Democratic lawmakers worry about property tax relief under ND budget cuts

BISMARCK — Democrats in the North Dakota Legislature are sounding alarms over the state's ability to provide the same level of property tax relief amid state budget constraints.

The state Senate passed a bill requiring the state to take over county social services costs earlier this session. An amendment proposed in the House, however, instead requires the Department of Human Services to develop an implementation plan for the "eventual" state funding of county social services.

Although Senate Bill 2206 is on the House's calendar, a vote has been delayed for several days.

The takeover has been billed a permanent tax relief that would eliminate the need for the state's 12 percent property tax buydown. But if lawmakers don't move ahead, some Democrats worry budget cuts will force reductions in state-funded property tax relief.

Read more: http://www.inforum.com/news/government/4246841-democratic-lawmakers-worry-about-property-tax-relief-under-nd-budget-cuts