UNDISCUSSED CONSEQUENCES

Action at the statehouse reminds us of an old good news - bad news joke. The airline pilot comes on the intercom to tell the passengers the good news. "There's a strong tail-wind and were making really good time." The bad news is that, "We're lost."

The folks at the legislature are pushing ahead on all fronts - with the suggestion that it would be a tribute to former governor Doc Bowen if a tax package could be passed in time for his birthday in February. We can only hope it would be something with which he would not be ashamed to be associated with.

All conversation - all though - all action - seems to be concentrated on determining how to get the residential taxpayers (voters) off the hook. Aside from the proposal to use referendum on "major" construction projects, little is being done about spending policies.

Concerning New Albany specifically, there is not one single proposal that any such action be preceded by a detail review of the nearly 16 years of fiscal policies which are a major contribution yo the city's financial issues. It is simply proposed that local government "reorganization" will somehow take care of us.

We believe the local problem is less "vertical" government organization than "horizontal" expansion over the last 16 years.

"We're not too tall. We're too wide."

We reiterate that the work of the county and township assessor in Floyd County - we don't suggest it has been good or bad - it has in fact been to some degree an exercise in futility.

It has become so because of the accelerated use of power by such agencies as the Redevelopment Commission which, with the full approval of our mayor and council (and unquestioning hype in the media), have decimated the property tax base as the primary source of funds for our municipal government by unrestrained use of TIF districts, abatement's and complete removal of real property from the tax base.

We have raised the question before with political and media people, and we do so again.

Is there any person in the city/county who knows precisely the assessed value of real estate not on the rolls?

Do we really know what the property tax problem is if we don't have that figure?

The "horizontal" expansion has also brought us a variety of governmental units with the power to issue debt.

It is our admittedly cynical view that these may well be an intentional effort to disguise the actual, total financial liability of the city. A reading of the annual reports of some of these bodies presents some interesting information about the relationships between these bodies.

Is there anyone who knows what the total city/county debt is?

From our point of view, the worst thing of all is that "tax reform" is under a full head of steam at the statehouse and we know of no single individual there - not a single soul - who is suggesting we slow down a bit and take a hard look at "how we got here."

The main political theme seems to be, "We have to get the residents off the hook without really limiting the spending power of government." The lack of attention to circumstances such as we have cited indicates the legislature will do nothing about the continuing giveaways and subsidies which directly undermine the tax system.

Under the intentionally mis-leading guise of economic "development, " the mis-use of the property tax system as a means of steering economic "activity" from one area to another, as opposed to its being the primary legitimate source of revenue for the municipality, will continue with the "missing" funds being replaced by unending increases in other forms of taxation.

We hope we're wrong, but we predict there will be property tax relief, probably funded by an increase in the state sales tax, with the folks at the statehouse counting on this move taking off the heat.

But it won't!

Consideration of "permanent" limits will be put off, with the proposition that we'll take a look at a constitutional amendment which actually caps levies after we determine the huge savings we get from reorganization.

And next year, they'll do it all over again.

We suppose the question then will be, "What do we re-organize this time?"

ARE OUTSIDERS SPENDING OUR SEWER MONEY?

AMENDMENT TO PROPOSED ORDINANCE

NOW THEREFORE, be it ordained by the Common Council of the City of New Albany, Indiana, that Section 51.115 of the Code of Ordinance of the City of New Albany, Indiana be amended as follows:

(D) Membership: The membership of the New Albany Sewer Board shall consist of the following:

(1) The Mayor of New Albany or his designee who shall serve as Chairman at all times during his or her tenure in such office;

(2) Two (2) , appointed by majority vote of the members of the Common Council, provided that one (1) member shall be the City Engineer or a registered professional engineer and further provided that such other member shall not be paid or unpaid official or employee of the City;

(3) The Sewer Board members shall designate one (1) of the appointed members as Vice-Chairman.

(E) Quorum: A quorum at any properly convened regular or special meeting of the New Albany Sewer Board shall consist of at least two (2) members.

