Indianapolis Resident Helps Simplify Complicated Numbers at State Tax and Finance Commission Hearing
STATEHOUSE - Indianapolis resident Greg Meyer put the complex property tax issue into simple, real-life terms for members of the State Tax and Finance Commission last Monday, July 23rd.
The property tax issue has been called “complex” by many, but from Meyer’s point of view, trying to pay higher property taxes while planning for the future is much more complicated.
“This tax will probably force those of us with disabilities and fixed incomes to make difficult choices,” said Meyer, who was introduced by his State Senator, Pat Miller (R-Indianapolis),
Meyer – who has vision difficulties – was one of more than two dozen people who testified at the commission’s first hearing Monday. The commission is scheduled to meet again at 10 a.m. Monday, July 30, in Room 404 of the Statehouse.
Meyer told the commission that long-range planning becomes difficult, if not impossible, because of the property tax crisis.
“I have a 16-year-old son. I hope I will be able to help him save for a college education,” Meyer said. “The property tax situation makes that dream difficult.”
Meyer asked the commission to keep people like him in mind as they considered action on the property tax dilemma. He stressed the issue should be non-partisan.
After Meyer spoke, Miller offered some concrete suggestions for the board to consider, including seven possible remedies.
They included:
- Looking at other states, particularly those that have a flat 1 percent property tax based on purchase price or other methods that do not require assessment;
- Eliminating assessing;
- Withdraw the rebate plan and use a tax credit instead;
- Analyze local government spending patterns and evaluate the number of taxing units across the state;
- Analyze the effectiveness, responsibilities and role of the Department of Local Government Finance;
- Have the state provide local government relief for welfare costs and the school general fund;
- Remove the one-tenth of 1 percent that goes to the state from property taxes, then give it back to local governments; and
- Make sure residential bills are forcefully capped
Miller testified at the first in a series of scheduled meetings by the State Tax and Financing Policy Commission. It will meet again Monday, July 30, at 9 a.m. in Room 404 of the Statehouse.
Miller encouraged anyone interested to come to meeting and testify. The next meeting will focus on one of Miller’s main points – the pros and cons of the current tax rebate plan versus turning it into a tax credit.
Sen. Pat Miller listens attentively as Indianapolis resident Greg Meyer, who is visually impaired, appeals the State Tax and Finance Commission to remember the impact higher property taxes has for those on fixed incomes.
Source: State Senator Patricia miller Press Release
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