On Monday, the Idaho Democratic leadership held a press conference to propose a slate of Democratic solutions that would address the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and set the state on the path to a better future. Senate Democratic Leader Michelle Stennett/(D-Ketchum) and House Democratic Leader Representative Ilana Rubel/(D-Boise) outlined actions that should be taken at the state level to …
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As an Idaho taxpayer and state representative, it is my priority to address the property tax problem that is crushing everyday Idahoans. Governor Little has proposed the use of pandemic relief funds for lowering property taxes related to emergency services. Let’s be clear, however: this is a temporary fix for a broken system. Property values are still rising, and we …
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Coronavirus has made many of Idaho’s problems significantly worse. Property taxes are no exception. Before coronavirus, Idaho legislators were hearing from hundreds of constituents that property taxes are out of control. Our citizens were being priced out of their houses and forced to leave the neighborhoods that they had planned to spend the rest of their lives in. Unfortunately, the …
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Idaho can have the brightest future possible when we are inclusive and ensure that everyone has opportunities to contribute to the success of their community. Unfortunately, our state is moving away from these ideals. It is a dark day when the governor signs three discriminatory bills into law at once, as he did this week. House bill 440 will remove …
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Idaho State Capitol – On Friday, Senate State Affairs voted to print two property tax bills. The first would raise the homeowners exemption to $120,000 and restore indexing. The second would increase the Circuit Breaker property tax relief. Representative Lauren Necochea/(D-Boise) commented on the two pieces of legislation. “I was pleased to see that Republicans are finally willing to hear …
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Idaho State Capitol – On Friday, the House debated amendments to Senate Bill 1277. The original legislation made changes to the application process for the Idaho homestead exemption. However, the legislation was sent to General Orders on Friday morning. “SB 1277 was heard at the last minute this morning in House Revenue and Taxation.” Representative Ilana Rubel/(D-Boise) explained. “Republican leadership …
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Boise, Idaho – On Thursday, the Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee voted to send HB409 to the amending order on the Senate floor. This legislation would freeze the portion of a taxing district’s budget that they could receive from property taxes. This bill will limit the operating budgets of districts and will not help the property tax crisis. The …
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Idaho State Capitol – On Friday, Senator Grant Burgoyne/(D-Boise), Senator Kelly Anthon/(R-Burley) and Senator Dave Lent/(R-Idaho Falls) released their jointly drafted Circuit Breaker legislation. The current draft legislation would increase Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction program benefit (oftentimes called the Circuit Breaker) from $1,320 to $2,000 and adjust the income thresholds required to qualify for the property tax relief. Idahoans who …
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Idaho State Capitol – On Thursday, the House Revenue and Taxation Committee sent H409 to the House floor with a do pass recommendation. The legislation would freeze the property tax portion of a taxing district’s budget for one year with the exception of school taxing districts. Representative Lauren Necochea/(D-Boise) and other Democrats on the committee voted against the motion to …
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Idahoans rely on effective local governments. First responders and law enforcement keep our communities healthy and safe. Adequate roads allow residents to arrive at their destinations without harm. Libraries provide opportunities for enrichment and job training. And our courts protect our constitutional right to due process. Unfortunately, state policies and market forces are making it extremely difficult for local governments …
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