On Monday March 15, 2021 at 3 p.m. the Connecticut State Senate will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 171 which proposes to create a new statewide property tax. A 1 mill tax is proposed to be added on top of existing local property taxes. This tax would apply to all houses valued at $300,000 and above, along with commercial property. The money will go directly to the state.
I oppose Senate Bill 17. I believe property taxes should only be levied by towns and cities and the money raised by them should only be spent to support the schools and other services in those towns and cities.
I expressed my opposition against this bill by emailing the letter below to the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee of the Connecticut State Senate at FINtestimony@cga.ct.gov. I urge fellow Easton residents and all residents of Connecticut to oppose this encroachment by the State upon the local tax base.
If you agree with me and decide to email the Committee it is very important to include the phrase “NO to Senate Bill 171. No to a Statewide Property Tax.” in the subject line of your email.
Citizens and groups can also testify in at Monday’s zoom virtual hearing by registering at this link. Register here. Registration to testify will close on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 3:00 P.M.
Below is the letter that I emailed.
Dana Benson
34 Pond Rd.
Easton, Ct. 06612
Subject Line: “NO to Senate Bill 171. No to a Statewide Property Tax.”
Dear Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee of the Connecticut State Senate:
I am writing to urge you to vote no on Senate Bill 171.
This bill would further erode home rule and local control of Connecticut towns by imposing a 1 mill tax on top of the local property tax, which would apply to all houses assessed at $300,000 or more as well as commercial property. The money raised would go directly to the state. Local Property taxes should be levied and spent by Towns and Cities, not the State/
Please vote no on Senate Bill 171 and any other measures like it that take control of taxation, spending, land use and education away from towns and cities.
