(Pierre, SD) — South Dakota lawmakers are setting a bold goal to cut property taxes on homes by at least 50 percent. That’s what House Speaker and candidate for governor Jon Hansen told the Comprehensive Property Tax Task Force this week. He says the state should slash government spending and use the savings to boost school funding, reducing what homeowners pay. The group is exploring a range of ideas. Some, like Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden, even call for eliminating property taxes entirely. Property taxes on homes have jumped nearly 39 percent in the past four years, far outpacing ag land and commercial properties. The panel meets again July 17th in Rapid City.
