March 18, 2010

ATLANTA -- Georgia lawmakers are proposing dozens of fee hikes to help fill a widening budget hole.

Legislation unveiled on Thursday would increase the cost of things like filing fees for corporations, the renewal of special license plates and licenses for coin-operated amusement machines.

Under the bill, there would be a new $100 court filing charge. Grocery stores would have to pay new fees for a state license. So would child care centers.

The fees are designed to raise an additional $96 million.

Supporters say many state fees haven't been increased in decades. he fee increases are designed to cover the cost of administering various programs so that badly needed state money won't be needed to fill the gap.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)