Issue Position: Local Control

Issue Position

In the 86th Legislative Session, local control was once again under attack. The state imposed a 3.5% trigger on local property taxes, meaning if the city, county, or emergency service districts raise the effective property tax rate above 3.5%, an election must be held so voters can approve the increase. The bulk of these budgets is for public safety: police, fire fighters, and EMS professionals. Local budgets also cover things like local road maintenance, parks and libraries, the court system, and other beneficial government services. Budgets need to be transparent, and local entities should be fiscally smart, but tying the hands of our local governments doesn't make sense. I will continue to work with and listen to the mayors and county officials within House District 47 to monitor the effect of this new legislation.

I believe in local control and allowing cities to set rules that serve their citizens. The state tried to pre-empt cities from having local rules regarding such things as paid sick leave, breaks for workers, and short-term rentals. Several cities have now passed ordinances requiring businesses to provide paid time off for sick employees or employees who need to care for sick family members. Already 85% of businesses provide this benefit, and it has benefited both employees and employers. It's time for a statewide policy so businesses that operate in multiple cities won't have different rules to follow in each city.

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