Governor Proposes Cap on Property Taxes, Dems Revolt

The Hartford Courant reports:

Hoping to stem rising local taxes on homes and cars, the Republican governor said she is taking the unprecedented step to limit how much cities and towns can raise them. Under her plan, local property tax increases would be capped at 3 percent per year, with some exceptions.

We at ConnCon absolutely love the idea of capping property taxes so that they cannot double for 33 years! Property taxes are WAY too high and this is a very bold proposal, indeed. The Governor rightfully stated "There will be, I believe, a property tax revolt unless we get real relief. And we need to have that now."

Of course, no discussion of property tax relief would be complete without pointing out that the state Democrats have already come out against the proposal. Under the Governor's plan a town could "exceed the 3 percent cap with a two-thirds vote of the local governing body and a majority vote of the residents. There would also be exceptions for emergencies, such as a natural disaster." House Speaker, D-Milford, reacted harshly stating "This plan ... would create chaos, more bureaucracy, threaten basic services in every town. Can you imagine 169 towns holding referendums on taxes?"

The Speaker's "concerns" expose the fact that he doesn't think taxpayers ought to have a say in how much they are taxed! Imagine, voters actually deciding how much the government needs! What a concept!

We at ConnCon will keep a close eye on this one....