mob mentality = higher taxes

Have you been following the property tax debate since it has landed in the state legislature? I follow it as a curiosity, but realize the mob mentality that has created the hysteria to do something with property taxes likely will get our politicians' attention much more so than cooler heads.

In earlier posts I predicted that my overall taxes will actually go up in any reform scenario-anywhere from $500 to $1500. It appears now there is proof to that. From the South Bend Tribune today:

The Democrats presented analysis from an independent firm that showed an average taxpayer in South Bend would pay $600 more a year in overall taxes. Their plan would tie relief to both a home's assessed value and a person's income. They say their plan would pay for itself, unlike the governor's plan, which would create a state budget deficit next year.

Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee Chairman Luke Kenley says the plan moves in the right direction, but it's flawed. He says it doesn't help second homeowners, landlords or businesses. Most Senators agreed, voting down the Democrats' plan along party lines.

So, now it is only fair to have property tax relief if low to middle income individuals pay MORE in taxes? Just in order for rich folks with second homes, slumlords and business owners (who got the inventory tax removed, remember?) to pay less in taxes? What the heck?!?!?!?

I'm quite certain the many republican slumlords in river city will very willingly either reduce rents for their tenants or finally fix the life-safety code violations if they just had a break in property taxes. Or maybe the cheif slumlord will buy a matching Escalade for his wife.

Wow, am I sounding like a democrat or what?