[Vision2020] Fwd: Re: Press Release

[Bill London]

Fwd: Re: Press ReleaseT-
Many thanks for sending this to V2020.
While I believe the questions you list are appropriate, I would also like to discuss the process that was employed here.  Could your meeting include my concerns as well?
The specifics of this tax-shifting option have not been discussed publicly, but only within the upper levels of the Republican Party.  Because of the importance of the issue, how could a one-day legislative session without public hearings or discussion allow real public input and uncover all the results of this proposal?  
While I believe a public referendum after the decision would be appropriate, I still think public discussion before the decision is needed.
BL
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tom Trail 
  To: vision2020 at moscow.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 9:06 PM
  Subject: [Vision2020] Fwd: Re: Press Release


              Visionaries



  This is a press release that may be of interest.


  Rep. Tom Trail

                LATAH COUNTY LEGISLATORS ORGANIZE PROPERTY TAX COMMUNITY FORUM

                   Representatives Shirley Ringo and Tom Trail and Sen. Gary Schroeder
              are organizing a community forum to seek citizen input concerning property
              tax issues that will be discussed at the August 25th Special Session of the
              Idaho Legislature.  The forum is set for August 8th at the Moscow Junior High
              Multi-Purpose Room at 7:00 pm.

                   The possible components of the special session are:

                1.  Replace the current 3 mils of M & O with general funds, with a cost of
                    $250 million.  This would generally result in a 20% decrease in
                    property tax statewide;

                2.  Use a portion of the $200 million surplus to cover part of the $250
                    million;

                3.  Keep all school districts harmless.

                4.  Increase sales tax to insure a solid ongoing source of revenue to fund
                    school M & O  (probably a 1% sales tax increase);

                5.  Place an advisory vote on the November ballot to ratify the actions
                    of the special session (will be interesting if the citizens don't
                    ratify it);

                6.  Place a large percentage of the remaining surplus in a public school
                    rainy day fund to insure stability in public schools (Gov. Risch is
                    talking about $100 million for the fund).


               Presentation will also include a plan laid out by State Democrats.
          The plan focuses on home owners and does not raise the sales tax. Considerable
          thought has been put into the plan, but the Governor has refused to talk
          about it.  In the sake of fairness all citizens should be aware of the various
          options. 

                   We will be presenting economic information from economists and other
              experts concerning the possible impacts of the proposed legislation on
              all segments of Idaho Citizenry.  We encourage all Latah County citizens
              who have interest in this very important issue to attend and present their
              viewpoints.  This will be of great help to your Legislative Delegation as
              we go to Boise for the Special Session.
              --
            Rep. Shirley Ringo
            Rep. Tom Trail
            Sen. Gary Schroeder
          --
          Dr. Tom Trail
          International Trails
          1375 Mt. View Rd.
          Moscow, Id. 83843
          Tel:  (208) 882-6077
          Fax:  (208) 882-0896
          e mail ttrail at moscow.com




      -- 

      Dr. Tom Trail
      International Trails
      1375 Mt. View Rd.
      Moscow, Id. 83843
      Tel:  (208) 882-6077
      Fax:  (208) 882-0896
      e mail ttrail at moscow.com




    -- 

    Dr. Tom Trail
    International Trails
    1375 Mt. View Rd.
    Moscow, Id. 83843
    Tel:  (208) 882-6077
    Fax:  (208) 882-0896
    e mail ttrail at moscow.com




-- 
Dr. Tom Trail
  International Trails
  1375 Mt. View Rd.
  Moscow, Id. 83843
  Tel:  (208) 882-6077
  Fax:  (208) 882-0896
  e mail ttrail at moscow.com


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