State Rep. Andrew Ireland Reacts to Property Tax Bill Testimony

Source: (Photo: Abdul-Hakim Shabazz/WIBC)

STATEWIDE–After observing testimony from local government leaders in front of the House Ways and Means Committee on property taxes Wednesday, State Representative Andrew Ireland of Indianapolis was amazed at how dramatic some of the people were being.

“They are acting like the sky is falling because instead of getting 7% next year, maybe they only get 3% more. Look at these guys, it’s crazy,” said Ireland in a Thursday morning interview with 93 WIBC’s Kendall and Casey.

Ireland says local governments always seem to ask the taxpayer to spend more, but don’t expect to be held to the same standard.

“Part of this is these hearings are done on the weekday when the taxpayers are at work doing what they should. It’s the local government people like the lobbyists who can take the day off without issue and just beg for more money,” said Ireland.

Another bill, House Bill 1402, is being entered into the mix now which focuses on local government finance. On the one hand, that might add confusion to legislators, but Ireland says it’s good to have another option.

“Let’s give the public a chance to weigh in on each of these different pieces to see what’s going on. That’s better than saying ‘Let’s hear SB 1 and stick a bunch of amendments in, and get it done,” said Ireland.

Ireland says emailing and calling your representatives is making a big difference.

“My email is blowing up. My phone is blowing up too,” said Ireland.

You can hear the full interview with Ireland below.