I’ll gladly pay you next Tuesday for a Hamburger today

Did Popeye ever take Wimpy up on this offer?

Will the electorate take the 137 House members, 40 Senate members and the Governor up on their offer on property tax reform?

What if you think of the legislation touted as property tax reform this way…

Property tax relief is predicated on gaming revenues.

Many experts suggest revenues from gaming will yield less than half of the $1 billion that is predicted.

Not one gaming license has been approved.

Not one gaming resort has been constructed.

Even under a $1 billion scenario, the average reduction in property taxes is $289.

Average increase in local property taxes is 5%.

Average increase in property taxes by 2009 is $583.

You do the math.

Now, how ‘bout that hamburger?

Writer’s note: This commentary is not reflective of the Chamber or its position on property tax reform. For property tax reform purposes, the Chamber acquiesced to the Homestead Exemption in the 1990s, but remains concerned about disproportionate treatment of business and residential property. The Chamber opposes a tax shift onto business to fund residential property tax relief.