“Taxation without representation” is what a state lawmaker says is happening with property value assessments. State Rep. Jeff Coleman, R-Grain Valley, said he wants to change that. He is proposing to ask voters to limit these assessments by 2% per year or 4% every time a property’s value is assessed.
“The purpose of that is putting it back to the people and letting the people decide, instead of letting the bureaucrats decide. Right now, we have no representation,” he told Missourinet’s Show Me Today program. “The bureaucrats decide how much they’re going to raise it and when they’re going to raise it, and you have no say so in it.”
Coleman said the measure is about keeping people in their homes, including people under 65.
“We need to slow down how much these counties can raise your taxation,” said Coleman. “And I know I live in one of the worst counties, but this happens all over the state. Like in Jackson County, it’s really making it difficult for the younger folks to be able to stay in their houses. In fact, I think, you’re seeing an exodus of people in Jackson County going to other counties. So, it’s not doing anything for Jackson County either, except for hurting them.”
Coleman said the original opponents of his proposal – realtors and schools – are now in favor of his plan.
How would this affect funding for schools and local governments? Coleman said they would not lose revenue – they would instead be limited on their increased revenue. If they want larger increases in revenue, they can ask the people to vote for a tax levy increase.
According to Coleman, he’s been trying to pass the measure for the past six years. Despite little momentum, he’s not giving up. He thinks his proposal has a better chance of passing in 2025, but he needs a nudge.
“I do think that leadership in both chambers has felt some of the heat, and that’s why I ask that everybody continue to make sure that leadership and your individual senators and state reps know how important it is to you,” he said.
An exception would be in cases of new construction – the value could increase by the cost of the supplies purchased only.
The next legislative session begins January 8th in Jefferson City.
For more information on House Joint Resolution 4, click here.
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