Pundits Divided On Speaker's Property Tax Savings Idea

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 01/06/2025) House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) has vowed to push some form of property tax relief in the new year, but two political observers in this town have a different take on his chances for success.

Former state legislator and longtime pundit Bill Ballenger – who watched an earlier property tax cut effort unfold back in 1994 – said, "It's conceivable. This could happen, but it's not like Proposal A in 1994. That was unique. The property tax was abolished and there had to be a replacement."

Asked if Hall had a shot at this, consultant John Sellek said, "I think he does. Matt Hall does not wade into issues unless he has thought them through."

The polling data suggests that the affordability issue has raised concerns in many families as they struggle to make ends meet. Some would argue that making the monthly house payment is at the top or near the top of those concerns.

Sellek said he thinks Hall and House Republicans are "seeing a lot of angst as they see the property tax creeping up again."

Ballenger suggested Hall will have a tough time managing the two-thirds supermajority needed to put something on the ballot if it includes asking the voters to approve a replacement revenue source as opposed to a tax cut. The dollar-for-dollar replacement is needed, however, to make local governments whole from losing their property tax revenue.

"I think there will be a lot of resistance from the Democrats," Ballenger said.

Conceding that that could be the case, Sellek countered that, either way, Hall wins.

"Even if he can't get it all the way, he's going to do some damage to his competitive Democrats who try to stop him . . . he's going to get a political advantage whether he wins or loses . . . If they vote no, he will gladly use those votes against all those Democrats when they are trying to run for re-election in the House or Senate," he said.

As for predicting the outcome of a debate that has not begun in earnest, Ballenger sums it up, "I don't think this is going to happen . . . A month from now, we will have forgotten this is even an issue."

Of course, the Speaker will have something to say about that.