FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kenley: bipartisan property tax hearings to begin July 23
(STATEHOUSE) – State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) today announced the first in a series of public hearings on property taxes will be hosted at 9 a.m., Monday, July 23, in the auditorium of the Indiana Government Center South, 402 West Washington St., Indianapolis.
Kenley, recently named chair of the Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy, said those unable to attend may view the proceedings live via the Internet or by watching an archived version. Both will be available at http://www.in.gov/legislative/session/video.html.
The commission is comprised of Republican and Democrat lawmakers from both the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives. The commission meets when the legislature is not in session.
In addition to Kenley, other commission members include Sens. John E. Broden (D-South Bend), Brandt E. Hershman (R-Wheatfield), and Reps. P. Eric Turner (R-Marion) and Peggy Welch (D-Bloomington).
Kenley and legislative leaders agreed earlier this week that immediate bipartisan hearings should commence and focus on “causes of property tax increases as well as short- and long-term solutions.”
“I am hopeful the hearings will provide more public understanding of local governments’ needs and options and will create bipartisan support among local officials for shifting costs of local government away from property taxes,” Kenley said. “The first hearing will include testimony from local government officials and state lawmakers, but most important, property taxpayers. Our focus will be on problems people are facing and whatever options are available and affordable.’
Kenley said the commission is expected to continue hearings throughout the summer and fall. All meetings will be open to the public and as much testimony will be heard as time at each hearing allows.
-30-
|
