The schools (teachers and administers) and local governments are blaming Act 388 for their financial problems. It effects the schools very little and local governments not at all. Act 388 protects homeowners and businesses. When you figure taxes to schools( all the figures are on the Dept. of Educations website) act 388 only went down about 1/10 of a per cent because the economy is doing so badly.

Act 388 was a tax swap. The problem is that the state has cut funding about 30% (1 billion dollars). In a way they are correct. The real kicker is when Act 388 and the Constitutional amendment was passed, it put their uncontrolled spending to a stop. The amendment put a stop to hyper–inflated house prices. They cannot change that with out a vote.

Before Act 388 and the Constitutional amendment was passed, property taxes were pushed up by false home prices and the local government spending like a kid with a credit card with no limit. They would decide all the lavish programs they think of, then say they need whatever amount they want. Then tell everyone you have to pay this or we will take your home and sell it to someone else who will pay it.

Do you remember before Act 388 when your property taxes were increasing about 20% a year from uncontrolled school and local government spending? That is what they want back. They now can only increase property taxes( all 11 of them including businesses and second homes) by CPT plus GROWTH ( about 2% this year).

If Act 388 is repealed by the Legislature ( it has a very good chance because it will be a non–election year next session), the schools and local governments are going to cry very loud. The legislators are going to get less money next year, and the federal stimulus money will not be there for them, therefore they will put it on property taxes.

I predict that our property taxes will triple or more next year if this happens and there will be nothing we can do if we wait on them to make the first move.

David Whetsell Lexington, S.C. 29073