Merry Property Tax Holiday for Wyoming Taxpayers?

With Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's no surprise that state lawmakers are in the holiday spirit. But Wyoming policymakers may have taken the holiday mood one step too far with a property tax holiday proposal. Governor Freudenthal is proposing a one year property tax holiday that would reduce property tax rates by 12 mils. Apparently the state doesn't need to generate property tax revenue next year because surpluses are expected. This proposal leaves low- and middle-income taxpayers with little to celebrate because the tax cuts aren't targeted to those with the least ability to pay. A better policy alternative would be to expand the state's current property tax relief programs.