Campbell: ‘SB 1 puts our police, fire and public schools at risk’

Today, April 7, House Republicans passed their 368-page amendment to Senate Bill 1. The amendment encourages local governments to raise their local income tax rate, potentially balancing out any property tax relief homeowners may receive. Local governments' budgets will be affected, but the majority has yet to share just how much–even though House Ways and Means Committee members, including State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette), were asked to vote on the proposal today. 

Campbell released the following statement:  

“The latest version of SB 1 is a total mess. Our homeowners won't get the substantial property tax relief they need, and the amount they’ll receive varies. Some homeowners will get a $200 credit, while others may get $50 or $10. We’re putting our local governments' feet to the fire, funding relief from the local level. The state could provide every homeowner with real relief without harming local governments. This version will harm our local police, our local firefighters and our local schools. 

“I’ve heard from police and firefighters in West Lafayette. They’ve been outspoken about the likelihood of having to let go of staff and reduce their services. West Lafayette is a growing community, and our community wouldn’t have the money we need to expand our fire or police departments. People want to live in communities with ample services that are safe and upkept.

“Nobody likes paying taxes, but we pay them to provide for and better our communities. SB 1 would drastically defund our children in public schools, our local libraries, our parks and our public safety services. We can find the balance between government efficiency, relief for homeowners and fully funded local governments.”