Article: LAWMAKERS TURN UP HEAT ON TAX REFORM HOUSE REPUBLICANS SAY STATE SHOULD PAY THE BILL

The political heat surrounding property taxes was turned up Wednesday as House Republicans said the state should pay for any new deductions.

The state's budget shortfall, which is approaching $1 billion, makes such a proposal unlikely, said the House Democrats, who are backing a bill that would temporarily increase the homestead deduction from $35,000 to $44,000.

The Democrats' version also would create new deductions for old homes and historic homes. But the $320 million in changes would mean increased tax rates and higher tax bills for farmers, businesses and owners of modest homes.

If the state can't provide the funding for the new deductions, then lawmakers shouldn't bother to bring them ...

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