(STATEHOUSE) Jan. 30, 2008 - Property tax reform in Indiana took a blow Tuesday night as House Democrats refused to hear House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR 1), the bill containing constitutional property tax caps for homeowners, rental properties and businesses. "An attempt to amend HJR 1 to completely eliminate property taxes is one that I support," said Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville). "Unfortunately, leaders in the Democratic party killed the amendment by abruptly calling the session over for the day. Without warning, they killed all discussion on completely eliminating property taxes. What a shame." HJR 1 would have amended the Constitution of the State of Indiana to cap property taxes for homestead properties at 1 percent, rental properties at 2 percent and commercial properties to 3 percent. House Bill 1001, the property tax reform package, passed the House last week in a 93-1 vote, and HJR 1 was set to ensure that property tax cuts remained permanent. -30- Visit us online at www.in.gov/legislative |
