Risch: It’s GOP’s Duty To Cut Property Taxes … Now

Gov. Jim Risch told Republican lawmakers today that they should cut property taxes this summer or expect to lose faith and support from Idahoans. “We are in full control of this government, and it is our duty and it is our solemn obligation to do something about this problem,” Risch said, to a round of applause from a few hundred delegates at the Republican state convention in Idaho Falls. “This solution is not a simple solution, but it is entirely within our hands. Idahoans know that, and they are watching closely to see if we Republicans practice what we preach.” Risch said he would “suggest and urge” that the Legislature use all or part of the growing state surplus, along with new sales tax revenues, “to provide immediate and permanent property tax relief.”

For the rest of the Idaho Statesman story, click here.

DFO: I remember asking reporter Eric Curless to explain how the state affects property taxes to governor Dirk Kempthorne during an editorial board meeting earlier this year. I think his successor “gets it.”