Trauma News
State still searching for funding
2/27/2009
Range of fees, taxes proposed state trauma network
ATLANTA - Establishing a network of specialized hospitals equipped to quickly deal with the most traumatic injuries has been a goal of state leaders for years, but finding the money has been the problem. This year is no different.
A projected budget deficit of $2.8 billion is a major headache but not really the main stumbling block. That's because most policymakers say they want to identify a steady funding source rather than drawing an appropriation from the general budget.
Last year, House Speaker Glenn Richardson proposed a $10 fee for automobile owners when they purchase their annual car tags. He tried to overcome objections from legislators elected on a pledge of "no tax increases" by simultaneously removing personal property taxes on cars, but the measure failed in the Senate.
This year, others are pushing the $10 fee again, but the budget deficit prevents giving up the income from car taxes.
In his State of the State Address, Gov. Sonny Perdue recommended a multi-pronged approach to the funding issue.
Read this article by Walter C. Jones of Morris News Service from the Feb. 1, 2009 Augusta Chronicle.
