That's what Wisconsin property taxpayers should say to the state Legislature before final passage of the budget repair plan.

The proposal contains a "stealth" provision that has nothing to do with fixing a budget shortfall but could shift onto homeowners property taxes now paid by low-income housing projects.

The provision, which exempts certain low-income housing from the property tax, is similar to Senate Bill 403, which was held up in the Legislature in part because more information was needed to understand its impact.

Legislative leaders, by inserting the provision into the budget repair bill, would push it into law without a public hearing or a full understanding of its impact.

The provision deserves to be considered as separate legislation, with public evaluation and debate.

The provision would expand a property tax exemption for low-income housing owned by nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits had argued the exemption was narrowed by a 2003 state Supreme Court ruling.

The provision would specify that property owned by churches or religious or benevolent associations and used as low-income housing is exempt from property tax.

It would include all existing low-income housing financed by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority and owned by nonprofit organizations.

Furthermore, it would expand the low-income housing that could qualify for the exemption by altering the current limit on how the owner uses rent income.

The provision would cost local governments an undetermined amount of property tax revenue, likely forcing them to make up the difference by raising property taxes on homeowners or by cutting services.

Low-income housing provides a public benefit. It ought to be encouraged. An expanded property tax exemption merits consideration.

But it's irresponsible to provide a property tax exemption, with so many ramifications on local governments and other property taxpayers, without public discussion.

The tax exemption provision is just another of many reasons the budget repair bill should go back to the drawing board.

That's where the Assembly should send it when that legislative house considers the bill today.