(F) Terms: The Common Council shall designate one (1) of its appointees to serve an initial term of two (2) years and the other appointee to serve an initial term of three () years.

(G) Compensation: The members of the New Albany Sewer Board shall be entitled to such compensation as may be fixed by the Mayor of New Albany, subject to the approval of the Common Council. Each of the members of the New Albany Sewer Board shall further be entitled to the payment for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, but such compensation shall not exceed the sum of $1,200.00 annually unless approved by the Council before being incurred.

Freedom Of Speech would like to ask:

Are the Sewer Board members required to be residents of the City of New Albany? 1 member lives in Corydon and the other member lives in Clark County. It appears that 2 out of 3 Sewer Board members are not city residents.

Should outsiders be making the hard decisions on spending OUR sewer money?

THE OTHER SIDE

Welcome to the real story of New Albany. Sit back get a large cup of coffee, you're in for the rude awakening about property taxes and city funds.

First of all, allow us to introduce ourselves. We, like you, call New Albany our home. We live, work and raise our families here. We pay high sewer bills and high property taxes and we have a VOICE...

In fact the last couple of month's we've been burning the roads up from New Albany to Indianapolis fighting for you and what we believe in and that is Fair Property Taxes.

Yes, we do Support Abolishing Property Taxes.

But, it looks like to us property owners this plan will not fly yet. So if our legislators and Governor Daniels caps our property taxes at 1% that is at least a start for Property Tax Reform.

We have been meeting with other citizens activists all over the 92 counties of our State.

They are now hearing the same CRAP which we recently read in the local C/J dated Wednesday Feb. 13, 2008.

And we quote:

The tax plan would reduce the city's property tax revenue by an estimated $377,000 next year and about $353,000 in 2010. That's about 1.4 percent of the city's total budget, including revenue it collects to PAY DEBTS.

"I can't make it" without major cuts, England said today, "It will be a firehouse or six police officers - no ifs, ands or buts about it."

First of all, that sounds like a THREAT Mayor England.

Second, if you are not up to the task as mayor why not step down and let someone else do what needs to be done for us citizens of New Albany!

We live within a budget why can't you?

Thirdly, we property taxpayers have been hearing this THREAT for the last 16 years by 2 other mayors. If you think Mayor England that you are going to "bully us" into giving in to your other "feel good projects" you are sadly mistaken this time.

This is not 1991 it's the 21st century!

Let's look at what you SAY and what YOU HAVE DONE in the first 30 days of your new adminstration:

* YOU HAVE hired two Deputy Mayors
* YOU HAVE hired an asst. for one Deputy Mayor
* YOU HAVE pushed for employee raises
* YOU HAVE received a $11,000 raise
* YOU HAVE a 2nd Code Enforcement Officer
* YOU WANT 4 part-time attorneys beside our city attorney
____________________________________________
= TAXPAYERS DOLLARS

Have we forgotten anything else that you have done in the first 30 days?

Almost...

England's new adminstration has already violated:

* Ordinance: G-06-20
* IC 36-9-23-4
* IC 36-4-7-3
* 30.01 (B)

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Let's give the citizens of New Albany the facts and the "real numbers" on where property tax dollars go Mayor England:

Use of Property Tax Money in the City of New Albany in 2007:

* 66% TO OPERATE OUR CITY

* 14% CAPITAL

* 20% City OF NEW ALBANY DEBT

Source: Indiana Department of Local Government Finance

Who Paid Property Taxes in the City of New Albany in 2007:

* 74.2% Residential

* 13.7% Commercial

* 3.9% Industrial

* 5.4% Agriculture

* 0.4% Utility

* 5.4% Exempt from Property Taxes

Source: Gail Snyder Auditor for the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance for Floyd County

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Property taxes in Indiana are administered at the local level with oversight by the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance. DLGF states that more than 99 percent of the revenue generated by our property taxes remain in our community.

Source: Gail Snyder DLGF

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Let's look at EDIT, Rainy Day, and Riverboat Funds.

Mayor England, have you looked at the balance in these funds that might help to bail you out?

