State briefs: Site promotes senior tax break

TENNESSEAN.com
September 26, 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 is a "complex issue."

The amendment would allow county and city governments to freeze the assessed value of property belonging to homeowners age 65 or over whose income is below a level 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, www.tennesseniors.com, highlights details about "Amendment 2."

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 in 1979 was found unconstitutional. In 1989, Monroe County officials tried to implement a similar tax relief program, but it was declared unconstitutional.

Mark Norris Official Web Site

Mark Norris Personal Web Site

Tennesse Senate Republican Caucus

Senator Mark Norris
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Phone 615-741-1967
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Email: Sen. Mark Norris