This from the party that listens?

Governor Mitch Daniels' property tax relief bill, HB 1001, was heard on second reading in the House of Representatives yesterday. Over 100 amendments were filed and debate occurred on many of them, including amendment number 72. Filed by Rep. Neizgodski, a democrat from South Bend, this amendment revoked the right of the public to vote by referendum to approve school construction projects in their own communities. Apparently listening to the public is only important when they are not trying to stand in the way of big democrat donors like Jim Schellinger, who has put millions in his pockets on the backs of taxpayers while designing the most expensive schools your money can buy.

The single largest factor that led to this year's historic increase in property taxes was local capital projects, specifically new school construction. Debt service to these projects alone accounts for more than half of property tax bills. Historically, Indiana has spent far more than almost any other state on school construction costs, up to 130% of the national average. This is no doubt the product of an unchecked system that includes no public input. This amendment delivered to us from Indiana Democrats ensures they won't have a voice anytime soon.

So much for listening.