Letter to the editor: Tax reform has been a priority of N.D. lawmakers

Meaningful and sustainable tax reform and relief have been the main focus for Republicans this legislative session. Currently, we sit at the legislative crossover which could effectively be considered halftime of the game. To date, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives has approved a historical $1 billion in income and property tax reductions. This amount is one that has never been seen before in North Dakota. While there is a lot of misrepresentation as to where the dollars are going I can promise you that direct relief to your taxes is the No. 1 goal. In total, the House has approved more than $740 million in property tax reductions; roughly a 35 percent reduction. Additionally, we have provided more than $500 million in individual and personal income taxes thus allowing you to keep more money every paycheck.

Along with these unprecedented dollar amounts, we also approved tax reform to allow you, the taxpayer, to more easily understand what you are paying along with the ability to approve large tax increases. The House Republicans have passed legislation that will require your property tax amount to be listed in dollars, effectively doing away with the mill levy system. Additionally, local subdivisions (school districts, cities, water, etc.) are required to seek voter approval for any tax increase more than 3 percent of your previous year’s amount. Being it the legislative “halftime” debates will continue to be had, dollar amounts will change and language will be altered. However, at the end of the day, the Republican majority is determined and dedicated to direct, sustainable tax relief for you.

(Headland, a Republican, represents District 29 in the North Dakota Legislature)

Tags: opinion, letters, taxes