It’s time to lower residential property taxes. Here’s why.

With inflation rising, Utahans pay more for everyday goods, but they continue to make the same wage. As a result of an inflated housing market, they pay more in property taxes too. What did Utahans do to increase their property taxes? Nothing, they are not responsible for inflation. The government is.

With soaring gas prices, crushing inflation and supply chain issues, Utahans are hurting. The cost of living keeps increasing, with some industries showing an inflation rate as high as 22.7%. In the second quarter of 2021, Utah housing prices increased a staggering 28.3%. For many Utahans, the dream of owning their own home seems out of reach.

While the increase in housing prices may appear to be a financial benefit to current homeowners, it may not be so. Homeowners are now facing residential property tax increases that they never voted for. Property taxes are determined by the property’s “fair market value.” As the assessed property value increases, taxes increase too. This higher tax burden puts even more pressure on Utah families to make ends meet.

While the budgets of Utahans are being stretched thinner and thinner, our state government is continuing to grow. Current legislators often boast of lowering taxes, and this year Utah indeed passed SB0059, which did lower taxes – slightly. This bill only decreased taxes by 0.1%. Despite the minuscule tax cut, government revenue still increased. As Utah families struggle to make ends meet, our government is growing richer and has become far too big and intrusive in our everyday lives.

As your senator, I will immediately offer a bill to lower residential property taxes and alleviate this immoral burden on Utah families. I will stand against any law that raises taxes and any regulation that increases government control. We must take back our liberty and make Utah a haven of safety, free enterprise and, most importantly, freedom. We must do this not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren.

Is it time for a change, or do we want more of the same? I say it is time for a change. Vote Doug Durbano, Senate District 5.

Doug Durbano is a Republican running for State Senate District 5.

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