As I’ve stated before, my favorite plan has been drafted by Sen. Larry Grooms. This plan is a comprehensive overhaul of school funding in addition to property tax relief. It was evident that the proposal was very close to getting killed Wednesday night, so we voted to adjourn to give one last shot on Thursday for passage. The plan was tabled today. There were concerns with the establishment of a state wide property tax on commercial property set at 75 mills, however, the average commercial mill is 150, therefore on average, commercial property taxes would be cut in 1/2.
So far, the only proposal to pass the Senate was a plan that allows local government to eliminate property taxes and replace with a sales tax. I am not opposed to this, however, it is not near the relief we are so desperate for. If the local government does not act on this, a petition will require signatures of 7% of registered voters instead of the normal 15%.
I opposed one local option amendment that had a constitutional issue because it would require the bill to need 2/3 votes. That would kill the property tax bill entirely.
Pictured is the Gadsden Flag. Written of the rattlesnake on the revolutionary flag: “She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage…she never wounds ’till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.”
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