More about the Republican legislative plan

The Pioneer Press has a bit more on the Republican legislative plan that I reported on yesterday. The big deal, which I didn't mention because I really didn't get it, is supposedly "tax relief for homeowners, not for governments." Apparently, this is some kind of attempt to pass some property tax relief for homeowners, instead of reversing previous Republican cuts to Local Government Aid.

Talk about an election year gambit. First, since this will be done using surplus money, it's going to be a one-time thing. Second, by ignoring the fact that previous LGA cuts are responsible for huge property tax increases, the Republican plan does nothing to change the underlying realities that cause the tax hikes in the first place. Thus, next year may see property tax increases just as large. Maybe this is intended to be some kind of one-time rebate à la Jesse Checks. If so, then the Republicans certainly aren't advertising it as such.

At least the article points out that the Republican plan is basically rubber-stamping the governor's ideas. So much for an independent legislature.