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TAXES: Democratic Plan Is What We Need by Bev Moss Published in Coeur d'Alene Press July 15, 2006 A July 11 rally in Coeur d'Alene was promoted as a chance for citizens to learn about property taxes. Pre-rally publicity encouraged the public to bring written proposals of tax relief ideas, but no one at the rally was invited to share those ideas. I attended the rally with 50 copies of the Idaho Democratic Plan for property tax relief. This plan addresses all the concerns people expressed at the rally. Essentially, the Democratic Plan exempts taxpayers who currently claim the homeowners exemption from the school levy (3 mils). The Plan's exemption means about a 20 percent decrease in property taxes. Property owners who don't qualify for the homeowners' exemption would pay the same amount in property taxes they currently pay. The Democratic Plan would cost about $104 million, which is available this year in the state budget surplus. Natural growth in state revenue in subsequent years will continue to cover the cost of the plan. A sales tax increase is not part of the Democratic Plan. This simple plan focuses tax cuts on homeowners, which is what I heard people at the rally saying we need in Kootenai County. For more information about the Democratic Plan, contract the Democratic headquarters at 765-0965, or any of your Democratic legislative candidates. Bev Moss Chair, Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee     Suggestions and submissions for this page may be sent to: Web Master     Back Home.