Property Taxes: Where Does RI Rank?
Monday, October 04, 2010
Rhode Island has some of the highest property taxes on homeowners in the nation, according to new U.S. Census data published in a Tax Foundation report.
The Ocean State ranks as the state with the fifth highest property taxes, with $3,618 in median property taxes paid in 2009, according to the report. The other top four states were, in order: New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New York. In New Jersey, the media property tax bill was $6,579. (See below chart for a list of the top 10 and bottom 10 states. Click here to read the Tax Foundation report.)
Candidates for Governor Propose Solutions
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe four campaigns for Rhode Island governor all told GoLocalProv that addressing the property tax burden is a priority for their candidates.
“As Governor, Senator Chafee intends to be the champion of the taxpayer,” said J.R. Pagliarini, campaign manager for independent Lincoln Chafee. “Being the only candidate who is a former mayor, he knows the property tax is the most onerous tax of all and rising property taxes result in increased foreclosures, increased rents and increased consumer prices as businesses try to pass along the increase to their customers.”
Pagliarini said Chafee would propose an “honest, balanced budget” that would increase state aid to cities and towns, so they can eliminate the car tax and reduce property taxes.
Nick Hemond, a spokesman for Democrat Frank Caprio, said Caprio’s plans for reducing the number of departments and making state government more efficient would free up more money for aid to cities and communities. He said that, as Warwick mayor, Chafee raised property taxes four times.
Calls for Property Tax Caps
The two other candidates for governor—Republican John Robitaille and Ken Block—have both called for an amendment to the state constitution that would cap property tax increases to 2.5 percent each year.
Both candidates have also proposed additional measures that would make it easier for communities to reduce taxes. In a recent economic policy speech, Robitaille said the state needs to eliminate “all unfunded mandates” on cities and towns. Block campaign manager Christine Hunsinger said Block wants a second constitutional amendment that would require that 3 percent of state revenues be sent back to cities and communities.
“What we learned from state history is that Rhode Islanders can’t trust their state government,” Hunsinger said.
Top 10 and Bottom 10 States in Median Real Estate Taxes Paid, 2009