Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding Failure of the General Assembly to Pass a Revenue Enhancement Package for the FY 2004 Budget

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement upon the failure of the House to pass a revenue enhancement package for the FY2004 budget:

"I am disappointed that the House failed to pass the excise tax on tobacco. I have presented the House with what I believe is a fair and balanced approach to our fiscal situation. A balanced budget that meets the human needs of this state while being good stewards of the taxpayers' money. I have done what the people of Georgia elected me to do and that is lead.

I hold firm to my commitment to let the legislature legislate, but it is time the members of the House come forward and participate in the budget process. They can no longer ignore the fiscal realities that we have inherited. The Constitution of the State of Georgia requires that we have a balanced budget. So, I call the question - if not the excise tax on tobacco then how does the House plan to come up with the necessary revenue enhancement to balance the budget or do they plan deeper cuts -- cuts that will affect the basic human services provided by the state."