Property Tax Repeal Moves Forward

State Capitol, Phoenix The House Ways and Means Committee took the first step in repealing the statewide property tax by approving HB2220. The bill, sponsored by House Speaker Jim Weiers, permanently repeals the statewide property tax before a three-year suspension ends. The Legislature suspended the tax in 2006 for three years under a deal with the governor. That suspension ends at the end of the current year. Without action by the Legislature, homeowners and other property owners will be hit with a $250 million tax increase next year. We can pay for the states needs without raising property taxes, Weiers, R-Phoenix, said. As people fight to stay in their homes, the last thing they need is a tax increase. The repeal of the tax does not impact education. Schools continue to receive the money it would have received from the tax but instead from property owners, the money comes from the states general fund. The bill passed the committee 6-3, with Republicans supporting the measure and Democrats voting to allow the tax increase. The bill could go to the full House next week