Latest news with #propertytaxrelief
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
More than 100 bills still have a chance to become law this year
Entrance to the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee room in the Maine State House in Augusta. (Photo by Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star) More than 100 bills now have a chance to ultimately become law this year, though many with reduced price tags and scope. Among those advanced were bills to approve exclusive rights to internet gaming for Wabanaki Nations, establish a property tax relief task force, add Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander history to Maine's learning results, require serial numbers for so-called ghost guns, and establish a statewide takeback program for firefighting foam contaminated with forever chemicals, following a spill in Brunswick last summer. The Legislature will return on Wednesday to ultimately decide which to send to Gov. Janet Mills, as well as to potentially consider other bills still in limbo in the chambers. The 117 proposals advanced on Tuesday were selected out of nearly 300 bills that had been placed on what's known as the appropriations table, which is managed by the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee that sets the budget. Most bills placed on the table already passed both chambers but still need to be funded. In total, the bills on the table would have cost about $2.5 billion over the next two years, but there is about $7 million left to be allocated after Mills signed the budget addition into law on Monday. Some of the bills the appropriations committee voted 'off the table,' to send back to the full Legislature for consideration, were advanced without changes. That was the case for the bills related to igaming for the Tribes, the property tax task force and Asian American history requirements. It was also the case for a bill to make the governor's energy office a cabinet level department and another to alter the real estate transfer tax in an effort to protect mobile home parks. However, the committee amended a number of bills to reduce their cost or strike it altogether. For example, the committee voted LD 1126 — the bill to require serial numbers for so-called ghost guns — off the table after removing its appropriations, noting that the Department of Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck said the positions those funds would have supported were not necessary to fulfill the goal of the bill. Meanwhile, another bill related to firearm regulation — LD 1867, to prohibit financial institutions and merchants from using firearm codes to track purchases — remains on the table, though Republicans on the committee attempted to move it off. One of the most common ways the committee amended bills was by striking their fiscal notes but then allocating just $500 to set up a fund that keeps a path open for future funding, by the state or other revenue. This was the case for LD 222, the takeback program for firefighting foam, LD 1738, which aims to fund proper disposal of syringe litter, LD 1529, which seeks to enhance the protection of high-value natural resources statewide, and LD 1643, which would establish the Maine Life Science Innovation Center, among others. After the committee included a $3 million appropriation for family planning services in the budget, it opted to also vote an amended version of a bill, LD 143, off the table to provide up to another $3 million by making such a transfer a priority for any unappropriated surplus of the general fund. This move received sharp rebukes from Republicans on the committee, including Rep. Amy Bradstreet Arata (R-New Gloucester) who said she was 'thoroughly disgusted.' But Republicans on the committee successfully moved a few items off the table. One was a bill to create the Net Energy Billing Cost Stabilization Fund. Another was a bill to provide that accrued and unused hours of earned paid leave from the previous year of employment must be available in the year of employment. And another was a bill to extend the statute of limitations on criminal actions involving aggravated sex trafficking. In other cases, the committee funded proposals but at reduced amounts. This occurred with bills to fund free health clinics and the Maine Emergency Medical Services Community Grant Program, as well as two proposals to reduce student homelessness, one aimed at helping students at risk of homelessness and another aimed at students who are already unhoused. One bill ended up requiring no committee action — LD 1425, which aims to improve access to sustainable and low-barrier trauma recovery services — because it is being funded by settlement money provided by the Office of the Maine Attorney General. This bill as well as a handful that were incorporated into the budget will still remain 'on the table' upon adjournment because they've been funded an alternative way. Some of the bills on the table that were funded through the budget include an expansion of Maine's version of a child tax credit for children under six and an initiative to help mitigate the fact that the Older Americans Act is no longer funded by the federal government. Further, committee co-chair Sen. Peggy Rotundo (D-Androscoggin) said before concluding work Tuesday night that the committee intends to carry over the bills still on the table into next year. 'There's another chance for all of them,' Rotundo said. As lawmakers begin to make their final decisions, use the searchable table below to see the status of the bills on the table:
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Liberty is finalizing plans for its local option sales tax revenue. What to know:
