GOP's plan for property tax relief is too short-term

The scrambling antics of GOP legislators and temporary: Governor Risch to call a special legislative session to deal with soaring property taxes in north Idaho is a quick fix prompted by fear of a voters rebellion in November.

They are proposing to use the state's current surplus as a one-time solution, and then ask voters if they want to increase the sales tax to replace the property tax levy that funds our schools operations.

While providing some residents relief, it would be a terrific boon to vacation home owners and big businesses. Businesses and utilities would receive a $74 million break in property taxes, and they pay very little in sales taxes.

The best long- term solution, endorsed by Jerry Brady, candidate for governor, would freeze property taxes at their 2005 level. Property taxes to support schools would be capped at a maximum of 3 percent growth, plus the addition of new property. And growth would have to pay for itself not on the backs of taxpayers through impact fees and local option taxes.

Schools, which fear the loss of stable funding by property taxes, oppose the plan, as do advocates for low-and middle-income residents who would be paying the higher sales tax, with no exemption for food purchases.

A GOP-engineered special session would not allow time for comment by the public or the opposition. Such an important decision should await the next session of the Legislature.

JIM RAMSEY

Ponderay