“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
