Ruppel Voices Opposition To Property Tax Relief Bill

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer-

State Rep. Bill Ruppel (R-North Manchester) called in the news Friday, saying the House Democrats approved House Bill 1001 regarding property tax relief.

Ruppel doesn't like what is being forwarded to the Senate.

"If you have a farm of over 900 acres, your taxes, 2003 pay for 2004, will increase more than last year," he said.

Also going up under the legislation are taxes on homes valued at less than $75,000 and farm of less than 200 acres. He predicted renters will have higher rents and less upkeep with the passage of this bill. Homeowners with property valued at between $75,000 and $200,000 will save money.

"This is a shell game without a pea," said the North Manchester resident. "No matter where you guess, you lose. The bill hurts the people who are blue collar workers, towns that are frugal, small home owners, large farmers and large landholders.

"Taxpayers will be held victim to this sham of a tax decrease."

One of the provisions of the bill is a tax levy roll-back. Any entity that has not gone to the maximum levy will be capped. Because the rules are changed, cities and town that have already figured their budgets will have to redo all their budgets because the rates are changed.

Not that the Republican-led Senate will approve the House version without significant modifications.

"I don't know if it'll go past Senate, it was a straight party line vote (in the House). I think the Senate will make massive changes and we won't be out of here by Dec. 5 either, unless everyone just stops and waits until January.

"There are so many little things where the money goes up here and down there. If you take your money and move it from right pocket to left pocket, you still have the same amount of money.

"The Farm Bureau is against the bill," Ruppel said. The governor asked us not to pass the bill, the Renters Association, small business people, the Apartment Association, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce are all against it."

Homestead and other property credits will be compensated for by increases to other property owners.

The legislation passed 51 to 49. Ruppel claims the House Republicans were in caucus at the time.

"The Speaker (Patrick Bauer) called for a vote on his own. When we came back from caucus, it didn't matter, there were enough votes to pass it."

Ruppel urges anyone with questions to call him at the Statehouse, 800-382-9841, or e-mail: [email protected]

"Right now we're not helping taxpayers, I'm very concerned about it," Ruppel said. [[In-content Ad]]

State Rep. Bill Ruppel (R-North Manchester) called in the news Friday, saying the House Democrats approved House Bill 1001 regarding property tax relief.

Ruppel doesn't like what is being forwarded to the Senate.

"If you have a farm of over 900 acres, your taxes, 2003 pay for 2004, will increase more than last year," he said.

Also going up under the legislation are taxes on homes valued at less than $75,000 and farm of less than 200 acres. He predicted renters will have higher rents and less upkeep with the passage of this bill. Homeowners with property valued at between $75,000 and $200,000 will save money.

"This is a shell game without a pea," said the North Manchester resident. "No matter where you guess, you lose. The bill hurts the people who are blue collar workers, towns that are frugal, small home owners, large farmers and large landholders.

"Taxpayers will be held victim to this sham of a tax decrease."

One of the provisions of the bill is a tax levy roll-back. Any entity that has not gone to the maximum levy will be capped. Because the rules are changed, cities and town that have already figured their budgets will have to redo all their budgets because the rates are changed.

Not that the Republican-led Senate will approve the House version without significant modifications.

"I don't know if it'll go past Senate, it was a straight party line vote (in the House). I think the Senate will make massive changes and we won't be out of here by Dec. 5 either, unless everyone just stops and waits until January.

"There are so many little things where the money goes up here and down there. If you take your money and move it from right pocket to left pocket, you still have the same amount of money.

"The Farm Bureau is against the bill," Ruppel said. The governor asked us not to pass the bill, the Renters Association, small business people, the Apartment Association, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce are all against it."

Homestead and other property credits will be compensated for by increases to other property owners.

The legislation passed 51 to 49. Ruppel claims the House Republicans were in caucus at the time.

"The Speaker (Patrick Bauer) called for a vote on his own. When we came back from caucus, it didn't matter, there were enough votes to pass it."

Ruppel urges anyone with questions to call him at the Statehouse, 800-382-9841, or e-mail: [email protected]

"Right now we're not helping taxpayers, I'm very concerned about it," Ruppel said. [[In-content Ad]]

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

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