News 12 at 6 o'clock, August 27, 2008

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. --Instead of questions about money, it's more to do with the lack of money. Paul Broun's congressional budget is running low on funds, but he claims he'll make the funds last. Meanwhile, Governor Sonny Perdue is pointing the finger at local government officials and questioning their money use.

A standing ovation for U.S. Congressman Broun, who packed the Savannah Rapids Pavilion with supporters, and stuffed a box full of checks, donations for his campaign. "We've got to just continue building the funds that we need," says Rep. Broun.

Broun's congressional funds are low, reports say he's spent more than half of his annual budget. But he promises no cuts, and business will continue as usual. "We're still open five days a week from 9 to 6 in all three offices and will continue to do so through the rest of the year," says Rep. Broun.

Broun even plans to have money left over to give back to taxpayers, like he did last year. "We are fiscal conservatives and plan on returning money back to the taxpayers when the year is over," says Rep. Broun.

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue was there to show Broun support. He's recently come under attack for possibly withholding 428 million in a state-wide homeowner tax grant. He thinks it doesn't work. "The facts point out that citizens have not gotten the benefit of that relief," says Gov. Perdue.

The benefit being, the actual property tax discount. "Local citizens ought to be looking at their local officials and saying, why are my taxes going up more than that?" Says Gov. Perdue.

But the Governor's grant freeze won't only hurt taxpayers. If withheld, it will hurt each county's local government. Education will likely take the biggest hit, with an already 2 percent cut at the local level. "Education is only being impacted 2%. I've asked other agencies to cut 6%. We'll do it without impacting educational performance across the state," says Gov. Perdue.

"I think all across this country, state and local government are gonna have to tighten the belts," says Rep. Broun.

Tighten their belts, and their bank accounts.

News 12 did talk to Kay Allen, the Columbia County Tax Commissioner. She says everyone who qualified for the tax exemption received it, as of right now the county agencies will take the hit for that money if the grant doesn't go through.

Congressman Broun will face Democrat Bobby Saxon for re-election in November