On Monday, April 16th, there was an interesting informational meeting at the Carrington Armory regarding eliminating property taxes in North Dakota. The main speaker, Charlene Nelson, co-authored the book: Property Tax Revolution: It's Our Home, Not Theirs! - Abolishing Property Taxes in North Dakota. A large crowd was present to hear Nelson's thoughts on the subject, and several were there to ask pointed questions... questions which she didn't hesitate to answer.
According to Ron Paul, who wrote a Foreward to Nelson's book, "The property tax is the most complex, burdensome, costly, and unfair tax imposed by state and local government. there cannot be true liberty when citizens are not secure in their own homes. As long as the government can impose taxes on one's property and enforce that exaction by confiscation of the property, there is not real freedom or security."
Nelson encouraged her listeners to go to the website - Empower the Taxpayer.Com - to study and learn all about Measure 2 and why it would be in our best interests to vote for it. The following information was taken from one of Nelson's handouts titled "Keep It Local, North Dakota."
Why Abolish Property Taxes
- It will save $50,000,000 annually in administrative costs that provide no benefit to taxpayers.
- The Beacon Hill Institute estimates it will result in ceation of more than 10,000 new jobs the first year property taxes are abolished.
- New sales and income tax collections, without any increase in tax rates, will equal the amount of revenue gross property taxes currently generate.
- Measure 2 mandates the state use general fund revenue (See No. 3 above) to fund all local governmental entities.
- Measure 2 mandates schools and local governments be fully and properly funded before the state can address other budgeting - like special interests.
- No. 4 & 5 above are not suggestions -- they are Constitutional mandates.
- Imagine having an additional $3,000 to $4,000 annually in family spending power.
- All businesses would have greater financial resources resulting in more hiring, more private investment and a more diverse selection of businesses locating in North Dakota.
It's Time To Prioritize State Spending
- State spending has increased more than 135% in just 10 years, from $1.7 billion to $4.1 billion.
- Personal income has increased at less than half that amount - 62%.
- Our own State Tax Department tells us that property tax rates are going to increase between 2010 and 2013 as follows: ~ In 2011 & 2012 crop land valuations will be increased 32.16% and non-crop ag land will increase 22.67% statewide ~ Residential property (your home) will increase 20% ~ Commercial property will increase 20%.
- Former Governor Ed Schafer acknowledges North Dakota can abolish property taxes and replace the lost revenue WITHOUT increasing any other tax or tax rate.
