Staton Introduces Bill Aimed at Taking Tax Power Away From Bibb BOE, Lucas Calls Legislation ‘Racist’

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — State Senator David Lucas is calling a bill drafted by State Senator Cecil Staton racist.

“As lawyers would say, prima facie, on it’s face it’s racist,” said Lucas.

In a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, Staton didn’t entirely disagree to his colleague’s charge. Staton says the bill, which would eliminate the taxing power of the Bibb County Board of Education, is absolutely about race.

“The majority of our students in the Bibb County school system are minority African Americans, and other minorities. I’m doing this for them,” said Staton.

The bill would require the board get their budget approved by the Macon-Bibb County Commission under the newly consolidated government, a power the people gave the board in 2004. Staton says he’s received emails, and letters from constituents asking the legislatures to revoke that power.

“Given the outpouring of concern I have recieved I have no compulsion about doing this is as local legislation,” says Staton.

Staton says this bill is about putting a stop to what he says is an excessive amount of money being spent on administration.

“Enough is enough. Our community cannot stand it any longer the way it is… this is a step that can help us regain some order and hope,” says Staton.

Lucas says the bill is a political move, and it’s true colors are obvious.

“This bill is a racist bill because it deals with black and white because there are white citizens in Macon and Bibb County that don’t like the Promise Neighborhood, or Dr. Dallemand because he’s changing things as far as education in Macon, Georgia,” says Lucas.