January, 2008

“One of the things I think, Samuel, is key is that we have a spending cap on the state level,” said Jackie Walorski, R-Lakeville. “I think whatever we impose at the local level of the governor’s bill we impose at the state [level] as well.”

“There certainly is two sides to the equation,” said Sen. John Broden, D-South Bend. “And I certainly want to provide my constituents with meaningful property tax relief, but I also know my constituents expect safe streets and they know that comes from police officers and firefighters and they want streets that frankly don’t have potholes in them.”

That’s how it seems to be shaking out, and it’s disappointing. Even the Indianapolis Star editorial board seems to be perplexed.

One new amendment, approved by House Democrats voting along party lines, would limit school construction referendums to those projects not directly tied to classroom instruction. Taxpayers under the proposal could still decide whether to build a new high school football stadium but wouldn't be able to vote on whether proposed classroom buildings are excessively expensive.

Opponents of referendums fear that taxpayers would be too stingy, blocking necessary construction to the detriment of students. But Hoosiers have shown repeatedly that they're willing to spend money on education when school administrators make clear that needs -- and not mere wants -- truly exist.

Taxpayers already have oversight of sorts through a remonstrance process. But it's a convoluted system that lacks transparency.

What opponents of referendums are really saying is that they fear taxpayers are unable to make wise decisions about how their money should be spent. That's not an attitude the General Assembly should embrace.

Let’s be clear.  As Republicans, we understand that increases in property taxes haven’t materialized from nowhere.

They came because government isn’t living within its means.

That’s why we support a state spending cap and support giving voters a voice in local government spending projects.  The Indianapolis Star editorial board agrees.  The Democrats, however, have rejected giving voters a say and shot down spending caps.

We declare no ulterior motive to posting this to promote Rep. Jerry Torr.  Anyone else hungry?

State Rep. Jerry Torr, R-Carmel, was hard at work at the governor's residence last week, but his efforts had nothing to do with solving Indiana's property tax crisis.

He was cooking up a storm to pay off the promise to deliver a four-course gourmet meal that was sold at auction to benefit the Phoenix Theatre.

Last year, three new schools were built in the 50th District, and they were all very similar, but all had separate building plans. Rep. Leonard’s amendment, the Little Red Schoolhouse Amendment, would require the state to have school building plans already drawn up for counties to use. This would save Hoosier taxpayers millions of dollars in design fees.

“School construction is a large portion of local government costs,” said Rep. Leonard. “By moving to pre-designed school construction plans, we will reduce cost to counties, cutting property taxes. Many other states, such as Florida, have already successfully instituted statewide school building plans.”

“Protecting Indiana’s small businesses is vital to the state’s economy, considering more than half of all Hoosiers work at these small companies. These legislators recognize the importance of small businesses and consistently support their interests in the Statehouse,” Brinegar says.

The House just passed the majority of the Governor's property tax relief plan (supported by House Republicans) by a vote of 93-1. Great. The General Assembly agrees. Score one for the good guys!

Democrat Craig Fry, protector of all things ridiculous, voted against it. This may be because he couldn't force Pat Bauer into giving him some sort of special earmark like in the 2007 budget. See Fry's own press release bragging about his 2007 feat at http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/fry_press_20070223.html.

Sorry Craig, no money for your pocket this time.

Here's the coverage of the bill passage from the Indy Star.

Voters in 2007 (and soon in 2008) have let elected officials know that they want change. Fundamentally, Republicans understand that you can't have change in state government without... change. Democrats, however, don't seem to agree.

It's clear that Hoosiers feel they've been taxed too much. Republicans agree. That's why House Republicans have supported a spending cap. It's a simple concept - let's make government live within its means so that we can return money to the taxpayers.

The Democrats? Let's leave things the way they are.

How about giving voters a chance to vote on government spending- particularly school construction projects? Republicans said "let's give voters a say."

Rep. Walorski attended a Third House session organized by her local Chamber of Commerce recently. Check out the South Bend television coverage here.

To see the video, click on the camera icon above the photo.