The property tax crisis is real! The people of
Recently Representative David Orentlicher (D-Indianapolis) put forth a property tax plan that does not provide permanent protection for all property owners. Representative Orentlicher’s plan, according to the Indianapolis Star, would raise the sales tax 1% in 2008, raise the income tax 1% in 2008 and would raise the tax on businesses by $300 million in 2008.
In exchange for these permanent tax increases Representative Orentlicher’s plan would lower property taxes for homeowners and some rental property. His plan does not include a Constitutional Amendment to repeal property taxes. His plan does not insure that the decrease in property taxes will not just be temporary as has been the case with other “property tax reform” efforts for over 70 years.
Hoosiers deserve a permanent solution. Hoosiers deserve the right to be able to vote to repeal property taxes. Hoosiers do not want a plan that repeats history by only temporarily lowering property taxes. Hoosiers deserve the right to own their own home, farm or business. Representative Orentlicher’s proposal does not accomplish any of these four goals.
The General Assembly should reject Representative Orentlicher’s plan and all other band aid solutions. The 150 Legislators should support the only permanent solution, a Constitutional Amendment to repeal property taxes.