Oppose Property Tax “Reform”

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recently proposed property tax reform plan introduced by House Republicans, as reported by the Indiana Capital Chronicle on April 7, 2025. As a resident of Valparaiso, I am worried about the potential negative impacts this proposal may have on our local community. While I understand the intention behind providing property tax relief to homeowners, this proposal appears to disproportionately affect local government budgets, including essential services such as law enforcement, road maintenance, and, most critically, our public schools. According to analyses, the plan could reduce funding for local units of government by approximately $1.15 billion, with schools bearing nearly half of this reduction. Such significant cuts could severely compromise the quality of education and public safety in our community. Furthermore, this proposal may lead to a shift in the tax burden to other property classes, such as businesses, farmers, and rental properties, potentially destabilizing our local economy. Additionally, Indiana already maintains a relatively low tax burden compared to other states, with median annual property taxes significantly below the national average. Further reductions could undermine the funding necessary for essential public services that contribute to our state’s quality of life. I urge you to consider the long-term implications of this property tax reform and to oppose measures that would jeopardize the financial stability of our local governments and the well-being of our community. Instead, I encourage the pursuit of balanced solutions that provide relief to homeowners without compromising the essential services that all residents rely upon. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I trust you will represent the best interests of our community in your deliberations.