We can't help you with this information because the City Controller has refused to make this information public.

So we went to the Department of Local Government Finace for answers:

2008 CAGIT DISTRIBUTIONS:

Floyd County ~ 2008 Certified Shares - $2,997,380

New Albany Civil City ~2008 Cerified Shares - $3,722,397

2008 EDIT DISTRIBUTIONS:

Floyd County ~ 2008 Certified Shares - $2,185,381

New Albany Civil City ~2008 Certified Shares - $2,731,466

Source: Department of Local Government Finance

Take the $377,000 from EDIT and your problem is solved!

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Freedom Of Speech also received the following e-mail dated:
January 11, 2008

Dear Taxpayers of New Albany,

Last year, increases in property taxes around the state spurred a call-to-action at all levels of government to ensure a fair and equitable property tax system for all Hoosier taxpayers.

Property taxes are the primary source of funding for local governments.

Thus, increases - or decreases - in property taxes are a result of "total local spending and fiscal management." The Citizen's Petition and Romonstrance is also part of that effort so taxpayers can ensure their voices are heard.

The DLGF is continully working to assist taxpayers in understanding local government taxation and holding local units of government accountable for responsible spending.

Sincerely,

Cheryl A.W. Musgrave

Commissioner

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Freedom of Speech would like to say:

Same old scare tactics, we will have to cut back essential services. As usual we see no mention of cuts that involve administrative assistants, billing clerks, engineers, attorneys , consultants or any number of other "essential" personal. Also, no mention of anyone having to give up a take home car, cell phones, perks or why not freeze spending.

Just the tip of the iceberg, but the only cuts our mayor can find are police and fire.

Mayor England...Where have you been? The New Albany Taxpayers have been crying for RELIEF from the high property tax bills. Do you not intend to listen to the Voices of the Taxpayers?

You're driving around town in a $50,000 automobile that the taxpayers are paying for.

Your Deputy Mayors are driving around in city own cars.

Is it true that our city has provided former Mayor Garner a city owned vehicle in his new sewer position?

You as Mayor are only trying to protect your projects, instead of "tightening your spending" to provide relief to property taxpayers.

What do we property taxpayers do with our budgets when our car breaks down, or our kids get sick and when we have large gas or electric bills this winter? We either cut back or go and get another job or work overtime!

But this City, they give raises, don't follow Indiana statues, and continue to appropriate more money. They stack the boards and play political favorites to get what they want.

Then they threaten to cut services. Why cut services when the City of New Albany taxpayers aren't getting what we paid for anyway?

The burden is always put on the backs of the property owners!

Now England's answer to all of this is:

Five to six officers could lose their jobs or a fire station might be shut down. "Show me the fat and I'll cut it off. We're at bare bones now."

Our reply Mayor England to you is "Bull-shit." Cut your payroll, lay five to six officers off and stop threating us property taxpayers!

Freedom Of Speech does not have all the answers, but, we sure know when we are not being given the whole truth!

PROPERTY TAX REFORM & REFERENDUMS UP FOR COMMITTEE VOTE FEBRUARY 19

Referendums on all major local government building projects, including projects for growing school districts, will most likely be included in the property tax reform package now being considered in the Indiana Senate.


Senator Luke Kenley, Chairman of the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee, has said the Senate will make alot of changes to the legislation passed by the House. Kenley also said a key change will be to restore the referendum proposal giving voters the final okay on any new major building projects including growing school districts.


Lobbyists for teachers and schools testified for five hours on Tuesday, February 6, in support of the amendment exempting all classroom-related projects saying the existing petition and remonstrance system is adequate and all that is needed. Kenley said the public has lost confidence in the government's ability to make these kinds of decisions, and referendums are needed to give the voters a direct voice in municipal building projects.


The Senate will continue debating changes to House Bill 1001 before Kenley and his committee vote on February 19. The bill will then move to the full Senate for debate. All changes made by the Senate must be approved by the House. If they cannot agree, the bill will move to a joint House-Senate committee who must then hammer out a final version before the legislative deadline of March 14.


