A bill looks to expand the tax base for the Bloomington-Normal Airport and there were no State representatives representing McLean County that sponsored the bill, but it’s out of committee and onto the house where one representative who represents McLean county has said she will vote on it.
“She [Sharon Chung, who represents the 91st district] said that she would not sponsor this bill, but if it came to the house floor she would vote for it, kind of a cowardly position,” State Representative Dan Caulkins.
Caulkins said Chung didn’t want her name on it because it is so controversial.
“She could have stepped up and stopped this bill from coming forward,” said Caulkins. “This is a push by the Director of the Bloomington-Normal Aviation Commission; he has a some kind of a authoritarian-bent. This is not necessary, it is the wrong way to do it. They have plenty of money. Air Traffic is up and freight traffic is up. This is just an end run around coming to the community and explaining what you are doing and asking for their approval or disapproval.”
Caulkins said the State Government Administration House Committee asked the Commission to go to the community and ask. According to the Airport Authorities Act (prior to this amendment if passed) to expand the tax base you have to bring it to referendum.
So far, the communities surround Bloomington-Normal are in opposition to this bill. Bloomington-Normal, according to Caulkins, might see a slight drop in taxes for maybe a couple of years but ultimately the tax burden is great for those in rural communities surrounding the Twin Cities.
“I am highly disappointed in the actions of the committee yesterday. I went into this knowing all about party lines and so forth. But to actually witness this in person is embarrassing,” said Lexington Mayor Spencer Johansen.”The Chairman Rep. Mark Walker (D) from Springfield allowed the Airport Authority to testify, and acted like he wasn’t aware we were there in opposition. When we did get our opportunity to speak, he interrupted to see if we were about finished. The remainder of the Democrats were not really paying attention, on their phones, chatting etc. so the vote was 6 (D) to 3(R) in favor of forwarding to the full house, despite 706 citizens opposing and 105 in support of all witness slips submitted. While I am truly disappointed, embarrassed and angry. I am also determined to keep fighting. We cannot sit back and allow one taxing body to force a new tax on other taxing bodies without our voices being heard.”
Johansen is not the only mayor in opposition.
Cathleen Weber, the President of Cooksville and also a member of the McLean County Mayor’s Association, was denied oral testimony yesterday.
“Historically, the proposal to expand the Airport Authority has always had opposition because the rural communities do not see the benefits that the Bloomington-Normal municipalities enjoy,” said Weber in a statement she couldn’t give yesterday. “The rural residents of McLean County need you to look out for them. Ensure they are not taxed unreasonably for services they do not receive. Send the message to taxing bodies across the state that you must resolve all avenues of funding before adding taxes to any resident.”
Senator David Koehler originally introduced SB2447 and when it went to committee the bill changed to SB 684.
The lobbyist there on behalf of the airport was asked two things: 1) Does the McLean County Board support this bill? 2) Will the Airport Authority guarantee they will not raise property taxes when they get the authority to expand the tax base?
The lobbyist didn’t answer either question from the Democrat Chairman.
McLean County board tabled the issue until June. Normal Mayor Chris Koos supports Koehler’s effort. Koos said he believes the expanded tax base would make the Bloomington-Normal airport more competitive with other neighboring airports.
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