From Mark's Desk:
April 3, 2006 

Last week was bitter-sweet.

On the sweet side, the Senate finally approved my long-standing call for a referendum this fall to amend the Tennessee Constitution for senior citizens’ property tax relief. By a vote of 33-0, SJR 1, the “Homestead Exemption,” was approved last Thursday.

On the bitter side, there was the reminder that time is rarely on our side when it comes to the legislative process.

On the floor of the Senate, I read a letter received two years ago from 81 year old Ellen Chambers. Long-widowed, she lived on an annuity from her husband’s military pension. He fought in World War II and was recalled to duty three times. Her original home in Whitehaven had been taken by eminent domain to build the Memphis International Airport years ago, and she moved to Collierville.

When her furnace went out, she took an equity credit loan to repair it. Her grandson used to help cut her grass, but he took a full-time job after school and couldn’t help her any longer. The house needed paint, but she couldn’t afford to paint it. Her property taxes had increased by almost $1,000 in the last seven years. She had no additional income to pay the taxes.

She hoped we could pass the Homestead Exemption soon.

I tried to reach Mrs. Chambers on Thursday as I prepared to head to the Senate for the sixth and final vote required after two, successive General Assemblies since 2003. I wanted to share the good news. This was for her.

But her number had been disconnected. Information no longer had a listing for Ellen Chambers.

I could only imagine what has become of Ellen Chambers. I wish I could have done more for her and others like her. I wish we could have moved more quickly, but amendments to our Constitution were made difficult by design.

The House of Representatives will take up the Resolution for a Senior Citizens’ Homestead Exemption this week. Assuming it passes after three readings there, after three years of effort, the referendum will finally be on the ballot this coming November.

It may be too late for Mrs. Chambers, but it isn’t too late for others.

“To every thing there is a season….”