Economy

Republicans push to phase out property taxes

Critics warn that it would force local leaders to slash funding for services.
A sign announcing a home for sale is posted outside a home Feb. 1, 2024, in Kennesaw, Ga., near Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

Republican leaders in several states have proposed eliminating local property taxes, backing a once-fringe idea that could remake state and local tax systems and trigger devastating cuts to public schools and other services.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Georgia House leaders pitched scrapping some or all property taxes on owner-occupied homes. GOP lawmakers in Kansas want to abolish all local property taxes, as do grassroots groups circulating ballot measure proposals in Nebraska, Ohio and South Dakota.

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