Over reliance on property taxes is igniting a taxpayer revolt (Gregoire, Dems Dash for Cover in Revolt Against Property Taxes, David Ammons, AP 11/18/07). Washingtonians are being crushed by the burden of ever-escalating property taxes ("Because taxing people out of their homes is horrendous tax policy, we need change," Taxes Make Owning a Home a Hardship, The Columbian 12/06/07). In the tradition of our forefathers, Property Owners for Predictable Tax Now is invoking the original tax revolt strategy by holding a Property Tax Tea Party on the first day of Legislative session, January 14 at 11 a.m. on the Olympia Capitol steps.
Many issues are driving the revolt.
Nearly 50 bills were introduced to address Washington's broken property tax system during last year's Legislative session. Not one made it to the ballot.
Half of property tax bills go toward education. Washington has a high drop out rate and poor showings in math, science, and reading. The Evergreen Freedom Foundation will soon release a documentary, "Flunked," "exposing the truth about how much our state spends for a mediocre K-12 education." (http://www.flunkedthemovie.com/)
State spending is out of control. The constitutionally mandated budget-based Ad Valorem system has allowed the Legislature to increase spending. The Wall Street Journal writes "Property-Tax Frustration Builds, States, Cities Revise Strategy As Homeowners Protest Rising Levies" (12/18/07). According to Paul Guppy, the Vice President for Research at the Washington Policy Center, "State spending is up 32 percent over four years. State officials do not need every dollar we send them. By easing the tax burden, our representatives would show respect for taxpayers and become more accountable for the way they treat the people's money."
For specific information about the problems with Washington's property tax system, go to the "What's Wrong with Washington's Property Tax System" link at www.predictabletax.com.
It is time to rethink over reliance on property taxes to fund services.
Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama has said: "Probably the best thing we can do is hold the line on tax increases at all levels."
Property owners are realizing the urgency of reforming Washington's property tax system. Property Owners for Predictable Tax Now offers a venue to tell the Legislators: No More! This Gravy Training is Stopping!
Protest participants should dress for the weather, bring placards and wear black if possible.
For additional information on the Property Tax Tea Party protest at the Washington state Capitol on January 14 at 11 a.m., contact Shelley Taylor or visit www.predictabletax.com.
Property Owners for Predictable Tax Now is a grass roots property tax reform group which was responsible for the submission of the Predictable Tax Amendment (HJR 4214 & SJR 8219) during the 2006 Washington state Legislative session.