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Property Tax and people with disabilities
Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Much anger and fury is being directed toward property taxes as people across the state are getting their new tax bills. The Governor has ordered a reassessment and calls are coming from many sectors to eliminate property taxes entirely.

It is easy to understand why people are so angry. But it is also important to understand why property taxes are important to people with disabilities and why any change has to be done carefully and with great care.

Property taxes are a primary funding stream for public schools and special education. Any change must make sure we address the growing needs for a better education system as well as a growing number of children with an IEP.

Secondly, many community-owned organizations that provide services to people with disabilities get a voluntary support from property taxes through our county government. This money has been critical over the years in meeting the needs of our communities. Again it is important to understand this and plan for it with any change.

Huey Long once said, "the only fair tax is the one you pay and I don't." We must make sure we have a fair and equitable tax system, one that plans for the future needs of Hoosiers and also understands the pressures facing Hoosier taxpayers.

The Arc of Indiana will be following this issue carefully as reassessment progresses and the General Assembly goes to work.