FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sen. David Long reacts to commission report
Senate President Pro-Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) made the following comments today in reaction to the Indiana Commission on Local Government Reform report on streamlining local government.
On the Indiana Commission on Local Government Reforms:
“Lawmakers have great respect for the members of this commission – lead by former Indiana Gov. Joseph E. Kernan and Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard. Like all Hoosiers, we recognize and appreciate the commission members’ lifetimes of experience in government, business, education and public service. They represent fellow citizens of various political stripes, the public and private sectors, and different types of communities from different parts of our state. They are to be commended for their efforts to listen to those inside and outside government… and we look forward to the discussion and consideration of these bold and compelling proposals.”
On the Commission’s Recommendations:
“Property tax reform will be this session’s number one priority. Our legislative efforts in 2008 will support many of the commission’s guiding principles and recommendations. Modernizing and improving the assessment system, shifting child welfare and school operating costs from property taxes to the state budget and pursuing cost savings would be among those bold actions. Careful consideration of the commission’s other proposals will be required as we move toward simpler, more understandable and more responsive government. This Session’s accomplishments should help set the stage for a much broader legislative discussion of these proposals in 2009.”
Sen. David Long (R-Fort Wayne) is President Pro-Tem of the Indiana Senate. He serves District 16, which includes portions of Fort Wayne
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