Wednesday, April 15, 2009

STATE LEGISLATURE IS PLANNING EVEN MORE TAXES

In addition to the key votes on House Bill 1730, which takes away the right to a referendum on new school buildings, the Indiana State Legislature will be voting this month on several other key bills that will have a big impact on Hammond taxpayers.

SJR 1 PROPERTY TAX CAP IS IN JEOPARDY

Senate Joint Resolution 1 (SJR 1) would provide for a referendum allowing Indiana residents to vote to cap property taxes at 1% for single family homes, 2% for rental properties, and 3% for business and industrial. This would become an amendment to the Indiana Constitution and could not be taken away without a vote of the taxpayers.

House Speaker Pat Bauer (phone 1-800-382-9842, email H6@IN.gov) currently is holding up a vote on this key resolution to make property tax caps permanent. Contact Pat Bauer and your local representative telling them to PUT SJR 1 TO A VOTE THIS YEAR. Vote FOR SJR 1 and give the voters a right to choose to make the property tax caps permanent.

PROPERTY TAX INCREASE PROPOSED FOR HAMMOND

Hammond elected officials have proposed a 16 1/2 % increase in the real estate (property) tax rate for Hammond taxpayers. Let your representatives know what you think about that.

TAXES FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION

Buses are very important to many people, and we do need a transportation system. Just be aware of the possible price.

Both the House and Senate are working on bills to establish a Regional Transportation District.
House Bill 1660 and Senate Bill 479 are in committees, and may be voted on before the end of this session.

These bills would give elected officials wide ranging powers to establish Regional Transportation Districts with even more wide ranging powers to establish new taxes including county income taxes, food and beverage taxes, special benefits property tax, county economic development taxes.

To keep a lid on new taxes, contact your State and local representatives.

Any State senator can be reached at 1-800-382-9467

Any State representative can be reached at 1-800-382-9842