Property Taxes Again

Owning private property is a hallmark of our economic system and separates us from most other countries in the world. Part of the American dream is owning your own home or business. If you think you own your home, don’t pay your property taxes and see who really owns your home.

Yesterday, I was at the Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy meeting where property taxes were discussed. I could only stay for two and a half hours, but the personal comments from the audience were powerful. Unfortunately, the committee seemed most interested in reforming the system instead of eliminating the system. The dichotomy in thought between the people and the committee was obvious and disappointing.

Many smart people believe property taxes can be modified or reformed. They miss the principle of private property and the hard-earned wisdom that a government program’s main function is to grow for the benefit of those in office.

I believe residential property taxes need to be eliminated as soon as possible with an ultimate goal of constitutionally eliminating all state-wide property taxes. Why not just modify the tax? I’ve talked with many people on this subject, including a noted economist/tax specialist who has researched state property taxes back to 1933 and worked on state taxing issues since the early 1970s. Property tax relief has been the mantra of all reform since the 1930s, but only Otis Bowen made it work and once he left office, the monster grew again. That’s what governments programs do. Grow. We must cut off the head of this snake or it will grow again. The American Dream awaits.

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