North Dakota voters are set to decide whether to effectively abolish property taxes in the state. The proposed constitutional amendment would do away with property taxes based on assessed value and mandates that the Legislature compensate for the lost revenue, estimated at $3.15 billion every two years. Skeptics fear this could necessitate severe cuts to essential services like Medicaid, education, and infrastructure, as highlighted by Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Don Vigesaa, who expressed concerns over the potential budgetary upheaval.
Leading the push for the measure, Rick Becker argues that North Dakota's wealth allows for this shift without compromising services or escalating taxes. Becker suggests utilizing the state's $11 billion oil tax savings and curbing what he terms "corporate welfare". He also proposes introducing an infrastructure maintenance fee to allow local governments to generate funds. "We are such a rich state per capita that we can actually make this conversion and be able to afford it without increasing taxes and without cutting services," said Becker, a former Republican state representative.
Opposition is strong, with the Keep It Local coalition—comprising over 100 groups from sectors like agriculture and healthcare—fighting the measure. Chairman Chad Oban warns it could introduce unpredictable financial challenges. Referencing a failed attempt at something similar in 2012, Oban anticipates a closer vote this time due to increased political dissatisfaction. The measure's primary stipulations would come into effect on January 1, 2025, if approved. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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