively affected by our state legislature approving the diversion of public funds to private schools through vouchers and private charter schools.
When you hear someone promising to eliminate the state income tax and reduce your property tax, ask yourself these questions: Whose interests are they serving, and what replaces those taxes? Elections have consequences.
Vickie Plunkett
Young Harris, Georgia
