Keisha Lance Bottoms Proposes Local Grocery Tax Relief in Georgia

ATLANTA — Democratic candidate for Georgia governor Keisha Lance Bottoms has proposed allowing cities and counties to suspend or eliminate local sales taxes on groceries and several essential household products as part of her plan to address rising living costs. Bottoms announced the proposal Wednesday at Al Huda Groceries in Lawrenceville, where she said local governments should have greater flexibility to provide tax relief on essential purchases.

Under the proposal, local governments would be allowed to suspend or eliminate sales taxes on groceries, baby formula, feminine hygiene products and diapers. The plan would also allow local jurisdictions to use temporary tax relief during periods when families face increased financial pressure.

Sheikh Rahman opens Lawrenceville event

Georgia State Sen. Sheikh Rahman, D-Lawrenceville, opened the event where Bottoms unveiled the proposal. Rahman said the cost of living is putting pressure on Georgia families and contrasted Bottoms’ focus on household expenses with the priorities of Gov. Brian Kemp and Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson.

“Things are tough for everyone,” Rahman said, according to Capitol Beat/WABE, arguing that Bottoms would prioritize families as governor. Rahman represents Georgia’s 5th Senate District, which includes parts of Gwinnett County.

Georgia already exempts groceries from state sales tax

Georgia does not impose the state’s general sales tax on groceries, but local sales taxes can still apply to grocery purchases. Bottoms’ proposal would give cities and counties the option to suspend or eliminate those local taxes. The proposal would require approval by the Georgia General Assembly before local governments could receive the additional authority.

Bottoms also said her administration would provide a $250 million state-funded backstop to help local governments that participate in the program adjust to the loss of sales-tax revenue. She described the funding as temporary assistance for local governments as they adjust their budgets.

Cost of living becomes campaign issue

Affordability has become a major issue in Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Republican nominee Rick Jackson has separately proposed eliminating the state sales tax on residential electricity as part of his approach to lowering household expenses. Bottoms’ grocery proposal focuses specifically on giving local governments the option to reduce taxes on food and other family necessities.

The proposal’s implementation would ultimately depend on action by the state legislature and decisions by individual cities and counties. For now, Bottoms is presenting the plan as part of her broader campaign focus on household affordability, while supporters and opponents are expected to debate its potential effect on local government revenues and budgets.