Last week’s column was a hit with most readers. I had numerous comments and all where in favor of House Bill 1722. Another hot topic this year is property tax.

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 to 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 Missourians – from retired seniors to school board members to home builders to country 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.

One of the main realizations gained from the task force and from talking with citizens across the state is the need to help our seniors. We have heard horror stories about seniors who were forced out of their homes because they could no longer afford their property taxes. Many of these are seniors who paid their homes off long ago and have contributed property taxes to our community for years and years. We need to find ways to ease their burden. These seniors have given so much to our communities. We need to protect them and make sure they can continue to live in their homes.

One bill (HB 1321) we are considering would increase the income cap for the property tax relief program known as the circuit breaker. The program is currently available to seniors and disabled individuals who make $27,500 and this bill would raise the cap to $32,500 for a single person and $36,500 for a married couple. The bill would also increase the maximum credit amount from $750 to $800. This credit amount will possibly be raised even more as we debate the bill on the House floor. We are working to extend this program so it provides relief to more of our seniors and disabled citizens who need it the most.

Another major problem with the property tax systems is that despite dramatic increases in assessed home values, local taxing districts have not rolled back their tax rates. We are working on legislation that would require legal taxing to lower their tax rates to make up for increases in assessed property values. House Joint Resolution 43 would let voters decide on a constitutional amendment addressing this problem.

Property tax reform is a very complex issue, and realistically there is not overnight solution to the challenges facing our system. However, this is an issue we are taking seriously and I am confident we have some great ideas to make changes this year. Through our reform, we are striving to ease the burden for Missouri families who need it the most but also to create a system that is fair and accurate for all homeowners.

I encourage you to contact me with your suggestions or ideas. I can be reached at my Capitol office (573) 751-1484, or by e-mail at shannon.cooper@house.mo.gov. My mailing address is: Room 310, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.