Published: January 23, 2008 10:49 am            

House amends Daniels’ property tax relief bill

INDIANAPOLIS — In a more than six-hour debate that lasted well into the night Tuesday, the Indiana House of Representatives argued over and amended Gov. Mitch Daniels’ property tax relief bill.

Of the 102 proposed amendments, several were addressed quickly. One of the more controversial amendments was Amendment 50, which would essentially increase the tax rates for more expensive properties. The increased revenues then would be transferred to tax cuts for farm properties.

The House Republicans had trouble accepting the amendment.

Minority leader Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, compared the legislation to an old fable.

“We’re doing half of Robin Hood here: We’re taking from the rich, but not giving it to the poor,” Bosma said.

Rep. Gerald Torr, R-Carmel, also made the parallel to Robin Hood.

However, despite Republican attempts to have amendment 50 withdrawn, it was adopted.

The Robin Hood analogy returned with amendment 101, this time presented by Bosma. The amendment would allow residents of Brown, Clark, Jasper, Lake, Marion, Posey and Shelby Counties to use their property tax rebates as credit on their third bill.

Controversy over the amendment arose when Bosma informed House members the credit rebate only applies to those whose property taxes had risen by at least 10 percent and does not take into account those who have already received their rebate.

William Crawford, D-Indianapolis, brought Robin Hood back into the picture when he said that all residents are entitled to receive their rebate.

“Now we’re doing a reverse Robin Hood. We’re taking it from the poor to support the rich, but we’re taking it from those who expect their rebate but now will not get it if [amendment 101] goes through,” said Crawford.

After further discussion, Bosma reconsidered and withdrew his amendment. However, he stressed its importance to the seven counties it affects.

Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Crothersville, introduced Amendment 90, which requires that property tax refunds are mailed within 60 days after the county treasurer receives the funds from the state.

Rep. Thomas Saunders, R-Lewisville, presented an opposing viewpoint, saying that it would shift the blame onto local government.

The amendment passed, 48-46.

Amendment 14 presented another near-tie among lawmakers, passing 49-47. It would make assessments that didn't follow the proper procedures invalid.

“If they’re not uniform, they're not fair,” said Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Crawford, D-Indianapolis, said the amendment overcompensated for the issue.

“It’s not a meat axe, but a scalpel,” Smith said.

An amendment failed with a tied vote of 48-48 that would have kept township assessors in townships with 10,000 or more citizens. In smaller townships, the duties would transfer to the county assessor.

— Renee Estridge, Whitney Lee, Matt McKean, Carey Shea, Evan Shields, Heather Wright

        

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