Property Tax Reform Remains a Top Priority

Friday, February 29, 2008

Across the state, Missourians are struggling to meet the financial burden that results from the ever-increasing property values and the corresponding increase in property taxes. In some counties in Missouri, assessed values increased by an average of 22 percent between 2005 and 2007. This of course means an increase in the amount Missourians paid in property taxes. Although property taxes are primarily a local issue, these striking increases have led to a need for us to take action at the state level and property tax reform is a top priority for us this session. We used the interim to tackle the property tax problem with a very innovative approach. The Speaker of the House put together a group of Missourian -- from retired seniors to school board members to home builders to county assessors -- to contribute their experience and ideas. These Missourians were outside the political realm and have dealt firsthand with the property tax system. This group laid the foundation for ideas that led to legislative proposals we are studying right now.

To Read More
Subscribe Sign In
Continue reading with a subscription
Subscription options