"Today Hoosier taxpayers who are looking for reassurance that future property tax bills will not dramatically increase to extreme levels are one step close to having that security," Rep. Davis said. "The ball, so to speak, is now in the Senate's court, and I look for them to act quickly in passing this important measure. Hoosiers have said they want the opportunity to voice their opinion on this issue, and it looks like they will get their chance by means of the November general election ballot." -30- In response to the property tax crisis that homeowners experienced in 2007, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation in 2008 that capped homeowner's property taxes at one percent, rental and agricultural property at two percent and business property at three percent. The bill passed with an 82-17 vote in the House and 41-6 vote in the Senate. House Republicans pledged to add this reform to the Indiana State Constitution. In order for a new provision to be added to the state constitution, it must be passed by two separately elected General Assemblies as well as the public before it can be amended to the constitution. If the constitutional amendment to permanently cap property taxes passes 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. |
