Property Taxes: Are Democrats Just Raising Taxes?

[Virtual Presenter] Property taxes are a significant source of concern for many voters, who believe that taxes are increasing across the country. As a representative, it is vital to acknowledge these concerns and address them in a clear and transparent manner. Property taxes are determined locally by counties, cities, and school districts, meaning that the responsibility for setting tax rates rests with these local entities, not with party affiliations in Topeka. This clarification is essential in understanding the true nature of property taxation. As a Democrat, my goal is to challenge the existing rules that permit automatic increases in property taxes whenever property values rise. I intend to establish a more equitable system where relief is provided that actually reduces bills, rather than simply transferring costs to other parties. My objective is to provide relief that benefits all taxpayers, irrespective of their political affiliation. I am committed to ensuring that any proposed solutions are fair, targeted, and designed to protect our communities. By addressing these issues, we can strive towards creating a more sustainable and equitable tax system that serves everyone..

[Virtual Presenter] The valuation cap limits the growth of a property's assessed value, preventing it from exceeding a certain percentage. This prevents excessive taxation. However, it does not address other contributing factors to tax increases, such as mill levies. Mill levies are additional taxes imposed by local governments to fund specific services or projects. These levies are typically based on the property's assessed value and can lead to increased tax bills even with a valuation cap in place. For example, if the assessed value of a property increases due to the cap, but the mill levy also rises, the total tax bill may still increase. This shows that a valuation cap alone cannot control tax increases. Furthermore, Democrats propose providing exemptions, rebates, and greater transparency in tax assessments, allowing residents to better understand their tax situation. These measures aim to provide direct relief to taxpayers, making the tax burden more manageable. In contrast, Republicans suggest implementing a constitutional cap on assessed value growth, which some argue would be a more comprehensive solution to addressing tax increases. However, critics argue that such caps do not guarantee lower tax bills, as other factors like mill levies can still drive up tax rates. The effectiveness of these approaches depends on various factors, including the specific policies implemented and the overall economic climate..

[Virtual Presenter] The government has announced plans to increase funding for schools, but this will not necessarily mean more money for every school. The allocation of funds will depend on various factors such as student enrollment numbers, local economic conditions, and the quality of educational programs offered by each school. This means that some schools may receive additional funding while others may not see any changes. The current system allows for a significant portion of the allocated funds to be used for administrative costs, leaving less money available for actual education expenses. This can lead to a situation where some schools have limited resources and struggle to provide adequate education to their students. We acknowledge fears about school funding and express understanding of concerns. We understand that there may be worries about how our proposed solutions might affect schools and other essential services. These concerns are valid and we want to address them directly..

[Virtual Presenter] Q: How will you help seniors? A: Prevent them from being taxed out of their homes..

[Virtual Presenter] I believe that local control is essential for effective governance. By allowing local governments to manage their own budgets and make decisions based on community needs, we can ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. I do not support Topeka's micromanagement of local finances, as it undermines the autonomy of local governments and stifles innovation. Instead, I propose implementing guardrails that promote transparency, justification, and voter awareness when taxes rise. This approach fosters a culture of accountability and encourages collaboration between state and local governments. By working together, we can achieve better outcomes for our communities..

[Virtual Presenter] Our approach to addressing the needs of homeowners focuses on three main pillars: honesty, targeting, and community protection. We believe that by prioritizing these principles, we can create a more equitable and sustainable system for providing relief to those who need it most. This approach ensures that relief is targeted towards specific individuals or families who are struggling financially, rather than being distributed broadly across the population. By doing so, we can minimize waste and maximize the impact of our efforts. Additionally, our focus on community protection helps to prevent exploitation and ensures that relief is used for its intended purpose. Furthermore, our commitment to transparency and accountability allows us to maintain trust with the community and ensure that resources are allocated effectively. By working together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that benefit everyone..