Politics before Property Taxes

I found this disturbing post (hat tip to Taking Down Words) on Bilerico today.  According to this story, the Statehouse GOP members are NOT going to address property tax reform in a special session, unless the Gay Marriage amendment can be passed at the same time.

From what I'm hearing, the Republicans are still angry that SJR-7, the constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions, failed on a tie vote in the House earlier this year. Before they're willing to address property tax reform, they want the amendment back on the table and passed in the same special session. No amendment - no tax relief. And since Republican Governor Mitch Daniels (or "The Blade" as BushCo called him when he worked on their team) is to blame for the dramatic increases in taxes, is it no wonder that the Republicans are desperate for a scapegoat?

Unbelievable.

Comments

[Kody Tinnel]

It is ridiculous when anyone tries to take time to make laws against gay marriage and/or same sex civil unions. To me it goes against the US Constitution and is a waste of taxpayer dollars. True conservatives should be outraged that anyone, especially Republicans are using a stunt like this to get things done.

[Mike Sylvester]

There is no reason to have a Special Session. Everyone knew this was coming and the Dems and Reps could not agree on how to fix it/ They did not want to extend the legislative session.

What is going on right now is purely pandering from both Reps and Dems.

Mike Sylvester

[Kevin Knuth]

Mike,

I find it interesting- Pat Bauer is NOT in favor of a special session unless the Governor has a plan to discuss, that both parties can agree too. Mitch Daniels, at this time does not have a plan.

I am not sure how the Democrats are pandering.

But I am curious- isn't Matt Kelty's planned "Property Tax Protest Rally" pandering as well?

[Mike Sylvester]

Kevin:

I heard Jill Long say that high property taxes were Mitch Daniel's fault.

Graham Richard said high property taxes were the fault of the State legislature.

High property taxes are due to local spending being out of control. The State did lower the property tax credit; however, as you know, I think the State should stop subsidizing property taxes and that the State should instead lower some State taxes and allow localities to set some of their own taxes.

Yes, I do think Matt's press conference is also pandering.

Mike Sylvester

[Ikonita]

There is nothing surprising about Republicans acting like Republicans. What is shocking is when Democrats act like Republicans, and on this issue, they have no defense. The Democrats have long since degenerated into the bigoted "state's rights" position on the gay marriage issue. In other words, they believe that someone's civil rights should be up to popular vote. Personally, any democrat should be embarassed to be a member of such a party.