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Representative Ed Clere
Indiana State House of Representatives



CLERE:  You Make the Call


STATEHOUSE -- In last week’s column, I noted that there were 22 days left for a vote on constitutional property tax caps. Now, a week later, we’re down to 15.

Since that last column, while some Hoosiers continued to live in fear of losing their homes because of high property taxes, we debated bicycle law.

No longer will Hoosier cyclists have to fear a citation for taking a hand off the handlebars to wipe their brow, take a drink or scratch.

That’s right. Instead of debating tax caps, we spent time — quite a bit of time — on a law that would make it legal to scratch while riding a bike.

The whole thing made me itch.

The only way the House of Representatives will get to vote on caps is if Speaker B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, allows it. He’s not listening to his fellow Democrats who want to keep faith with taxpayers by continuing to honor the promise they made last year to “cut now, cap forever,” and he’s certainly not listening to me or any other Republican.

He really needs to hear from you.

Last week, I asked you to contact me if you support tax caps. Many of you did.

I didn’t hear from anyone opposed to the caps, which are contained in Senate Joint Resolution 1. The resolution was adopted by the House and Senate last year, and the Senate already has adopted it again this year.

A second adoption by the House is the last necessary step for sending it to the ballot, where Hoosier voters would have the final say on whether caps will become a part of our state constitution.

If you support caps, call Bauer toll-free at 1-800-382-9842. Ask at least 10 other people to call, and ask each of them to recruit 10 more people. We need to flood the switchboard. When you call, say you are calling to voice your support for SJR 1 and that you want the speaker to put it to a vote now.

If 50 readers were to do this, the speaker would receive more than 5,000 calls. Keeping in mind that April 15 is the deadline for a vote — feel free to call every weekday between now and then.

It’s fitting that the deadline for a vote falls on tax day. Bauer — and only Bauer — has the power to make that day less painful for Hoosiers for generations to come.

The tax caps are already in law. They were passed last year and signed into law by the governor. The Legislature told taxpayers that putting the caps in law would provide temporary relief and protection during the process necessary for amending the constitution to include permanent caps.

Cut now, cap forever.

In a surprise move last week, House Democrats underscored the need for constitutional protection.

The caps already in law are being phased in. This year, taxes are capped at 1.5 percent on homesteads, 2.5 percent on rental and agricultural property and 3.5 percent on commercial property. Next year, the caps drop to 1 percent, 2 percent and 3 percent.

House Democrats introduced an amendment that would accelerate full implementation of the caps by making the lower rates effective this year.

It passed overwhelmingly, but it’s very unlikely to survive in the Senate.

Rep. Jeff Espich, R-Uniondale, saw the irony in the Democrats’ sudden move.

“It’s a phony gesture if it’s an excuse not to act on a constitutional amendment that will save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars for probably decades,” Espich said. “How easy it is to change the law.”

One reader who responded to last week’s column got right to the point with a similar observation:

“Just a note to let you and the other legislators know that I fully support SJR 1. The cap for property tax needs to be implemented now. Those who don’t vote in favor are telling me they want to raise this tax in the future.”

I wish I could share every comment.

Another reader wrote: “It was unbelievable how much property tax I was paying before the reduction. I was going to put my place up for sale and move. But now I will stay. Let’s get this vote.”

Indeed. Let’s get this vote.

Call the speaker today, tomorrow and every day until we get to vote or until April 15, whichever comes first.

As we approach the final, critical weeks of the legislative session, I want to make sure your voice is heard in Indianapolis.

I will be holding town hall meetings from 9:30 to 11: 30 a.m. April 11, and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 17. We’re still working on locations.

I will have a post-session town hall meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. May 2.

Please mark your calendars, and tell your friends. But first, call the speaker.

Rep. Ed Clere represents District 72 in the Indiana House of Representatives. He may be reached by phone at 800-382-9841, by e-mail at h72@in.gov or by mail at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Room 401-7, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
You can also email Representative Bauer at h6@in.gov.
          







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Floyd County Republican Party - Floyd County, Indiana 2008
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