State Representative Floyd L. Griffin, Jr. today responded to a political advertisement using his photograph and criticizing his vote on property tax legislation considered during the recent Special Session of the Georgia General Assembly.
The advertisement suggests that House Democrats simply blocked a property tax cut.
Representative Griffin said the citizens of House District 149 deserve the rest of the story.
“Yes, I voted no. I will not run from my vote, and I will not apologize for studying the financial condition and needs of the communities I represent before casting it.”
The proposal before the General Assembly was not simply a property tax cut. It involved allowing an additional local sales tax to generate revenue that would be used to provide property tax relief.
“I support meaningful and responsible property tax relief,” Griffin said. “But reducing one tax by increasing another deserves careful examination—especially when communities are already dealing with serious financial challenges.”
BALDWIN COUNTY’S FINANCIAL SITUATION MATTERS Griffin said Baldwin County’s current financial condition was an important consideration in his decision.
“As the State Representative for Baldwin County, I cannot ignore the serious financial situation facing our county government,” Griffin said. “When a county is already experiencing financial difficulties, I believe it would be irresponsible for me to vote first and ask questions later about legislation that could significantly change how local government is funded.”
But Griffin emphasized that Baldwin County was not his only consideration.
I REPRESENT ALL OF HOUSE DISTRICT 149 “I represent all of House District 149—Baldwin County, Jones County, and East Macon,” Griffin said. “Every vote I cast in the Georgia House must be considered through the lens of how it could affect the people and local governments throughout my entire district.”
“What may work financially for one community may not work the same way for another. I have a responsibility to consider homeowners, renters, working families, seniors, businesses, schools, public safety, and essential services across all three communities before I vote.”
Griffin said his commitment is to work with local leaders and citizens throughout House District 149 to find responsible property tax relief that recognizes the different financial circumstances and needs of each community.
THERE WERE POTENTIAL BENEFITS Griffin acknowledged that the proposal offered potential benefits that should not be dismissed.
Homeowners facing rising property taxes could receive relief. Local voters would ultimately have a voice through a referendum. And for homeowners—particularly seniors living on fixed incomes— meaningful property tax relief could make a significant difference.
“Those are legitimate benefits,” Griffin said. “I understand why homeowners want relief, and I believe we have a responsibility to continue working toward it.”
BUT THERE WERE ALSO SERIOUS CONCERNS Griffin said the other side of the proposal also deserves to be discussed.
An additional sales tax is paid by more than homeowners. Renters, working families, seniors, visitors, and others would pay the tax when purchasing taxable goods, even though they may not directly receive a homestead property tax reduction.
There is also the question of longterm local government finances.
“If we change how local government raises revenue, we need to know what happens not only next year, but five and ten years from now,” Griffin said. “Will the revenue be dependable? Will essential services be protected? What happens to law enforcement, fire protection, roads, emergency services, public education, and other responsibilities of local government?”
“These are not Republican questions or Democratic questions. They are taxpayer questions.”
“MY VOTE BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE I REPRESENT” Griffin also directly addressed the use of his photograph in the political advertisement.
“Anyone has the right to disagree with my vote. That is part of democracy,” Griffin said. “But if my photograph is going to be used to tell people how I voted, then I believe the people deserve to know why I voted that way.”
“My vote does not belong to a political party. It does not belong to an advertising organization. My vote belongs to the people I was elected to represent.”
Griffin emphasized that his vote should not be interpreted as opposition to property tax relief.
“I am prepared to work with Republicans, Democrats, local elected officials, and citizens on responsible property tax relief,” Griffin said. “Bring me a proposal that provides meaningful relief to homeowners, considers renters and working families, and protects the financial stability of our communities, and I will give it serious consideration.”
“But leadership sometimes requires voting no when you believe more work needs to be done.”
Griffin concluded: “I cast my vote knowing that I would have to come home and explain it. I am prepared to do exactly that. I would rather defend a vote that I believe protects the people of Baldwin County, Jones County, and East Macon than cast a politically convenient vote that I cannot defend to the people who sent me to Atlanta.”
“I have always believed that leaders should solve problems, not create them.
That principle guided my vote, and it will continue to guide my service to House District 149.”