Idaho's leadership failed state's homeowners

Idaho's GOP leadership has failed again, this time in refusing to grant property tax relief for owners who are being taxed out of their homes.

Our GOP legislators are too busy helping giant corporations avoid taxes than in helping the less wealthy and senior citizens cope with the housing explosion in areas like Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene. A number of people have found their taxes skyrocketing because expensive houses are being built near by.

A groundswell of support for property tax relief came at a recent meeting in Sandpoint. It was agreed that since our elected representatives would do nothing, a ballot initiative is the only solution. (Eight property tax relief bills were killed in the House Tuesday. One would have helped homeowners age 65 or over by capping taxes, allowing for a 2 percent growth each year until the house is sold.)

Instead of taking action to help their constituents now, GOP lawmakers will have a committee study the issue. This way, they can avoid action while they act on the big business tax benefits bills.

JIM RAMSEY

Ponderay