Pryor, Indianapolis delegation of IBLC address property tax increases, possible solutions
State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and the Indianapolis delegation of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) held a town hall today to discuss rising property taxes in Indianapolis and resources available to help residents pay their bills.
Property tax rates in Indianapolis increased an average of 18% from last year, further burdening the 72% of low-income households in the city whom spend half their annual income on housing. During the town hall, Pryor discussed several measures being discussed during the 2023 session of the Indiana General Assembly to ease the burden of property taxes, as well as the assessment appeals process and other resources available to help Hoosiers with their property taxes, including deductions for individuals over the age of 65 and for Homestead property owners.
Pryor released the following statement following the town hall:
“We had a wonderful turnout at today's event, and I hope those in attendance left with an understanding of the work we are doing to help Hoosier homeowners make ends meet. Though we've had one success this session – Senate Bill 46, which allows for the creation of Neighborhood Enhancement Districts (NED) to cap the amount property taxes can raise in a given year within a NED – these actions have come far too late.
“I've been a champion in the fight against gentrification since 2016, and I've been calling on my colleagues in the Republican Party to address rising property taxes. Now, we're passing legislation that won't have an effect until next year while our constituents are struggling to pay their bills this year. While I'm glad to finally see an effort being made to address these issues, we have to make sure Indianapolis residents know about the resources available to them to get relief. When people are struggling to put food on the table, they won’t be comforted by knowing, if they can just make it to next year, relief is on the way. With spring taxes due May 10, it's crucial that people know about the resources available to them as they work to get their taxes filed.
“I'm very proud of the work the IBLC has been doing – and will continue to do – on this issue. African Americans, low-income Hoosiers and people of color are most likely to be impacted by gentrification and rising property taxes. Our goal in the legislature should be to ensure people can stay in their homes and reap the benefits of the growing neighborhoods they helped to create.
“If anyone has questions about their property taxes or what resources are available to them, I implore them to reach out to their elected officials and the Marion County Assessor's Office if they feel their assessed value is incorrect, or the Marion County Treasurer's Office for options to pay their tax bill.”