Other changes the House made to House Bill 1001 include increasing the earning income tax credit for the working poor from 6 percent to 9 percent and doubling the renter's deduction on state income taxes from $2,500 to $5,000. It is unlikely the Senate will keep the earned income tax credit increase in the current legislation. Kenley and Senator Robert Meeks, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, both feel the earned income tax credit will have to wait until next year when the new state budget is crafted. Part of the reason is the state fiscal position is not very good at the moment. Tax collections have been slumping, and the state has taken in $43 million less this fiscal year than was expected. The Senate will continue to look at the renter's deducation because Kenley feels help for renters is tied to property taxes.

HOOSIERS GETTING HIP

FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob addressed a joint meeting of the House and Senate health committees yesterday. He took the opportunity to give an update on the progress of the plan to those legislators who worked the hardest to make Governor Daniels' Health Indiana Plan a reality.

Applications for Indiana's new insurance program for low-income Hoosiers are coming in faster than the state can process them.

Since the Healthy Plan went live Jan. 1, more than 21,000 Hoosiers have applied for it. To date, a little more than 6,000 of those applications have been processed by the state Family and Social Services Administration.

"We think that's just remarkable."

CONSTITUTIONS FORBID!

Article I, Section 22, of the Indiana Constitution forbids the seizure and sales of homes for payment of taxes. Article 8 taxes only corporate property, not personal property, for public schools. Actually, most of what Indiana government now does is clearly forbidden by both the Indiana and federal constitutions our politicians swear to uphold and defend.

So the bottom line is that we've worried enough about the methods and degrees of taxation. It's time to wonder why we pay any taxes at all to our lawbreaking lawmakers and some elected officials!

Our money goes to developers, engineers, and attorneys yet we have to pay extra for our day in court.

Our police don't investigate property crimes much anymore, yet they have time for speed traps and road blocks.

The problem is that our local government is ungoverned. We must either demand that local elected officials and council members obey written laws as written.

Freedom Of Speech would like to say:

For the record, while we and others strongly support the repeal of property taxes, not all of us believe that it will, BY ITSELF, solve everything. It is simply the first of many neccessary steps to restore public faith in fair taxation.

STRAIGHT TALK FROM MITCH

Governor Daniels attended the Association of Indiana Counties meeting last week and spoke on his plan to cap property taxes and cut local spending.

As you can imagine, the reception wasn't what you would call 'warm' in a room full of people who think they need more of your tax dollars, not less. No matter your opinion of Governor Daniels, you have to love the fact that there are still politicians around today who will walk into a room full of people who hate his plan and shoot this straight:

In a speech before nearly 200 government officials from across the state -- some of whom might lose their jobs under historic government reforms endorsed by Daniels -- the governor took some tough questions.

Like the one from Tony Wolfe, the Gibson County Council president, who warned Daniels that his plan to place caps on local government spending could result in layoffs or cuts in local services.

"You know, Tony, that's life," responded Daniels. "Every business is facing this.

"You are saying that "I think I need another 6 percent." What are you going to tell that fanily that is already struggling to pay this year's bills?"

Daniels is not sure government is more responsive with more elected officials.

A single executive, like a mayor, would feel the pressure to make the right decision when it comes to spending big money, he said.

"Those are hard decisions, where somebody has to say no, or not yet, or not quite," Daniels said.

"The question can no longer be: How much does local government think it needs? It has to be: How much can the local taxpayer reasonably be expected to pay?"

All they can get from us property taxpayers Mitch!

Freedom Of Speech would like to say this sounds like someone locally we know and it's not Mayor England either.

Go Gov...

You got our vote!

SUPER TUESDAY

"On Super Tuesday, millions of Americans had the opportunity to have their voices heard. From a faltering economy to the many challenges we face abroad, Americans are ready for a president who will deliver the real solutions we need."

