Released on May 9, 2008
The Government is asking Saskatchewan residents to weigh in on education property taxes. The Government today launched an online form via the Ministry of Education website asking residents to put forward their ideas about how the province can find a solution aimed at reducing education property taxes.
"We made a promise during the election campaign to review education property taxes, as Saskatchewan relies more on property taxes to fund education than any other province in Canada," Education Minister Ken Krawetz said. "Finding a long term solution is a priority for our government and my ministry."
Premier Brad Wall tasked Rosetown-Elrose MLA Jim Reiter, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Education, Property Tax Initiative to lead the review of the role of property tax in the funding of K-12 education.
"We know that education property taxation is a concern to many people across the province and it is important that Saskatchewan people have an opportunity for input," Reiter said.
In addition to the website submissions, Reiter is also inviting written submissions through his office. He will also meet with stakeholder groups and review best practices from other provinces. His recommendations will be provided to the Minister of Education by early 2009.
Interested Saskatchewan individuals and organizations are invited to provide their views by September 1, 2008.
As the government works to develop a long-term solution, it has provided $156.6 million to go toward property tax rebate programs across the province in the 2008-09 budget. This includes an increase to the agricultural property tax credit from 38 per cent to 47 per cent and an increase to the commercial and residential property tax credit from 10 per cent to 12 per cent, as promised during the election campaign.
To submit your ideas or to learn more about the review, please visit www.learning.gov.sk.ca/property-tax-review.
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For more information, contact:
Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@gov.sk.ca