State Sen. Donato on passing meaningful property tax reform

With Hoosiers frustrated by increases in their property tax bills, State Senator Stacey Donato, R-Logansport, Dist. 18, reports that Senate Republicans have put property tax reform at the top of their legislative agenda.

Despite Indiana having some of the country's lowest property taxes for homeowners, property tax reform has been put at the top of the 2025 Senate Republican legislative agenda.

That's according to State Senator Stacey Donato, R-Logansport, who reports that although Indiana ranks No. 5 in the nation for best property tax climate according to the Tax Foundation, many Hoosiers have been understandably frustrated by the considerable year-over-year increases in their bills.

Donato adds that those increases have largely been caused by inflation.

Property taxes, which are set and used solely by local governments – not the state government – fund local services like schools, police and fire departments. That's why it's so important to balance lowering taxes on Hoosier homeowners, farmers and businesses with funding the needs of schools and local governments, Donato says. 

In its current form, Senate Bill 1 – the caucus's top priority bill – reflects Gov. Mike Braun's plan to cut property taxes. 

Donato reports that the bill is likely to change throughout the legislative process, as the Senate, House of Representatives and the governor work together to find a plan that will work best for property owners and local governments beginning in 2026.

"This work builds on our previous efforts to cut property taxes for homeowners and is sure to be one of the most discussed issues this session," Donato said. "If you have thoughts on these or other issues, I encourage you to take my 2025 constituent survey and provide your feedback in the comment section."

Donato's survey is available at https://www.indianasenaterepublicans.com/2025-constituent-survey-sen-stacey-a-donato.

For more information on Senate Bill 1, visit https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/1/details.