Hospitals in Georgia, like Kennestone in Marietta, could be taxed if a Governor Perdue proposal gains traction. (GPB file photo)
Perdue says the tax hike is needed to avoid steep cuts to Medicaid. But Republicans legislators have been cool to the idea, which is being fought by many Georgia hospitals.
One alternative gaining lots of buzz at the state Capitol: boosting the tax on cigarettes instead. The last time Georgia boosted its cigarette tax was 2003 when Perdue pushed through a 25-cent per-pack increase, earning criticism from some conservative anti-tax groups.
