Donald J. Lehe (Taxpayer UNfriendly)

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: 10644 S. 100 E., Brookston, IN 47923
Phone: (765) 563-3620
E-mail: dklehe@comcast.net, H15@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r15/

Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 2, 2006, Primary Election
1. What will be your guiding principles for the 2007-2009 biennium budget? Specifically, what mix of spending cuts, tax increases, and/or reserve depletions will you support? RESPONSE: I will support as many spending cut proposals as feasible to balance the budget and promote economic development. I want to maintain a sufficient amount of funds in the state reserve and expand it if possible. I do not support any form of statewide tax increase.
2. What are your opinions regarding homeowner property taxes? Specifically, do favor freezing all property taxes and funding budget increases through both individual and business income tax increases? Or, do you favor a mixture of income tax, sales tax and meals tax increases to reduce property tax growth while providing additional revenue to local governments? RESPONSE: Homeowners and businesses as well as farmers already pay too much property tax. I will consider allowing local units to have power to generate funding however they feel best for their area. I think it should be a combination of several types of tax.
3. Considering the "Major Moves" legislation passed by the General Assembly this year, do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next ten years? RESPONSE: There should be no need for increased fuel tax to fund any transportation infrastructure in the state.
4. What is your position regarding the construction of an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville? Specifically, should the $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund that is part of "Major Moves" be used exclusively for a new terrain I-69 extension so as to avoid state gas tax increases? RESPONSE: The I69 project should not come from the trust fund. I would prefer it be funded by already existing sources or a private partnership or both.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website?

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 YES 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.

Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07 Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current revenue totals for the eighth straight year. The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers, which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See the Candidate Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election. Also see the Legislative Voting Record.

Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 5, 2002, General Election
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire.

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