(AP) Web site promotes elderly tax break amendment

By ERIK SCHELZIG,  WKRN.Com
Associated Press Writer
September 25, 2006

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to allow local governments to freeze property taxes for the elderly launched a Web site Monday to help explain what they acknowledge to be a "complex issue."

The amendment would allow county and city governments to freeze the assessed value of a homeowner's properties when they reach age 65. But it would only apply to homeowners who earn less than an income limit set by the Legislature.

"This is a complex issue, involving an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution," state Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said in a news release. "But it is important that we create opportunities for senior citizens to keep their homes later in life."

The Web site, http://www.tennesseniors.com, highlights details about "Amendment 2," and contains the language of the proposed amendment.

The first proposed amendment on the ballot would ban gay marriage in Tennessee. More than half of all voters in the gubernatorial election have to approve amendments for them to be adopted.

Lawmakers have been pushing for the elderly tax break amendment since a similar law enacted by the Legislature in 1979 was found unconstitutional. In 1989, Monroe County officials tried to implement a similar tax relief program but it was declared unconstitutional by the state attorney general.

Several states allow property tax relief for the elderly.

Norris said the amendment is targeted at fixed-income seniors who are unable to afford increases in their property tax burdens.

"We don't want issues of affordability to force folks out," he said.

Getting the amendment on the ballot is the culmination of the lengthy process required to propose changes to the constitution. Proposed amendments must be passed by successive two-year General Assemblies.

Both chambers passed the measure in 2004. And there was only one dissenting vote this spring.

Rep. Brian Kelsey said he voted against the proposal for being too narrow. The Germantown Republican said he wanted to see property tax relief for all Tennesseans.

Mark Norris Official Web Site

Mark Norris Personal Web Site

Tennesse Senate Republican Caucus

Senator Mark Norris
9A Legislative Plaza,
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0232
Phone 615-741-1967
1-800-449-8366

Email: Sen. Mark Norris