Democrats increase statewide mayoral majority

This year's municipal election is over, and Democrats across Indiana have reason to celebrate.

Democrats now have more elected mayors -- 69 out of 119 -- than ever before in statewide history.

Not only did we retain control of South Bend, Fort Wayne and Evansville, but we picked up key cities such as Muncie, Kokomo, Anderson, Vincennes, Washington and Crown Point.

At the end of the night, we wound up with a net gain of four seats, and we owe it all to your hard work and dedication.

They say all politics is local, but local politics truly depends on support from those who are closest to the action because the issues in each race are unique.

Without local volunteers making phone calls, knocking on doors and getting the message out, our candidates would not be successful.

And while not all of our candidates were successful on Tuesday, we want to say thank you to everyone who participated in the election. Because of your efforts, we were able to build upon our victories last year, surpass a historic municipal benchmark and further strengthen our support at the local level.

That support will be critical as we now move into the 2008 presidential and gubernatorial election cycles.

Thanks again for helping us build a stronger Indiana by promoting the values of average working Hoosiers at the local level. We hope you're as excited about the future as we are!

House-Passed Middle Class Tax Relief Bill Includes Hill’s Property Tax Language

Washington, D.C. – A version of the language of Congressman Baron Hill’s Property Tax Relief Act was included in the Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 passed this afternoon by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I have heard from many constituents about how hard they have been hit by increased property taxes,” Hill said. “And, as a homeowner in Southern Indiana myself, I understand their concerns. My colleagues in Congress are also hearing about skyrocketing property taxes from their constituents and I am very pleased we were able to address this problem at the federal level.”

The Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007 would offer more than $50 billion in middle-class tax relief and would save more than 35,000 Hoosiers in the Ninth Congressional District from having to pay the higher, Alternative Minimum Tax next year. The Alternative Minimum Tax was originally designed to ensure that very wealthy individuals do not avoid paying income tax. Because the law does not account for inflation, the tax now threatens to impact middle-class families and raise taxes on 23 million Americans next year if Congress fails to take action. Due to Congressman Hill’s efforts, the bill also incorporates a provision for real property owners to increase the standard deduction by $350 for single filers and $700 for joint filers.

Congressman Hill has also introduced a separate bill, H.R. 3726, the Property Tax Relief Act of 2007, which would allow homeowners who do not itemize to deduct their property taxes from their federal income taxes. Currently, the only citizens benefiting from the property tax deduction are those who itemize their taxes. Estimates suggest that approximately 40% of homeowners do not itemize.

“I am very pleased that my bill got the discussion started about what we can do, as Members of Congress, to ease the property tax burden for our constituents,” Hill said. “I will still champion my Property Tax Relief Act but thank my colleagues for including some real tax relief for homeowners.”

At a press conference Friday following passage of the Temporary Tax Relief Act, Hill was praised for championing property tax relief.

“I applaud Baron Hill for his leadership and dedication to the people of Southern Indiana,” Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Charlie Rangel said. “Baron Hill has been a leader in the fight to protect working families and deliver real tax relief to homeowners who are struggling with the cost of soaring property taxes. His critical contributions to this debate have helped ensure that property tax relief was included in our bill and I look forward to working with him in the future to ensure that this provision is enacted into law.”

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer added: “Property taxpayers all over this country are going to be pleased with the Baron Hill provision—it is going to give them some real relief. Thank you for your leadership on this extraordinary effort, Congressman Hill.”

The Temporary Tax Relief is fully paid for and will not add to the deficit and will grow our sagging economy with tax relief to promote innovation and high-paying jobs.

Hill Responds to President’s Speech in New Albany Today

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Baron Hill attended an event in New Albany this afternoon during which the President primarily spoke about economic and energy issues. In response, Hill issued the following statement:

“I was pleased to welcome the President to New Albany today. It is always a distinction to have a President visit your district and acknowledge the hard work of its residents.

I hear the President’s message about the need for fiscal responsibility loud and clear; it’s an issue I have been championing since I first came to Congress in 1999. I find it odd and ironic, however, that the President has only now begun emphasizing fiscal responsibility. For six years spending ran wild under his leadership and he did nothing to stop it. To lay blame for out-of-control deficits on the Democrats is short-sighted and simply incorrect.

This Congress has not only preached the need for fiscal responsibility, but is practicing it. By enacting PAYGO rules, we must offset any new spending we create so as not to add to our escalating budget deficit. And, I have also introduced a bill that would go two steps further and make PAYGO rules law as well as mandating discretionary spending caps.

I also had the opportunity to speak with the President about my bill to increase fuel efficiency standards, and he concurred with several aspects of the Hill-Terry CAFE bill, H.R. 2927. This legislation is one of my top priorities and I will continue advocating its merits as part of a comprehensive energy package to reduce our dependence on foreign fuels.

I am very disappointed in the President’s resistance to working with Congress. I realize we have our differences and conflicting priorities, yet for the sake of the American people we must make progress. The President signed the Department of Defense Appropriations bill today, which is a good first step. However, at the same time, he vetoed a bill that funds critical education, health and labor programs. And, he asked Congress to send him a “clean” supplemental funding bill for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Clean” is the President’s code word for a continuation of his “stay-the-course” strategy in Iraq. I have said repeatedly that I will not give the President a blank check for his war in Iraq. Instead of dictating the agenda, the President should instead work together to do what is in the best interest of all Americans.”

He's Back: England tops Hubbard in New Albany mayor's race

By ERIC SCOTT CAMPBELL
Eric.Campbell@newsandtribune.com

Doug England completed his historic return to the New Albany mayor’s office Tuesday night, taking 52 percent of the vote, and 21 of 34 precincts, against Republican and former sheriff Randy Hubbard.

England, the mayor from 1991 until his defeat in 1999, will enjoy more Democratic Party strength than in his previous terms. Voters retained an 8-1 City Council majority for Democrats and re-elected Democratic City Clerk Marcey Wisman.

The clerk during England’s terms, Republican Regina Overton, unseated him in his previous bid for a third term, something England this year frequently called an instructive experience. Now, he’s loading up “a full plate” of issues.

“We’re going to do housing renovation, code enforcement, new streets, more industries, downtown redevelopment and riverfront development,” England said. “I will work very hard and diligently for the betterment of New Albany.”

Hubbard kept the margin closer than any other mayoral finale in 24 years, but that was no consolation.

“They felt he was a better candidate,” Hubbard said of England. “I don’t know what else I can say. ... What’s meant to be is meant to be.”

Read more online at the New Albany Tribune.