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September 22, 2006
Dear Friends, One of the most important issues for me over the last six years has been the need to provide senior citizens with some relief from skyrocketing property taxes. As property taxes continue to rise, many older residents feel “punished” for a lifetime of fiscal responsibility. The solid investment in their homes seems to come back to haunt them. It is time for Tennessee to join the ranks of other states across the nation which “freeze” the amount of property tax imposed at the amount assessed upon the taxpayer’s principal place of residence in the year the taxpayer turns 65. Those on fixed incomes are hit hardest because they do not have extra income to pay the increased tax assessed upon the appreciated value of their home. That is why it is time for a senior citizens’ Homestead Exemption in Tennessee. Citizens frequently express frustration at the lack of such an exemption and demand that lawmakers do something about it. I am pleased to say that voters now have the opportunity to make this a reality. This year, I passed Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 1 which put a referendum to amend Tennessee’s Constitution o the ballot and, if approved, would provide local municipalities and counties the option of enacting property tax freezes for senior citizens. But the referendum on this November’s ballot must pass for this to become a reality. Passage of the Amendment 2 enables local municipalities the option of choosing whether to enact property tax freezes for their community’s senior citizens. But for that to take place, this Resolution must pass on November 7th. To help get the word out, I have launched a website with additional information on the legislation: www.tennesseniors.com . Please let the seniors in your community know that we are nearing the finish line on property tax relief, but there is a little further to go and we need everyone’s help: VOTE YES ON AMENDMENT 2!
Norris Introduces “Tennesseniors.com” Website Site to Educate Seniors on Property Tax Relief Referendum on the Ballot NASHVILLE --- Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) today rolled out a new website for Tennessee senior citizens. The first edition provides background information on “Amendment 2,” the Homestead Exemption he sponsored in the Tennessee General Assembly, which will appear on the November 7th ballot. “Amendment 2” is a proposed Constitutional Amendment enabling local governments the option of freezing property taxes for qualifying seniors. The site, www.tennesseniors.com , explains in detail the constitutional referendum and encourages an affirmative vote on November 7. “This is a complex issue, involving an Amendment to the Tennessee Constitution,” Norris said. "But it is important that we create opportunities for senior citizens to keep their homes later in life. Home is where the heart is, and we don't want issues of affordability to force folks out." “I want to make this information available now so voters can review and understand the benefits of the Homestead Exemption before they go to the polls in several weeks.” The website provides a link to the actual language appearing on the ballot as well as bullet points highlighting the specific facts of Norris’ program. In the future, Norris will use the site to communicate with seniors about other issues of importance like home health care, retirement benefits, community activities and current events. “I worked on this for many years and appreciate the General Assembly's support in passing the initiative to get it on the ballot,” Norris said. “It is a worthwhile and necessary program for Tennessee’s seniors, and we want to get the word out." “Amendment 2 is the right thing to do," says Norris. An amendment to Tennessee’s Constitution requires adoption through two consecutive General Assemblies and then approval by over 50% of those voting in the gubernatorial race. Norris passed the measure by overwhelming majorities in the 103rd and 104th General Assemblies and now voters will decide the matter in November. * * * * * Norris to commemorate new Purple Heart Trail at Dyersburg Air Base Homecoming NASHVILLE --- Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) will commemorate the completion of the “Purple Heart Trail” highway project during the Veterans’ Museum Twenty Year Homecoming at the historic Dyersburg Army Air Base this Saturday. “The Purple Heart Trail acknowledges the service and sacrifice of our Veterans,” Norris said. “We owe a tremendous debt to these individuals and this project is another recognition of their contribution to our country.” The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of an enemy, and posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those killed in action. Purple Hearts have been awarded for action since World War II. Norris sponsored the original legislation designating Highway 51 as the “Purple Heart Trail,” as well as several other highways elsewhere in Tennessee. West Tennessee’s designated route runs along Highway 51 from Millington north through Dyersburg. The area also serves as home to two separate Veterans’ museums along Highway 51, one in Tipton County and the other in Halls, which is operated by the Dyersburg Army Air Base Memorial Association. Norris will address at the Veterans’ Museum Twenty Year Homecoming this Saturday. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. and features the B-17 Liberty Belle and USO Entertainment as well as food, music and vendors. For additional event information, call the Veterans’ Museum in Halls at 731-836-7400. * * * * * Norris Recognized for Efforts on Behalf of the Arts JACKSON --- Area legislators working to enhance the arts in Tennessee were recognized by Tennesseans for the Arts during a recent grant ceremony and reception. “Maintaining an emphasis on the arts not only improves the quality of life in Tennessee communities, but also serves as an important educational tool for students,” Norris said. Last month, Norris was elected Chairman of the Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee of the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference. He said his national committee will also work to develop funding opportunities for the arts. The Tennessee Arts Commission’s matching grants are made possible through an appropriation of state funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and by Tennesseans who purchased specialty license plates. “We thank our elected leaders for their leadership and support in helping build better communities through the arts,” said Stephanie B. Conner, chair of the Tennessee Arts Commission. According to Conner, the Commission will award over 850 grants during Fiscal Year 2007, totaling more than $5.8 million dollars. These funds have a direct impact on communities across Tennessee, in both urban and rural areas. The Tennessee Arts Commission is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to ensure the citizens of Tennessee have access to and participate in the arts. * * * * * |