North Liberty is hoping to establish some wiggle room with its latest local option sales tax proposal. The North Liberty City Council emphasized a plan that allows the city to allocate revenue to various priorities on a yearly basis, rather than adhering to a fixed plan. More: Iowa City drafts LOST revenue proposal emphasizing housing and infrastructure. What to know The draft language is not yet finalized and would have to be approved by a majority of North Liberty residents before it would take effect in 2026. Here's what to know about North Liberty's proposed ballot language for a local option sales tax: The city is required under Iowa law to use 50% of its local option tax revenues for property tax relief, while the city can use the remaining 50% in any way it desires. The drafted language sets the other 50% aside "for capital projects, including but not limited to, a fire station, fire apparatus & equipment, community center upgrades, parks, trails, streets and related infrastructure, equipment and other projects identified in the City's Capital Improvements Plan. More: Kim Reynolds vetoed an Iowa eminent domain bill for a host of reasons. We break them down: The five-member board engaged in a lengthy discussion on Tuesday, June 26, on whether to specifically designate a percentage of the city's revenue toward affordable housing. Several councilors were concerned that the current language was too "wordy" and was perhaps too broad. The North Liberty council is expected to continue this discussion at its next meeting on July 8. The North Liberty City Council expressed a desire to avoid a "sunset" clause, an expiration date, for the local option sales tax. Greater Iowa City, Inc. Senior Director of Advocacy Mackenzie DeRoo said many cities have moved away from sunset clauses. More: As Iowa governor's race begins, Democrats weigh how to talk about transgender rights Other Johnson County municipalities, like Tiffin and Solon, did not establish sunset clauses in their recently passed local option sales tax measures. The tax would return to the ballot if a future city council felt a need to remove the local option sales tax. The Iowa City City Council is pursuing a similar approach. North Liberty's push for broad use differs from Iowa City's proposal. The Iowa City City Council is eying a proposal that specifically prioritizes housing by allocating 25% of local option sales tax revenue to affordable housing initiatives. The council was narrowly divided over two other categories, infrastructure and community partnerships, which it wanted to allocate either 10% or 15%. More: Iowa women's basketball: Hawkeyes to play Baylor, Miami in WBCA Showcase in November North Liberty's approach allows for flexibility with potential six- or seven-figure revenues. Based on North Liberty's estimates, the tax could generate at least $1.71 million annually, leaving the city with a minimum of $855,000 in additional revenue. North Liberty's revenue is projected to rise by an additional $1 million if Coralville and Iowa City voters approve a local option sales tax. Though Coralville has not officially discussed a local option sales tax during a formal council meeting, the city has worked through details during work sessions. Long-time City Administrator Kelly Hayworth said Coralville would generate about $9.6 million annually through a local option sales tax, according to work session notes. If approved by voters, Coralville would receive between $2.9 and $7.3 million each year through the sales tax, depending on which cities in the metro passed a tax. Coralville would be free to spend roughly $1.5-$4.7 million, according to Iowa law. Council documents said Hayworth and Coralville city staff are working through ballot language. Iowa City staff previously said the ballot language needs to be sent to the Johnson County Auditor's Office by mid-August for placement on the November ballot. Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: What will North Liberty do with its local option sales tax revenue?
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dallas Seniors Get Property Tax Break
Dallas seniors and disabled homeowners will see significant property tax relief next year as the City Council approved raising exemptions from $153,400 to $175,000. The increase, announced in a press release, takes effect for the 2025 tax year. The expanded exemption means eligible homeowners with properties valued at $218,750 or less will pay zero city property taxes. That's because the exemption combines with the existing 20% homestead reduction. 'We are proud to support our older and disabled residents with this increase,' said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. 'This exemption helps Dallas homeowners stay in their homes as they age.' The relief applies only to primary residences whose owners are 65 or older or certified disabled under Social Security guidelines. Current recipients don't need to reapply. Still, many eligible homeowners haven't claimed this benefit. Texas law allows only one exemption per residence, either over-65 or disabled. Surviving spouses can continue receiving the exemption if they were at least 55 when their partner died. But they must have already qualified for the over-65 exemption. However, the application process varies by location. The city of Dallas spans multiple counties, each with its own appraisal district. Dallas County residents apply through while Collin County homeowners use Those in Denton County visit The exemption reduces the taxable value specifically for city property taxes. Other taxing entities maintain separate exemption policies. City officials encourage all eligible homeowners to apply immediately. The increased exemption represents a substantial savings opportunity for fixed-income residents facing rising property values.
