Taxpayers need HB579

State law provides all the mechanisms needed to raise property taxes, and as a result, many Idahoans are being taxed out of their homes.

We're offering a different approach. We are co-sponsoring legislation (House Bill 579), which allows property taxpayers the opportunity to reduce taxes by the same process that's used to raise taxes. This bill gives Idahoans a much-needed outlet for property-tax relief, while promoting accountability with local governments.

It's high time to change the mindset in this state. At the moment, the advantage tilts to the taxation structure we've created that digs into the pockets of hard-working Idahoans. The property taxpayers, meanwhile, have limited recourse.

HB 579 levels the playing field. It gives taxpayers the authority to resist excessive property taxes and initiate local-option property tax relief in the form of a budget limitation or reduction of the property tax portion of the district's budget. An election on a budget limitation may be held after the district adopts a budget for the forthcoming fiscal year. Registered voters may initiate any budget limitation election by petition from at least 10 percent of the number of people voting at the last election of the taxing district, just as we already do in other local elections.

As you might imagine, we're hearing a lot of concerns over this proposal from those who object to the mere thought of having their revenue stream cut, or having to justify their budgets. Opposition comes from some of those who think that constitutional requirement for a two-thirds vote on tax increases is too restrictive. These are the people who generally are well represented during every legislative session by special-interest lobbyists.

We're hearing no criticism from those who have to pay the bills -- Idaho's taxpayers, which is what we are. We can relate to the folks who work hard to provide for their families or senior citizens who try to make ends meet on fixed incomes -- only to find that property taxes keep going up. The hard-working taxpayers may not have the ability to hire lobbyists to promote their interests, but we're trying to make sure the taxpayers are not forgotten in the legislative process.

All elected officials -- whether we are in the Idaho Legislature or a local taxing district -- never want to forget who we work for. The needs of our constituents must be the highest priority in our decision-making.

The time is right for the Idaho Legislature to approve House Bill 579.

(Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, is the House Majority Leader. Rep. Rich Wills, R-Glenn Ferry, is Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.)