Delegate count - the leaders so far:

Democrats

Clinton - 845

Obama - 765

Republicans

McCain - 613

Romney - 269

Huckabee - 190

Source: C-SPAN

John McCain isn't home free yet. McCain's victory celebration was tempered a bit by warning signs that he has yet to win over Republican partisans and the party's most conservative voters many of whom remain suspicious of his maverick past on such issues as taxes and immigration. And he could face a bitter endgame with former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney as conservative critics scramble to deny the Arizona senator the presidential nomination.

"He's trying to sell himself as a real conservative" in this race but he's really depending on the votes of moderates. If he continues this pattern and manages to win the nomination, we think it's trouble for him down the road with uniting the republican party.

Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton put the brakes on surging rival Barack Obama in a coast-to-coast Super Tuesday struggle, each emerging with enough wins and delegates to continue their historic quest to become the first female or black nominee of a major party.

Obama, the Illinois senator, swept into the contests on record fundrising, heavy advertising and a parade of celebrrity endorsements, wiping out double-digit national and state polling leads long held by the New York senator and former first lady. But Clinton was lifted by voters concern about the economy and continued strong support from women and Hispanics.

On a night with 22 states in play, Clinton notched a prized victory in California as well as wins in Oklahoma, Tennessee, New Jersey, Arizona, her New York home and her former home of Arkansas. In what her campaign called the "upset of the night," she also won Massachusetts, despite Kerry and a massing of Kennedy family support behind Obama.

Source: MSNBC News, C-SPAN, Fox News, and CNN News

Freedom Of Speech would like to say too often women are over looked as great leaders, but remember only a strong woman can handle the pressures she has had to endure. What other nominee has had dozens of websites dedicated to defacing their person and their record? Bringing in allies is her strategy for defeating terrorism and providing security to all Americans home and abroad. Hillary knows how to fix health care and she is dedicated to solving our problems.

Hillary = Solutions

Several news media states Mr. Obama is the 'only candidate' who can bring about CHANGE. No, not the only candidate but we can say Hillary is the only candidate with the experience to pick up the reins and run them because she has the experience to know what to expect & how to go at it. We continue to be amazed at this woman's brillance. She is very, very good at answering questions on the fly. No matter what the subject matter is, Hillary has an answer right then. She doesn't stutter, hesitate or have to think about it. And her answers are detailed, concise and to the point.

But most of all Hillary has the "fire in the belly" desire to win!

We believe Hillary will truly be the "people's President."

LAST WEEK AT THE STATEHOUSE

It was a short week at the Statehouse. The Senate finished their third reading calendar on Tuesday and the House followed suit on Wednesday. They are officially at the half way point of this legislative session. At this time, bills that remain alive will switch houses and committee hearings will start over again.


While the 2008 session began with 470 bills , the list is now down to 160 bills that are still eligible to move through the legislative process. HB 1001, the Governor's property tax reform bill, is among these bills and remain a top priority. Last week, HB 1001 passed the House by a 93-1 vote and is scheduled to be heard before the Tax & Fiscal Policy Committee, chaired by Senator Luke Kenley, on Tuesday, February 5.


The impact of HB 1001 is significant.

One of the major concerns with this bill is the spending and growth control limitations that set these limitations for all units within a county based on a county's six year average of personal income; this will create both winning and losing counties. For those counties with no or little personal growth, there will be limited potential for future growth.


In addition, all political subdivisions' budgets will be capped based on these calculations. Revenues including spending caps are property taxes, local income taxes, motor vehicle excise taxes, the wheel tax, inkeepers taxes, food and beverage taxes and county admission taxes. Revenues affected could also potentially include riverboat revenues, landfill revenues and fee revenues (excluding certain utility fee revenues). To spend beyond the spending cap limit under this bill, a unit (city government) must get the approval from a referendum. All fund balances from these revenues not used in one year must be saved until the following year to go toward property tax relief!


February 5, 2008
Tax & Fiscal Policy
9:00 a.m., Rm. 431
HB 1001 (Property tax relief)


Changes made on HB 1001 ~ Property tax relief


* It changes the 100% deduction for inventory into an exemption


* Imposes additional spending and property tax levy limits on political subdivisions, eliminates excessive levy appeals and requires spending and levies in excess of the tax and spending limits to be approved in a referendum.


