The Braun-Beckwith Property Tax Mismatch

INDIANAPOLIS — On July 26th, Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Braun released proposed changes he would make to Indiana’s property tax system. However, the changes don’t match those his running mate Micah Beckwith proposed just a couple of months ago.

Both plans threaten the fiscal wellbeing of localities and communities across the state, and Hoosiers deserve to know if Mike Braun agrees with the most dangerous parts of Beckwith’s plan.

• Beckwith proposed capping property taxes at the amount when the home was purchased, which ignores long term fiscal stability and jeopardizes the budgets for public schools and community services.
  
  
• Ends property taxes completely for seniors which endangers basic local services in aging communities without help from the state or federal governments.
  
  
• As noted in a column after the plan was released, Beckwith’s plan would turn Indiana’s property tax system into a mirror of California’s, with neighbors paying drastically different amounts depending on when they purchased their home. It would slow growth and put an extra burden on the community and new homeowners.

“Hoosiers deserve real relief from rising property taxes, not gimmicks that would balloon local deficits, endanger local services, and suffocate Indiana’s housing market,” said Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl. “From cutting care for our most vulnerable children to watching property taxes soar for seniors without immediate action, Indiana Republicans are proving they are not the party of fiscal responsibility.”

“It’s time to break their supermajority hold on the state legislature and elect Jennifer McCormick as our next governor for property tax reform that protects public schools, keeps seniors in their homes, and ensures resilience for local services.”