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Q: What is the Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant or HTRG?
A: The Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant (HTRG) was created by the state to provide tax relief to you on your property taxes. The state basically sends a check to local municipal and county governments and to school boards to pay a portion of your property taxes. The amount of tax relief typically ranges from $250 to $350 per taxpayer. The total amount of the HTRG program at the state level is $428 million.
Q: Why did I receive a notice from my local tax commissioner saying I may receive another tax bill next year?
A: Currently our state is facing a budget deficit. There have been some (not me) who have suggested not funding this program in order to bridge the deficit. The total amount of the HTRG program is $428 million. The Governor has ordered HTRG funds be withheld and not sent to local governments. So, the General Assembly will have to address the question when it convenes next January. If the money is not funded in the amended budget, then local governments would not get the money from the state that pays a portion of your tax bill. So, some local governments issued notices informing you of their intention to send you another bill for the amount the state would have paid for you on your property tax should the state not send HTRG money.
Q: What is Senator Seabaugh’s position on this?
A: I want to be crystal clear with you my position on this matter. I support funding for HTRG. I will oppose any effort to remove this program which would in fact raise the amount you have to pay for your property taxes. The current shortfall in the state’s budget was not created by HTRG and therefore should not be considered as a way to balance our budget. I have been a strong supporter of tax cuts and I have also been a strong opponent to tax increases. To me, not funding this program would result in a tax increase for property owners. I will not support any effort that requires you to have to write another check for property taxes. I hope this helps provide clarity of my position and that I will stand firm in my support to keep the amount you pay for your property taxes low.
Q: I still have questions. How can I get more information on how this affects me?
A: If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at
770-304-0652 or to e-mail me at mail@mitchseabaugh.com.
Thank you.
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CAPITOL OFFICE