State budget surplus allowing additional help for homeowners
Gov. Brad Little announced July 19 that an additional $100 million in property tax relief, on top of the $205 million contained in House Bill 292, was coming Idahoans way thanks to the state ending the fiscal year with a budget surplus.
“Continued conservative governance resulted in the state ending the fiscal year with an additional $99.1 million because revenue came in stronger than expected and agencies spent less than they were budgeted,” said a news release issued by the governor’s office. “The surplus means Idaho property taxpayers will receive a total of approximately $300 million in relief this year.”
Property tax relief was the big issue of the 2023 session of the Idaho Legislature, and NFIB was in the thick of it cautioning lawmakers not to use it to raise the sales tax rate in exchange.
“Our members were decisive in not wanting property tax relief if it meant raising the state sales tax,” said Suzanne Budge, NFIB’s Idaho state director. “Their 69% opposition to the idea on their 2023-member ballot helped dissuade many lawmakers from using lower property taxes as an enticement to get a higher sales tax rate. As a result, we were able to win some badly needed property tax relief without any gimmicks.”
The opinions of NFIB members, as expressed through their annual state ballot, are held in high regard in Boise, because legislators know NFIB to be the true voice of small business that advocates based on what its members tell it are vital to their abilities to own, operate, and grow their enterprises. Members are asked to keep an eye out for their 2024 ballots later this year. Results from it will have a big impact on next year’s Legislature.
