FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING & LOCAL REPORTS
Gov. Mike Braun is looking ahead to a “wrestling match” over property tax reform in the second half of the legislative session.
Braun said he’s confident he and lawmakers will find a “sweet, happy medium” on one of the session’s top issues.
The Senate’s version of property tax reform is targeted at older Hoosiers, disabled veterans and first-time homebuyers. Braun maintains relief must be broader. But his plan would cost local governments and schools billions of dollars a year.
Braun said locals need to prove they haven’t gone “above and beyond” in their budgets.
“If they bought a lot of shiny objects, they’re sitting on a lot of cash balances — do a little soul searching yourselves,” Braun said.
Braun has threatened to veto SB 1 — as a last resort — if it doesn’t improve and there have been digital ads targeting lawmakers on the issue.
Braun said it’s a healthy conversation.
“Hopefully it’s uncomfortable only because it’s addressing something that needs to be changed in a positive way,” Braun said.
Braun said he also wants to ensure the debate doesn’t go “overboard.”
Indiana Senators have advanced a property tax relief proposal despite opposition from Democrats and some Indianapolis Republicans. The bill again, is said to reduce local government revenue growth rather than cutting taxes outright.
On the local front as reported earlier this week by First City News, the Vincennes City Council voted yes to a resolution to oppose the bill with Mayor Joe Yochum commenting that the legislature needs to come up with a plan that helps replace the local dollars that will be lost.
He also said the bill is opposed by a coalition of state government, public safety, and education organizations. He said those include: The Indiana Townships Association, Indiana County Commissioners, Indiana State Board’s Association, Professional Firefighters Union, Indiana County Council’s Association, Indiana Library Association, the FOP, Indiana Police Chief’s Association, Association of School Business Officials, Indiana Urban School’s Association, and Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.