Freedom Of Speech would like to say:


The size of taxation in what ever form - depends completely on the amount of government spending. At the end of the day, if Indiana voters believe taxes are too high, it follows that our government is too large.

IS THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL?

Every day we see more signs of incompetence and fraud in our city government.

What is fraud?

The dictionary says:

"A deception deliberately practiced in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain."

On Dec. 31, 2007, Garner's last day in office, he said in a letter to William C. Cochran, Special Assistant to IUS Chancellor, Sandra Patterson-Randles, that the charges would be $156,688 for the sewer tap ins plus a drainage fee of $10,950 and $5 for an inspection, a total of $167,643.

That is almost $58,000 less than the $225,455 that the city had originally said the university would have to pay.

1/30/08 CJ - Despite the reduction, Cochran, who is also our Democratic State Representative, has been talking to city officials about further lowering the charge. IUS has said it "DOES NOT HAVE FUNDS BUDGETED" to pay the fee.

Freedom of Speech was informed that State Representative Cochran is a special assistant with a salary of about $78,000 a year.

So we ask, "Whose interest is Cochran looking out for?"

IUS that pays him a salary or the citizens of New Albany who elected him?

Our sources tell us that before the end of 2007 Cochran approached Sewer Board members and ask them to cut IUS a deal and reduce tap in fees. They said "NO" if we do it for one we have to do it for all.

We have also been told that Sister Barbara of Providence House for Children ask the same Sewer Board for reduction of tap in fees and was told, " NO" if we do it for one we have to do it for all.

The previous sewer board was counting on these fees for upcoming 2008 city sewer repairs.

Was Councilman Coffey pushing to set up this new 3 member Sewer Board to be able to give perks to all their friends?

Freedom Of Speech would like to know why should IUS get a reduction in sewer tap in fees and why are they so special? Why would any university who is building around 400 dorms not put funds in their budget to afford paying these tap in fees?

How many Outhouses are they going to need for 400 dorms now?

The New Albany Sewer Board agreed Tuesday to waive tap in fees for two new houses in a show of support for affordable living. A unanimous vote by the board eliminated the $1,650 sewer tap in fee on two homes recently built by New Albany Community Housing. (CHDO) Deputy Mayor Carl Malysz said the city has encouraged development of housing for low-to-moderate level income families, and waiving the fee is a way to help.

Freedom of Speech would like to know Deputy Mayor Malysz why would you eliminate the $1,650 tap in fee for CHDO low income families, what about all the other low-to-moderate income families of New Albany?

Why is Deputy Mayor Malysz focusing only on Non Profit Organizations and not residential sewer rate payers? Will you Deputy Mayor Malysz be waiving tap in fees for all Non-Profit Groups?

All the deals being cut are not costing CHDO and IUS, but rate payers like you and us property owners. This is part of the reason our property taxes are going up because this new adminstration doesn't "give a damn" about the rest of us!

Yes we know...we didn't vote for him either and this is why!

They are looking out for their cronies and those 64% of campaign favors they have to pay back.

The hand writing is on the wall property owners.

Our sewer bills are going to be going up at least $2.00 more a month because there is "no money" for additional sewer repairs and there is "NO accountability in our" local government...

Why should residents have to pay and let Non-Profit Organizations like CHDO and IUS get a free ride?

Contact Mayor Douglas B. England and ask him why at:
Office: (812) 948-5333
Cell phone: 502-523-5726
Home : (812) 944-1982
mayor@cityofnewalbany.com

Make him earn that $11,000 raise...

And you Sir...Dougie, could your administration be described as bungling and incompetant? When and where will your administration get the money to fix our sewers and sewer problems on 15th Street?

Maybe Mayor England has not read his letter from the Indiana Department of Local Government asking all counties to use 2007 budgets until the 2008 budgets can be approved.

Freedom Of Speech would like to also say we elected Mr. Cochran to the legislature. Let us remind him that the taxpayers are suffering from property tax increases and many people can not afford to keep their homes.

