“State taxes have been raised and the money used to subsidize local budgets and reduce property taxes. By now, 85 percent of school operating costs are paid for by our state taxes, not our property taxes. Half the sales tax, 3 cents out of 6, is sent back to support local government, or your property taxes would be far higher than they already are.”
---Gov. Mitch Daniels (R)
“Of course, the main question is how to replace the lost revenue. The governor has talked about an increase in the sales tax, which is a regressive tax. I would like to see at least some considertion of reforming income tax, a progressive tax.”
---State Sen. Tim Lanane, D-District 25
“I’ve said it a million times, it’s (propery tax is) an antiquated tax and it comes at you when you have no money. We are going to see some radical changes in the next 50 years. Property tax needs to be pushed down to the local level so each county can determine whether they want property tax or what alternatives they want to implement.”
---State Rep. Scott Reske, D-District 37
“I’m sure it (the commission’s recommedations) has to do with property taxes, everything has to do with money in one way or another. I’m not saying we don’t need to make changes, but that’s really wiping the slate clean and starting from scratch. It’s better to start small.”
---Madison County Commissioner Pat Dillon, D-Middle District
“My property taxes have gone up $300, but the value of my house has gone down. To me, that’s just not acceptable. You want to stimulate the economy? Give the working people a break. We’re the ones who are out here struggling. The people in Indianapolis need to remember who they are working for.”
---Frank Delamo of Anderson
“I like the idea of smaller government. I’m in favor of the governor’s plan. I’d like to see a little more consistency in the system. It’s a game of chance, you don’t know whether you’re going to be paying more, less or the same.”
---David Costa, Anderson
CNHI Series
January 8, 2008
Quotables...
- CNHI Series
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Indiana Property Tax Reform Looms — A 3-part series
Controversy created by rising property taxes and delays in billing has brought Indiana to a crossroads of change. The state legislative session that begins today will tackle the issue of government structure and taxation policy, with some calling for radical reform and others urging caution.
Government at a Crossroads is a three-part series examining the past, present and future of Indiana’s system of government and taxation. The series is a collaboration of Indiana newspapers owned by Newspaper Holdings Inc. -
State tax structure has grown in complexity
In 1852, Indiana passed its first property tax levy to support local schools.
Since then, the state’s tax structure has grown in scope as well as complexity. Many feel taxation has spun out of control, and state officials from the governor on down are working to reform Indiana’s entire system of government. -
Quotables...
Quotes from many of the players...
- How Indiana government and tax system developed It all started in 1905 when Indiana began levying a statewide property tax to raise money for school funding.
- Dilemma with property taxes is multi-faceted The dilemma facing Indiana’s property tax system is multi-faceted, but officials have differing views on what led to significant increases this year.
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Legislature has big job in front of it
Finding ways not only to reduce but also to reform property taxes, plus make changes in local government, is the primary challenge for legislators as the 115th Indiana General Assembly opens today.
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