Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 13, 2017 03:19 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Rosemary M. Brown |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | 2/3 Majority Vote Millage Rate Increase |
| I am reintroducing legislation that will require a two-thirds majority vote of a board of school directors to increase the millage rate of school property taxes. This legislation has been introduced for 2 sessions (HB1407 of 2013-2014 and HB1066 of 2015-2016) and I believe strengthens taxpayer protections. The Public School Code provides that all taxes required by any school district must be levied by the board of school directors. Under current law, a board of school directors may increase property tax rates by a simple majority vote. My proposal will provide that a school district’s current millage rate of tax may not be increased in any succeeding year unless the rate increase is approved by a two-thirds majority vote of members of the board of school directors. Representing a district where extremely high property taxes are the number one issue for my constituents, I believe it is important to increase to a super-majority vote. In these challenging economic times, many taxpayers struggle to live within their means. By requiring a two-thirds majority vote to increase school property taxes, my bill aims to strengthen conversations, find alternative and creative approaches to enhance education, and reduce costs while providing taxpayers even stronger confidence in their overall school board process. Thank you for your consideration. |