CBS News
01-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
As the Texas legislative session ends, a look at major bills and changes that impact you
Monday, June 2 is the last day of the regular Texas Legislative session. The end of the session brings changes that impact public schools, property tax relief, criminal justice, abortion and more. Property tax relief Texas Senators celebrated the additional $10 billion in relief from school property taxes this year that they and lawmakers in the House passed this session. That's on top of the record property tax cuts from two years ago. The homestead exemption for most Texas homeowners will rise from $100,000 to $140,000. For people over 65, the homestead exemption will increase to $200,000, and local leaders say many seniors won't end up paying school property taxes at all. Exemptions for business property taxes will also increase from $2,500 to $125,000 next year. "Every session we have been here, we have done historic, not just big things, historic things to create property tax relief for Texans," said Republican State Sen. Angela Paxton of McKinney. Governor Greg Abbott will sign the bills, which he considered one of this top priorities. In November, residents will have the final say by voting to make it permanent in the Texas Constitution. Public school funding Another priority bill headed to the Governor's desk will inject a record $8.5 billion in new money for the state's public schools. About half of that, $4.2 billion, will go to permanent pay raises for teachers with three or more years of experience. The legislature is also sending school districts an extra $500 million dollars to give pay raises to entry-level teachers and non-administrative staff. State Rep. Brad Buckley of Salado said, "A guarantee for public school teachers that is unprecedented, not really, it is unprecedented. It is unprecedented in this state." Lawmakers also approved legislation to crack down further on disruptive students and allow local school boards and parents to have more control over the books in public school libraries. Bringing the bible to the classroom Also passed in this session: voluntary prayer in schools and requiring school districts to display a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Texas Republican Rep. Candy Noble said, "Nothing is more deep-rooted in the fabric of our American tradition of education than the Ten Commandments; the way we treat others as a society comes from the principles found in the Ten Commandments." "I just think if I were giving a speech, I would say it just seems like we're trampling over the freedom of religion by passing your bill," said Democrat State Rep. Vikki Goodwin of Austin. The ACLU of Texas is one of the organizations promising to challenge the law in court. Film industry incentives The state is also providing $1.5 billion in incentives over the next decade to attract television and film production to better compete against other states. Big Hollywood names, including Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, spoke during the session in favor of Texas Senate Bill 22. Taylor Hardy, the Fort Worth Film Commissioner, stated that the bill would bring jobs to Tarrant County, boost business for local hotels and restaurants, and ultimately attract more visitors. "Since the Fort Worth Film Commission was founded about 10 years ago, we've measured $700 million in economic impact and over 30,000 jobs supported. Those are over a period of time, but that's almost the equivalent of another American Airlines headquarters in terms of the amount of jobs it's created," Hardy told CBS News Texas. Bail reform Another priority of Governor Abbott's is headed to his desk: bail reform. It requires judges to deny bail in more criminal cases and allows prosecutors a chance to appeal judges' decisions on bail. "This is common sense," Abbott said previously when speaking about the bill. "You pass this bill, pass this constitutional amendment, lives will literally be saved. You fail to pass this; more people are going to be murdered. This has to get done." Residents will also have to vote in November to change the Texas Constitution, which will force judges to deny bail for those accused of murder and other violent crimes. Texas' near abortion ban Lawmakers also passed legislation that will clarify medical exceptions to the state's near abortion ban. The changes would not expand abortion access in Texas or list specific medical exceptions under the state's near-total ban, which took effect in 2022 and only allows for an abortion to save the life of the mother. It also would not include exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The bill would specify that doctors cannot face criminal charges for performing an abortion in a medical emergency that causes major bodily impairment. It also defines a "life-threatening" condition as one capable of causing death. THC products ban And in what has turned out to be a very controversial bill, the state will ban all THC products statewide starting in September. After the state allowed hemp sales to support farmers, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said new smoke shops exploited a loophole in that law. Stores and businesses that sell products have pushed back and hope the Governor will veto the measure. Patrick said businesses and stores are selling dangerous products. "These are bad actors," said Patrick. "These are people who want to kill your kids. They don't give a damn." In response, Thomas Winstanley, Executive Vice President of sent a statement saying, "The Lieutenant Governor's statement is not only deeply irresponsible—it's dangerously misleading. To characterize an entire industry as "bad actors'" who "want to kill your kids" is a flagrant misrepresentation that borders on satire, if it weren't so inflammatory coming from an elected official." The Governor has already signed into law another bill that requires Apple and Google to verify the ages of its app store users. Lawmakers are also spending at least $1 billion a year for the foreseeable future to create new water sources and fix leaky water pipes to accommodate a growing population and industries. Watch Eye On Politics at 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning on CBS News Texas, on air and streaming on the CBS News app. Follow Jack on X: @cbs11jack
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nebraska lawmakers pass $11B budget for next two years
LINCOLN, Neb. (KCAU) — Nebraska state lawmakers passed the $11 billion mainline budget for the next two years. Legislators voted 37 to 11 with 1 not voting on LB 261 with an emergency clause. The bill would appropriate funds for the biennium ending on June 30, 2027. State senators also voted 35 to 12 with 1 not voting on LB 264 with an emergency clause. The measure would provide, change, and get rid of transfers from the cash reserve fund to help balance the budget. Story continues below Top Story: Iowa lawmakers issue statements marking end of 2025 legislative session Lights & Sirens: Woman, accused of deadly stabbing in Monona County, submits plea Sports: Northwestern softball eliminated from NAIA Tournament with 10-2 loss to Marian Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here I commend the Nebraska Legislature for its work in passing a balanced and historically conservative 2025-2027 biennial budget package. Nebraskans expect us to reduce government spending, invest in our kids, and lower property taxes. I thank the Legislature for rolling back expanded spending, putting idle pillowcase money to work, and having the courage to say no to more spending increases. This budget puts money toward education, property tax relief, elimination of the developmental disability waitlist, and bolsters our national nuclear security, all while closing the $432 million deficit reported in November. With this balanced budget, we have the opportunity to make further investments in addressing our property tax crisis. I look forward to working with the Legislature in the coming weeks to do the right thing for Nebraskans. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen The Nebraska Examiner reports there's about a $1.1 million wiggle room in the budget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
