FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
November 27, 2007

For more information contact:
Rep. Joe Patton
785-273-4330
joepatton2001@msn.com

REP. PATTON ANNOUNCES LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

TOPEKA, KS – Kansas House of Representative Joe Patton (R-Topeka) announced his 2008 legislative agenda today with property tax relief at the top of the list.

“I will continue fight for property tax relief.  The government is putting a financial squeeze on seniors on fixed incomes,” Rep. Patton said.  “With property taxes going up every year, they are being forced to sell their homes or do without essentials to pay the taxes.  We should change the system to protect their homes.” 

He continued, “I believe we can make progress with a bill that will dedicate the new gaming revenue to property tax relief. In addition we can help seniors with an effective freeze on property tax increases using a refundable income tax credit. ”

Last year Rep. Patton introduced H.B. 2467 which would provide tax relief for seniors and he will push for a hearing on the bill as soon as possible. HB 2467 would create a refundable income tax credit for a portion of the property taxes paid by taxpayers who are 65 years of age or older. The income tax credit would be equal to the difference in property taxes timely paid on the principal residence of the taxpayer for the year in which the tax credit is claimed and the property taxes paid on that property for tax year 2006.

He also co-sponsored Resolution 5013 that called for a constitutional amendment to freeze property valuations for residential property tax purposes for seniors. 

“In addition we have to hold the line on spending. I cannot and will not support a tax increase on homeowners,” Patton said.

Rep. Patton also will introduce legislation that will reform the state’s sentencing guidelines.

Rep. Patton represents the 54^th district in the Kansas Legislature. The 54th District includes south-central Topeka and Shawnee County, including Auburn.

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