(STATEHOUSE) Feb. 28, 2008 - Senate Joint Resolution 1, the provision to add property tax caps to the Constitution, has now passed the House and the Senate. Due to disagreements regarding the language of the legislation, the will bill now move to conference committee. "I feel that what has happened to this legislation is nothing more than the House speaker's efforts to eliminate any kind of resolution where the people can vote on the issue of property taxes," said Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood). A conference committee is composed of members of all four caucuses - House and Senate Republicans and House and Senate Democrats. Each caucus has one conferee and, generally, at least one advisor. They debate the bill, examine any alterations and come to an agreement before returning the bill to the House and Senate for final votes. "I think it's ridiculous to look at people's income instead of the value of their property to determine their property tax rate. There are all kinds of creative ways to avoid income taxes. If I'm an independent contractor in the real estate business, I can write off enough things legitimately on my taxes I will pay less than someone else earning less money. That isn't fair. "I don't believe any property tax is fair. I don't really like the 1-2-3 program, but it's the best game in town. So I'm going to support that. However, I would prefer to repeal property taxes altogether. "I voted for SJR 1 because I wanted to keep the bill alive, but it is the only vehicle remaining to give Hoosiers the permanent tax relief they have demanded. I have committed not to support any other tax increases to replace that money until I know a resolution has passed through the House that guarantees the public will have the right to vote on the property tax issue." Rep. Burton has aggressively worked to get feedback from local constituents on important issues and concerns. He urges the community to contact his office with any questions at 1-800-382-9841 or send e-mails to h58@iga.in.gov. |
