(STATEHOUSE) Jan. 24, 2008 - Hoosiers are a step closer to property tax relief after the Indiana House of Representatives on Thursday passed House Bill 1001 by a vote of 93-1. The bill now heads to the Indiana Senate. The bill contains about $700 million in new property relief, along with $250 million in already scheduled relief for 2008 and about $300 million in relief in 2009. The immediate relief should cut most homestead property tax bills by about one-third. It also removes school operating and transportation funding and child welfare funding from local property, shifting the responsibility to the state. Many components Rep. Borders wanted to be included were eliminated or altered in the final bill, such as a state spending cap and a strong referendum process. The bill does not have a state spending cap, and voters would be allowed to vote only on school projects not directly related to classroom learning, such as athletic fields. "I voted to advance the bill because we were able to keep most of the key aspects for relief and reform, like tax caps for homeowners and state assumption of school operating and child welfare costs," said Rep. Borders. "Still, before we vote on the final version, we need to make sure we get those spending limitations in the bill." -30- Rep. Borders encourages constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h45@in.gov, or by calling the Statehouse at 1-800-382-9841. It is also possible to write him at 200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204. |
