Fresh Loaf

Earlier today, Gov. Sonny Perdue told reporters the soon-to-be-released April 2009 revenue figures were “not encouraging.”

He wasn’t fibbing. The revenue figures landed in our inboxes a few minutes ago. And to be honest, they’re rather terrible.

Net revenue collections of sales, personal income and corporate incomes taxes last month totaled $1.4 billion, down from $1.8 billion the same time last year. That’s a decrease of 20.6 percent. The year-to-date decrease in revenue collection is 9.6 percent.

According to figures released by the governor’s office, however, booze is still selling like it’s hot.

Perdue did note that last April’s figures were some of the highest the state had ever recorded. But man,  governor, you’ve made the right choice to veto the giant tax-cutting beast sitting on your desk. That thing might get you on Grover Norquist’s speed dial, but it’d just push the state deeper into the red.

If you’re a numbers lover, download the April 2009 revenue figures. (Warning: PDF)

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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Amount, in percentage, total taxes and other revenues decreased in March 2009 compared to March 2008: 14.5

Amount, in percentage, individual income tax revenue declined in March 2009 compared to March 2008: 18.8

Amount, in percentage, sales tax revenue declined in March 2009 compared to March 2008: 5.9

Amount, in percentage, gas tax revenue declined in March 2009 compared to March 2008: 28.6

Amount, in percentage, alcoholic beverage tax revenue increased as of March 2009: 8

Estimated amount of money, in sales tax, Sunday beer and wine sales could generate: $3.3 million

Number of states other than Georgia that ban alcohol sales in stores on Sunday: 2

Number of times in the last three years state lawmakers have tried to pass a bill allowing Sunday sales: 3

Percentage of Georgians in a 2008 poll who support Sunday sales: 65

Sources: ajc.com, Georgia Department of Revenue, AJC/Mason Dixon poll

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Black Friday, who loves ya, baby?

From Gov. Sonny Perdue’s office:

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of November 2008 (FY09) totaled $1,419,543,000 compared to $1,399,595,000 for November 2007 (FY08), an increase of $19,948,000 or 1.4 percent.

The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY09 compared to FY08 is -1.3 percent.

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From the governor’s office (emphasis added):

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of September 2008 (FY09) totaled $1,632,334,000 compared to $1,561,749,000 for September 2007 (FY08), an increase of $70,585,000 or 4.5 percent.

The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY09 compared to FY08 is 2.6 percent.

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The state pulled in $94.2 million less in taxes compared to this time last year. Alcohol beverage taxes rose a healthy 5.2 percent, however. Chalk that one up to college football season starting and the always dependable alcoholic demographic!

For you number lovers out there, download the revenue collection statistics here.

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Yowsers.

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of May 2008 (FY08) totaled $1,473,892,000 compared to $2,140,232,000 for May 2007 (FY07), a decrease of $666,340,000 or 31.1 percent.

The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY08 compared to FY07 is 0.1 percent.

Perdue says, however, this dip was to be expected.

“These figures are not surprising given April’s sharp rise in collections due to processing improvements made by the Department of Revenue,” said Governor Perdue. “We will continue to monitor revenue collections and responsibly manage the state’s fiscal affairs.”

Note the decrease — $666,340,000. Lucifer announces his arrival in the most mysterious of ways, people!

While I start filling up squirt guns with holy water and cold calling priests to bless my army of the righteous, pore over the numbers here. (It’s a PDF.)

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