Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Property taxes, wages spark debate of tax chief candidates

Property taxes, wages spark debate of tax chief candidates

Sep 20, 2006 - 02:06:39 CDT

Associated Press Writer

By DALE WETZELBy DALE WETZEL

North Dakota's candidates for tax commissioner say they favor tax incentives to support renewable energy and the expansion of a property tax break for North Dakota's seniors and people with disabilities.

Incumbent Republican Cory Fong and his Democratic challenger, Brent Edison, differed Tuesday on whether new businesses that obtain taxpayer support should be required to pay a "living wage" greater than the present state minimum of $5.15 an hour.

Fong, who is seeking his first elected term as tax commissioner, said he would not back a living-wage mandate for companies that receive taxpayer subsidies, while Edison said he did. Edison said afterward he had not decided a specific living-wage amount he favored.

Fong and Edison spoke at a candidates' forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Bismarck-Mandan and Community Access Television, which will broadcast the debate on public-access channels. It included questions from an audience of about 30 people.

They disagreed on whether the state Tax Department should offer free electronic filing of state income tax returns to all taxpayers.

At present, Fong said, about 72 percent of North Dakota income tax payers are eligible for free filing. He said it would require a considerable upgrading of the agency's capabilities to offer it to everyone.

Edison compared the service to providing hunting licenses and driver's license renewals over the Internet at no charge.

"The fact is, we can get this done," Edison said. "Other states do it. We can do it. Paper filing is free. Electronic filing ought to be just as free."

Both men favored expanding North Dakota's homestead tax credit, which benefits homeowners and renters who are elderly or have disabilities, and have low incomes.

At present, North Dakotans are ineligible for the credit if they have income of more than $14,500 annually.

Fong and Edison did not detail the changes they would support in the homestead credit.

"We have a massive (budget) surplus in this state, and yet we're asking too much of our seniors and fixed-income folks in funding our schools," Edison said.

Fong said a plan unveiled by Gov. John Hoeven on Tuesday may offer a greater benefit to homeowners than the homestead credit.

The governor is advocating 10 percent cuts in residential property tax bills during the next two years, and 5 percent reductions in commercial and agricultural real estate taxes.

Under the plan, which will be presented to the 2007 Legislature, the state would pay $116 million to local governments over two years to make up for the lost tax revenue.

"This is a plan that provides for direct relief," Fong said. "Those seniors who are being taxed out of their home are going to see relief, right on their property tax statement."

Fong and Edison said they supported tax breaks for North Dakota's renewable energy industry. Ethanol, biodiesel fuel and wind energy development already enjoy an assortment of tax breaks and development incentives.

"This is an exciting time to be in North Dakota, especially in the energy industry," Fong said. "I can tell you, I've been at the table ... promoting these incentives, and attracting businesses."

Edison said he favored a requirement that all gasoline sold in North Dakota be blended with at least 10 percent ethanol, which would mimic a rule already in place in Minnesota.

"My concern is that we've fallen behind Minnesota and South Dakota" in renewable energy development, Edison said. "It's not enough to say we have four new ethanol plants, when they're doing more in Minnesota, they're doing more in South Dakota."

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Comments

Disabled wrote on Sep 20, 2006 1:44 PM:

" My husband has cancer and in order to get tax relief from the Bismarck City Commission we have to have less than $25,000 in assets. We paid $11,000 for cobra insurance for 18 months in 2000 .. We had to use our savings to live on as employment only pays 65% of what you were making. He then came down with cancer two years later and has only a 14% change of survival and he had to quit working. We are now paying over $1000 a month. Cobra. Ins. I know we only have two years left before we will be destitute due to insurance premiums and we will have to sell the house if he is still alive. The city commission gives millions to corp. and their report for 2007 states that due to less property that is on the tax roles they have to raise home taxes! They put that property on for Renaissance zoning. We have worked all our lives including 16 hour days and the state and city has no compassion for those who lost their jobs or for the disabled. I hope the Democrat gets in because there is no dignity in asking for help and you will only get help from the state for insurance when you have less than $2000 in assets and receive less than $750 a month. The average disability or social security check is $900. It's disgusting how the richest people in this state pay nothing for insurance and they have no money for the people their policies put out of work! "

Ralph wrote on Sep 20, 2006 1:22 PM:

" Oh Brad you sound like you could be a Republican. On the property tax sounds good, but this is not going to cure the problem, because the state makes the local sub divisions tax property at 97 percent of its valuation, and of course the city and county keep on increasing valuation on property every year. My taxes went up 489.00 dollars last year and they are scheuled to go up over 300 again this year, that is almost 800 dollars in just two years. OUCH. by the way I live in Mandan and Morton county. The highest property taxed City in North Dakota "

Bmac wrote on Sep 20, 2006 10:47 AM:

" I think if a living wage, well above poverty level (and in line with the Cost of living Index for the area) is paid, employers would find workers. Case in point: Target had many more qualified applicants than openings. The reason, they paid a higher wage and work around school and other schedules more than other places. So if your looking for workers, follow suit. You might be surprised. "

KC wrote on Sep 20, 2006 10:01 AM:

" To Brad- And if those employers don't want to pay a living wage do we really want them in our state? "

Brad wrote on Sep 20, 2006 9:01 AM:

" Before you say it's cruel, think about it for a second. There is not an employer out there offering minimum wage and expecting to get applicants. A living wage mandate will do NOTHING, except keep new employers coming into the state. "

John wrote on Sep 20, 2006 8:48 AM:

" How can you not support a minimum living wage in this day and age? That is just cruel. "

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