Press Release – July 30, 2007

[GREENWOOD, IN] On Monday, July 30, 2007 Eric Miller and Advance America hosted their third Property Tax Repeal Rally. An overflow crowd of over 770 people attended the Rally held at Jonathan Byrd’s Cafeteria in Greenwood.

Miller reminded those in attendance that it is not enough to just get angry over property taxes. They must turn their anger into action and not stop until property taxes are repealed.

Miller began the Rally by announcing “We have a property tax crisis in Indiana, and because of property taxes your home, your family, your future and your retirement are at risk. We have a crisis not because Hoosiers don’t pay enough in taxes, but because government spends too much! The American dream of owning a home has become a nightmare for thousands of Hoosier families.”

Some homeowners have seen their property taxes go up by 50%, 70%, or more. Property taxes are expected to double in less than 10 years.

“The only solution to permanently protect homeowners, senior citizens, farmers and businesses is to permanently repeal property taxes with a Constitutional amendment,” Miller said.

Miller told those assembled to remember four goals for property taxes. You deserve the right:

  • To own your own home
  • To vote to repeal property taxes
  • To not repeat history (for over 70 years every time the legislature raises taxes or creates a new tax in exchange for lowering property taxes, property taxes go back up)
  • To have a permanent solution

Miller informed the enthusiastic crowd that the recently concluded 2007 General Assembly did nothing to permanently protect property owners, to permanently solve the property tax crisis or to provide help for property owners in 2007.

Miller pointed out 17 advantages to repealing property taxes including the fact that you would then be able to own your own home, there would be no more property tax increases, citizens would be able to vote to repeal property taxes and over $100 million in administrative expenses would be saved the first year that property taxes are repealed.

“In order to permanently repeal property taxes with a Constitutional amendment in 2010, the General Assembly must pass the proposed amendment in 2008 and 2009 or 2010,” Miller stated.

“Enough money could be raised to replace the money from property taxes by controlling state and local government spending and by increasing the sales tax 2% and the income tax 1% and having businesses pay $500 million. These new sources of revenue: sales tax, income tax and $500 million from businesses would only take place after the voters vote to repeal property taxes permanently.”

Miller reported that a typical family would save over $2,000 the first year property taxes are repealed and senior citizens could save over $2,600.

Miller also presented an immediate solution to the property tax crisis:

· Change the $300 million rebate to a credit this year,

· Use money from the state surplus this year, and

· Review the new 2 year state budget and identify money that can be used for property tax relief this year.

Miller stated, “Governor Daniels should call a Special Session of the General Assembly to enact this immediate solution and to pass a Constitutional Amendment to repeal property taxes.”

Miller emphasized that Governor Daniels and the General Assembly have the power to help solve the property tax crisis this year and permanently. The only question is – will they?

Miller announced a four step plan for victory. Individuals were challenged to join in the battle to repeal property taxes by signing up friends, neighbors, relatives or co-workers, by contacting the senators and representatives from their county and asking them to support the repeal of property taxes and the immediate solution, and by making a financial contribution so more Hoosiers would be made aware of this effort. They were also encouraged to contact Governor Daniels to ask him to call a Special Session to implement the immediate and permanent solutions.

More information on Advance America’s plan to repeal property taxes, as well as upcoming Rallies, can be found at www.AdvanceAmerica.com or by calling 1-800-448-8683. Additional rallies will be held around the state after property tax bills are received.

Advance America is a non-partisan educational organization that does not endorse any candidate or political party. Advance America was founded by Eric Miller in 1980.

Miller is an attorney and the Founder of Advance America, a conservative pro-family and pro-tax reform organization started in 1980.

Media Contact: Jeff@AdvanceAmerica.com or 317-684-3300

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