Senior citizens and middle class citizens are suffering because of high property taxes and high sewer bills!

Do your homework boys!

URGENT REQUEST: Call 800-372-7181

If you care about "Greenways" like we do,

PLEASE call: 800-372-7181 (legislative hotline)

Operators are in place to answer your call:

* Provide your name, address, and phone number.

* "My message is for House BR Sub on transportation."

* "I want to save $2 Billion and I support 86-64."

---

Dear Supporter,

We need your help!

Today we confirmed that we will be presenting to the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transporation this Monday, February 4th. The meeting will be at 2 pm in room 131 of the Capitol Annex. This is our chance to impact this project at the state level. We would like to have a strong showing of support, so please spread the word.

If you can't attend our presentation on Monday, PLEASE show your support right now by calling:

800-372-7181 (legislative hotline)

As they say, operators are standing by. Please, make the call right now. There has never been a more critical time to impact this project!

Thanks for your time and support.

Tyler Allen and JC Stites
http://www.8664.org/

P.S. We don't have lobbyists or high-priced attorneys, we are relying on the grassroots support and common sense of this community.

Thank you for helping us make our case.

Meeting details:

Monday, February 4, 2008

Arrival Time 1:40 p.m.

Meeting will be from 2:00-3:30pm

Room 131, Capital Annex

702 Capital Avenue

Frankfort, Ky 40601

If you would like to arrange for a carpool, please email info@8664.org and we will help to facilite.

Help Support 8664 make this quick call!
800-372-7181

WARM UP THE "VETO PEN MITCH"...

Legislator's tell us they saw the "perfect storm" coming, which apparently didn't compel them to take evasive action. Now, they can't see "exactly" how repeal and replacement will work.

These same Republi-Can'ts and Demo-Can'ts have one thing in common, they're defined by what they can't do.

The Governor's plan is quickly being watered down, and in no time will be no different than what we have today, except that we will be paying more in Sales taxes. the "phase in approach" is a big mistake, as relief is needed now - not two years from now!

We need voter referendum in whatever bill, or ordinance that passes. As voters we can settle for no less. This is key to controlling future spending.

Local government at all levels must cut their budgets and be forced to live on a budget as everyone else must. Otherwise we all continue to suffer and we will never see effective tax reform.

Abusive taxation will destroy the middle class of this state and our nation. We agree some taxes are necessary, public safety, roads, schools but the problem is that they are not efficient nor can they be properly controlled.

But...

Article 8 section 2 Indiana state constitution clearly states revenue for the school system is to come from corporate tax money not homesteads.

Does anybody feel they should at least follow the laws that they swear to uphold?

Our elected still do not understand. Do away with the property taxes, let citizens own their land!

We feel it is very important we as citizens be permitted to own land. Land is the foundation of wealth. Who controls the land controls the wealth. In our current financial status only our government and banks control the wealth.

The government is going to refund our tax money hoping we will put it back in the banks in time to cover the losses of bad loans.

Had citizens in all states not just Indiana been permitted to really own land the government would not control all aspects of the wealth.

Removal of property taxes and a shift to sales taxes would have kept economy on a better footing. Citizens would have slowly balanced the cash and like a personal checking account not overdrawn the funds.

We will pay to support local government but we want more control via sales tax so we can decide what, where and when to pay. In return local government must cut and control spending at all levels.

Let Indiana lead the nation and see how many will be attracted to our state.

Our working citizens support the many entitlements and major building projects our elected decide to put in place. If we are asked to support these projects and their bonding issues we should have a means to say when and how we desire to pay for them.

It would seem that partisan politics will tear any and all good intentions apart and we'll be left with a Swiss cheese type of band aid fix for tax reform.

Governor Daniels needs to step in and let them know this business as usual approach won't fly. Warm up the "veto pen Mitch" and make them start over.

"property taxpayers of Indiana will back you."

From the Declaration of Independence, "that to secure these rights, Government are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the govern, -- That when ever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

Our legislator's will not listen. What happen to,"We The People"?