We have been promised property tax reform for many years without success. It seems, every time an election comes up, candidates promise reform but are unable to accomplish it for a multitude of reasons. I support SB/HB 76 to eliminate property taxes.
Considering all of the factors I find myself in sympathy with the general concept of the 76s (House Bill 76 and Senate Bill 76). Half measures can't work. Bills that simply freeze taxes for people reaching 65 merely condemn them to an already high tax bill for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, the rest of the taxpayers in the school district will continue to take the brunt, which may even increase if the state doesn't come through with promised financial help. The 76's eliminate property taxes totally over the next two years with a tax neutral shift to 1% increase in retail sales tax and roughly the same percentage on personal income tax. The savings will enable young families to buy homes, seniors to stay in their homes, and will ultimately enhance the economy by people puchasing products and services that they normally do. We have to hold our legislators' feet to the fire in order to bring about a solution to property tax reform. It is unacceptable to continue pushing this can down the road.
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