House Democrats revive plan for property tax relief

St. Paul, Minn. — Democrats in the Minnesota House have unveiled a plan to provide property tax relief to most homeowners.

The revenue-neutral proposal would tie property taxes to homeowners' incomes. That money would be funneled through a new homestead credit refund to those whose property tax burdens are heavier based on their income.

Marquart says about 95 percent of homeowners would qualify, but many high-income Minnesotans would be ineligible for a property tax refund.

Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL-Dilworth, says property taxpayers who've been feeling the most pain would get the most relief, beginning in 2009.

Marquart says the state's budget deficit is no reason to wait on a property tax relief plan.

"It's more important than ever in this type of down economic times that we look at a system like this based on an ability to pay, and target those homeowners who need it the most," said Marquart.

Since no additional revenue is needed, Marquart says he thinks the plan has a good chance of passing yet this session. The House Taxes Committee will hold hearings on the plan in the coming weeks.