DRAFT RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A PROPERTY TAX REFORM CONVENTION

WHEREAS, All political power is inherent in the people and government exists for the protection, security and benefit of the people; and

WHEREAS, The people of this State have reserved to themselves, as part of their intrinsic sovereignty, the right to alter or reform the State Constitution and the statutes when the public good may require it; and

WHEREAS, The current system of property taxation in this State is unfair because it is not based on the ability to pay and is applied in an inequitable and nonuniform manner; and

WHEREAS, There is a need to revise and amend the State Constitution and the statutes to lessen the dependence of local government on property taxes, reduce property taxes as a share of overall public revenue, and find alternative means of funding local government services; and

WHEREAS, The Legislature, when considering proposals for broad restructuring of revenue sources, recognizes that there is great political risk in making recommendations which the general public might perceive as increasing taxes; and

WHEREAS, It is, therefore, essential that the citizens of New Jersey are fully engaged in the effort to restructure taxes; and

WHEREAS, The most effective way to have maximum participation is a public vote on whether or not to proceed with a tax reform process and, if this question is approved, another vote by the public to ratify the recommendations for tax reform; and

WHEREAS, The convening of a special convention for the purpose of recommending amendments to the New Jersey Constitution and changes to the statutes is the most appropriate method for building a consensus for, and implementing, reform; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Governing Body of the ________________________ of ____________________________ does, hereby express its strong support for the convening of such a convention; and be it, further,

RESOLVED, that we do call upon our State Senator, __________________ and our Representatives in the General Assembly, _____________________ and _____________________, that they support, with voice and vote, A-1858 & ACR-107/S-756 & SCR-68legislation that would empower the people to express their will concerning the convening of such a convention; and be it, further,

RESOLVED, that copies of this Resolution be forwarded to Senator ______________________, to Assembly Members ___________________ and ________________, to Governor Corzine and to the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.

DRAFT RESOLUTION PREPARED BY THE NEW JERSEY LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES (For further information, contact Jon Moran.)

Click here for a copy of the Resolution in MS Word