AN OPEN LETTER; From: Robert Harper, Porter County Commissioner:
Last year, I testified in Indianapolis in front of the House Ways and Means Committee. The testimony I gave the committee was in support of the 1% property tax 'cap' on real estate. (This cap was originally introduced by the Governor, but at this time, it has wide range bipartisan support).
Because I testified late in the day, I sat through an entire day of hearings listening to others testify regarding the proposed limit on Indiana property taxes. Most of those that testified were either local government office holders, such as county commissioners or county councilman, or members of varied lobbyist groups in Indianapolis.
With the exception of my testimony, and that of county council people of Allen County, the testimony that day was overwhelming against the legislature passing these caps. I have to say I was truly amazed at the pressure that was put on these lawmakers not to pass these caps.
I listened throughout the day to local officials across the state saying things to the effect that they stood to lose 30% to 50% of their police departments and patrol officers, and they could not continue to operate their governments if the caps were to pass.
Several years ago, Porter County lost approximately 17% of its operating budget when Bethlehem Steel went bankrupt. Massive cut-backs had to be made. Despite this, government survived and services continued to be offered to our citizens.
I want to see the State Constitution amended and these tax caps made permanent, and I know many of you reading this also want to see this happen.
Because so many individuals and lobbyist groups are downstate pressuring our senators and representatives not to pass this cap, it is vitally important that they also hear from you, the average taxpayer.
I encourage you to email your legislator and encourage him or her to back this entire tax package, including the Amendment to the Constitution. Only in this way can the whole story and all sides of this debate be presented to your legislators.
Thank You,
Robert Harper, Porter County Commissioner, Porter County Indiana
