Friend Report This session has plenty of controversial issues to deal with in a very short timeframe. The first issue enjoys strong support among homeowners but farmers and the business community are more skeptical of the proposal. That issue is House Joint Resolution 1, the constitutional amendment to cap property taxes. This measure has now passed both the Indiana House and Senate by overwhelming bipartisan margins. The House of Representatives passed HJR 1 by a vote of 75-23 and the final vote in the Senate was 35-15. As you will recall, HJR1 would cap homeowners' property taxes at 1 percent of assessed value, rental and agricultural property at 2 percent of assessed value and business property at 3 percent of assessed value. Property Tax Caps:
In order for a new provision to be added to the state constitution, the same language must be passed by two separately elected General Assemblies as well as the public before it can be amended to the constitution. During the 2008 legislative session, the General Assembly started the process to amend the caps into Indiana's Constitution, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Since the constitutional amendment to permanently cap property taxes has passed both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly during the 2010 legislative session, Hoosiers will be able to vote on this issue in the November 2010 election. Hoosier voters will have the opportunity and final say on whether or not to add permanent property taxpayer protection to the state constitution. Another controversy bill involves House Bill 1181 which would reform township government. Many citizens are uncomfortable with this issue because it does involve some elected positions being eliminated. In our district, I have heard comments both for and against reform of township government. This bill would allow voters in each of Indiana's 1,006 townships to vote on whether or not to abolish their local township trustees and boards and transfer the duties to county government. Two amendments were added to HB 1181. Rep. Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) inserted language that would clarify the public question so it would explain what role the county would play if township government were eliminated. Rep. Randy Truitt (R-West Lafayette) offered and passed the second amendment which prohibits township government officials from employing immediate family members in the township office. HB 1181 passed by a vote of 55-44 and will now move to the Senate for consideration. . This is another example of giving Hoosiers a chance to make decisions regarding township government through local referendums. This measure has the potential to be the beginning of real reform at the local level and to examine the way local services are provided to Hoosiers to make sure it is the most efficient way possible. More later, Bill Friend -30- Visit us online at www.in.gov/legislative |
