**House Leadership Refuses to Debate Repeal**
 On Tuesday, January 29th Speaker of the House Pat Bauer handed down House Joint Resolution 1. This was the 2nd Reading for the Constitutional Amendment which is the time when amendments could be offered. This was the opportunity for all 100 members of the House of Representatives to have a public debate and vote on the Repeal of Property Taxes.

HRJ 1 – Cap Not Repeal!
House Joint Resolution 1 was the Constitutional Amendment sought by Governor Daniels. This amendment has some serious problems for property owners.

First of all, the 1% cap on homesteads will continue to bring about property tax increases as the value of a home increases.

Secondly, property taxes will still exist which means if someone cannot pay their property taxes on their home, farm or business the government will take their property and sell it.

Thirdly, incorrect assessments will still occur.

Fourthly, in the majority of counties, local option income taxes will take place.

 Amendment to Repeal Homestead Property Taxes Offered
Representative Tim Harris was recognized to offer an amendment to HJR 1. His amendment would have repealed property taxes on homesteads. The Democrat House leadership did not want a public debate and vote on the Repeal of Property Taxes. The author of HJR 1, Rep. Bill Crawford withdrew the Resolution before Rep. Harris’ amendment could be debated and voted on! Speaker Bauer then adjourned the House of Representatives thereby killing HJR 1.

The Battle Is Not Over – Another Attempt In The House!
There will be another attempt to have a public debate and vote on the Repeal of Property Taxes when a similar resolution to HJR 1, Senate Joint Resolution 1 is debated in the House. Senate Joint Resolution 1 is now awaiting action in the House Ways and Means Committee.

What Can You Do?
Please call or email your Representative and ask them to support an amendment to SJR 1 to Repeal Property Taxes.

House of Representatives: 800-382-9842 or 317-232-9600

If you don’t know who your Representative is go to our website www.AdvanceAmerica.com.