Robbins: Public Hearings Being Held on Property Tax Relief Plans
Part of General Assembly's Special Session on Property Tax Reform

Harrisburg – A special state Senate committee is holding a series of public hearings on all of the legislative proposals being introduced to reduce or eliminate property taxes in Pennsylvania, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

Robbins said that three hearings have been conducted to date by the bipartisan Committee on Legislation, part of the General Assembly's Special Session on Property Tax Relief.

"This Special Session provides a forum for lawmakers to put all of proposals for property tax reduction on the table so they can be analyzed and debated," said Robbins. "These hearings are an opportunity to carefully go through each proposal and determine which direction to proceed."

Among the plans being considered are:

A package of bills calling for a statewide public referendum to increase the state sales, use and personal income taxes to generate $2.6 billion in new revenues. The funds would pay for statewide school property tax reduction, a property tax freeze for certain senior citizens and an expansion of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program. It would also allow local referendums to increase earned income and net profits taxes for the purpose of additional reductions in residential property taxes.
Legislation eliminating property taxes by expanding the base of the sales tax to include additional items and services and reducing the rate of tax to 5.7 percent.
A plan to eliminate homestead property taxes at all levels through a constitutional amendment. It would also increase the sales tax to 8 percent, increase the state personal income tax to 4.07 percent, and dedicate certain revenues from the state personal income tax for property tax relief.
Legislation requiring all school districts to participate in Act 72, which would fund property tax reductions through state gaming revenues. It would eliminate the current Act 72 requirement that school districts increase their earned income tax by .1 percent to qualify, and eliminate the need for a voter referendum on additional income taxes, instead creating the Property Tax Review Board to review tax increases.

"There are quite a few appealing property tax relief proposals; however, each comes with significant ramifications that need to be fully understood," said Robbins. "The key is to adopt one that has the best chance of offering real tax cuts and protections against future tax hikes. I will work to keep my constituents informed as the Senate proceeds on this matter. Whatever the plan, though, I am a strong proponent of giving voters the final say through a referendum."

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322

Robbins: Public Hearings Being Held on Property Tax Relief Plans Part of General Assembly's Special Session on Property Tax Reform

Robbins: Public Hearings Being Held on Property Tax Relief Plans
Part of General Assembly's Special Session on Property Tax Reform