Chairman Ball and members of the County Council:

The League of Women Voter of Howard County supports CB32 introduced by the Council Chairperson at the request of the County Executive and co-sponsored by the chair. This bill would establish a property tax credit for certain owner-occupied residential properties jointly owned by individuals and the Howard County Housing Commission.

The League testified on January 11, 2007 in front of the Howard County Delegation to the General Assembly supporting the proposed State enabling legislation to allow for the establishment of this tax credit. The basis of the League’s testimony the evening of January 11 is the same as tonight. By passing this tax credit the Council will enable greater affordability to the homeowner by reducing their applicable taxes.

The League’s support is based on our housing position which urges support for favorable tax treatment for the building of and maintaining of affordable housing.

The Howard County Association of Community Services has worked diligently for this legislation. The League is a member of the Association. We are pleased that they have achieved this priority. We urge the County Council to give favorable consideration for CB 32.

Barbara Russell
Co-president