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Monday, September 08, 2008

Ind. Gov't. - Fort Wayne Journal Gazette urges legislative consideration of Kernan-Shepard report

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette editorial today urges consideration of Kernan-Shepard report in this session of the General Assembly. Some quotes:

A momentous report from a panel of government and policy all-stars recommending dramatic changes in Indiana local government was sidelined last December when it hit an immovable object: property taxes.

Overhauling the state’s property tax system overshadowed the 2008 General Assembly, leaving no time for a second major issue. But the report remains worthy of serious consideration, and a formidable group of advocates has coalesced to revive interest in the recommendations. The new organization has promise to counter the certain opposition from elected officials whose jobs would be eliminated or drastically changed if the legislature adopts various elements of the report.

MySmartGov.org will advocate for changes recommended by the study commission that former Gov. Joe Kernan and Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard led. The commission also included John Stafford, director of the Community Research Institute at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, and retired Lincoln National Corp. Chairman Ian Rolland. MySmartGov.org expects to have a budget of up to $500,000 for information and lobbying. * * *

The Kernan-Shepard report should not be placed on the shelf because property taxes were considered more important in this year’s legislative session. MySmartGov.org will help ensure the recommendations are at least considered in 2009.

[More] Mike Smith of the AP had a story today on the streamlining plan that appeared in a number of state paper, and on Forbes.com.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on September 8, 2008 10:13 AM
Posted to Indiana Government