Homestead Act Passes Second Reading
Thank you to those of you who were present for second reading or sent emails in connection with Conservative Finance critic Tim Hudak's private members Bill to cap assessment increases at 5%. It passed 28 to 9 - including 10 of 19 Liberals.
This means that it will now go to Committee for detailed consideration, before third and final reading. We, however, hold absolutely no illusions that it will pass, as most Liberals were absent for the discussion and vote and Finance minister Dwight Duncan has been quoted as saying it will not receive government support. My own Liberal MPP said she voted in favour of the Bill in order to put Caucus on notice that this is an important issue to be dealt with.
Following the Ombudsman's scathing report on MPAC, this serves as an important second formal step in bringing our property tax fairness issue to the attention of the government.
Meanwhile we are making excellent progress in forming our broadened coalition CAPTR (Coalition After Property Tax Reform). Partners FUN (Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods), FONTRA (Federation of North Toronto Ratepayer Associations), and CORRA (Confederation of Resident and Ratepayer Associations in Toronto), were represented and recognized at the Hudak press conference and in the House, as was the Snowbirds Association.
The official launch of our new coalition is now set for Thursday April 27. This should build on the momentum for change, and as long as we all continue to show our MPP's that this is an important issue, the government will soon be forced to seriously consider the issues of volatility and fairness. At least they would be politically well advised to not allow it to become a 2007 election issue.
With the recent coverage in the Star, Sun and on Global TV, our advisors feel we have definitely got the attention of government and it will respond in some way prior to the next election.
You can find out how to contact your MPP at www.wraft.com.
KEEP UP THE FIGHT or join it now if you care about unfair tax increases.
Alan Morson, WRAFT Director