It's getting interesting

Greetings-
This has truly been an interesting few days . So much has happened. I'm very encouraged about this property tax struggle. First of all the state legislature in a special session actually restored the basic tax limit on tax increases to the 1% that the voters passed by a large majority. Although this was a step in the right direction and can prevent taxing bodies from just going berserk, I still don't think our problems are solved for several reasons. For one thing, this new 1% cap does absolutely nothing to protect us from "banked capacity" which still allows local taxing bodies to raise taxes as much as 30% in some cases without any public input Also even though I am strongly against frivolous and irresponsible taxation, I personally wonder if 1% is enough to fund our necessary services.
Also as far as the new "tax deferral " goes, all it really does is put a lien on your property until you sell, and on top of that they have the unmitigated gall to charge 7% interest on those deferred taxes. Isn't that special? And most importantly of all, these changes do absolutely nothing to stop the out of control increases in assessed valuations that caused my property taxes to rise 400% in just five years.
Considering all this, a good question would be why am I so encouraged about the possibility of changes in our property tax system? There are actually several reasons;
1) First of all, EVERYONE that I talk to about property taxes is totally fed up with the brutal and draconian increases in their property tax each year. I believe that this public outrage, not only in our state, but all across the United States, has to proceed changes in our system.
2) I have also been fortunate enough to have already set up appointments to meet with 2 out of 3 of my district's legislators. And it's just a matter of co-ordinating schedules to meet with the third representative. He's already agreed to our meeting. I'm finally going to have a chance to sit down face to face with three people who actually have the power to implement change. The only way we can make changes in our current property tax system is by an amendment to the state constitution. We can not do it by initiative like I-747 or proposition 13 in California. I can't wait to have the opportunity to hear their opinions on these issues and to share mine and my friends with them, as well. I'm very excited at the opportunity to expand my understanding of these issues. Sort of like entering into the lion's den if you know what I mean. (Although seriously, I have heard that our districts legislators are truly decent people. We shall see)
3) In addition, our local newspaper, the Peninsula Gateway, has allowed me to write an article on the property tax issue as a guest columnist. Once again, I am honestly excited to do what I can in a small way to help educate and inform people in my community. I hope that others around the state go to their local representatives and their local papers and try and do what they can as well.
4) And last but not least, as I have gone online and done some research, I've found that homeowners all over this wonderful country are as fed up as I am. There is talk of "tax revolts" in almost every state in the union. I think that people are finally realizing that the" foxes have somehow taken over the hen house," and it's time to take to take it back. Cool. It's really getting interesting.
to be continued..Be well...Pat