Jeff Drozda (Uncertain)

Watchdog Indiana Home Page Taxpayer Friendly Scorecard Legislative Voting Record 11/02/04 Candidate Questionnaire 05/04/04 Candidate Questionnaire 11/05/02 Candidate Questionnaire 05/07/02 Candidate Questionnaire

Address: P.O. Box 555, Westfield, IN 46074
Phone: (765) 438-1592
E-mail: S21@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/S21/

Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 7, 2006, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Effective December 1, 2002, the Indiana sales tax increased from 5% to 6% with a promise that the proceeds would be used to decrease homeowner homeowner property taxes by 16.3%. As summarized at http://finplaneducation.net/betrayal_incompetence.htm, Indiana General Assemblies and Governors have turned the promised 16.3% decrease into a Pay 2007 property tax increase of 20.3% for the average Hoosier homeowner. Local governments are now pushing for more flexibility to levy income, sales, and other taxes under the guise of property tax relief. QUESTION: Should local Indiana governments be allowed to impose additional income, sales, and other taxes? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. BACKGROUND: The state's budget the last two fiscal years has been balanced without fund transfers for the first time since 1998-99 (see http://finplaneducation.net/indiana_cash_flow_data.htm). QUESTION: Should the state's total budget expenditures be no more than total revenues for the next biennium? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. BACKGROUND: The state's current budget is balanced with the inclusion of a one-time increase from $35,000 to $45,000 in the state-paid Homestead Deduction for Pay 2007 property taxes. This decreases property taxes for the average homeowner by 6%. QUESTION: Should the $45,000 Homestead Deduction be continued beyond 2007? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners could cost up to $150 million. QUESTIONS: Should the state pay for full-day kindergarten? If YES, where should the state get the funds needed for full-day kindergarten? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. BACKGROUND: The $3.7 billion proceeds from leasing the Indiana Toll Road ("Major Moves") will be used to establish a Bond Retirement Account to pay off bonds selected by the Indiana Finance Authority, an Administration Account, an Eligible Project Account for highway improvements throughout Indiana, and a $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund to be used exclusively for the provision of highways, roads, and bridges. QUESTION: Do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next ten years? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
6. BACKGROUND: "Major Moves" projects include $694 million for a new terrain I-69 extension from Indianapolis to Evansville as well as a $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund. QUESTION: Should the "Major Moves" expenditures be combined with the Next Generation Trust Fund proceeds to build a new terrain I-69 extension without state tax increases? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
7. BACKGROUND: The 2006 "Major Moves" legislation authorizes a toll road for an I-69 extension between Martinsville and Evansville. QUESTION: Do you favor legislation that removes the toll road authorization for an I-69 extension? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? HAS NOT RESPONDED.

2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on "Major Moves" House Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators) concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB 1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and 2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.

2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner property tax increases.
Voted YES on House Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.

2003 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House Bill 1001, the budget bill that was Taxpayer UNfriendly primarily because (1) the 2004-05 fiscal year General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending total of $11.48 billion exceeded the $11.4424 billion revenues total (fiscal year 2004-05 was the eighth straight year where spending exceeded revenues), (2) the full Property Tax relief that was promised to homeowners in last year's special session legislation was reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction," and (3) Pension Stabilization Fund transfers were included (these transfers worsened the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds).

Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 5, 2002, General Election
1. Yes, state government needs can be met without any more tax and fee increases through at least June 30, 2005.
2. If a last-resort tax or fee increase becomes necessary to solve a problem, I would insist on a revenue-neutral, dollar-for-dollar decrease in another tax or fee.
3. I would be open to consider the revenue-neutral approach of exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and increasing the gasoline tax by another 5 cents. I generally do not favor increasing the gasoline tax.
4. The inventory tax should be eliminated immediately. There are creative ways to do this. Indiana may want to look at what the other surrounding states have done to accomplish this same goal.
5. I would love to hear from anyone regarding my qualifications and background to be your public servant. Please send me an E-mail or give me a call. My campaign mailing address is Jeff Drozda for State Senate, P.O. Box 555, Westfield, IN 46074. See the Candidate Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.

Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7, 2002, Primary Election
1. I do not fully support HB 1004 as passed by the House. I do not fully support HB1004 as passed by the Senate; an additional $933 million (through June 30, 2004) beyond a balanced budget is excessive. Now is not the time to be taxing Hoosier families. I would support ideas such as the previously suggested Watchdog Indiana Solution #1 with some added features. (a) I would consider increasing the Riverboat Admission Fee (which really is not an increase to individuals but is paid by riverboat owners) from $3 to $5 per person. (b) Considering the recent report in The Indianapolis Star, the homeowner property tax shelter may only need to be increased a small percentage. However, I do have a concern that each county/township assessor may not be assessing in a uniform and accurate procedure. This may lead to lower valuations and variations from one county to the next. (c) I fully support a total transfer of the Build Indiana Fund money to the General Fund. (d) Furthermore, I support the elimination of the Build Indiana Fund. Once our $1.3 billion deficit is erased, then Indiana should have a Capital Improvements bill in the even numbered years for an open and honest discussion of those projects that would qualify for support under Indiana law. The current process is a disgrace to all Hoosier taxpayers. (e) The Inventory Tax must be totally eliminated if Indiana is to compete with other Midwest states in the hopes of expanding our economic development.
2. I do not support HB 1317 as passed by the House. I do not support HB 1317 as passed by the Senate. A gasoline tax increase for wants beyond our transportation needs is not needed at this time. All resources should be centered on Indiana's looming $1.3 billion budget deficit.
3. I do support the Governor's veto of HB 1083. Any attempts to circumvent Indiana's Open Access laws must be viewed with suspicion. An open and truthful government is one that works best.
4. I can be reached at Drozda2002@aol.com. I would love to hear from anyone regarding my qualifications and background to be your public servant. See the Candidate Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.

This page was last updated on 03/25/10.