HARRISBURG – Two key state Senate committees will host a forum on Thursday to dive deeper into proposals to eliminate and reform school property taxes in Pennsylvania.
The Senate Majority Policy and Democratic Policy Committees will hear testimony from various groups with a vested interest in school property tax elimination and reform during the first in a series of public forums regarding the property tax problem.
Senate Majority Policy Committee Chairman David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) says the issue is too critical to ignore any longer.
“As one of the many sponsors of a measure to eliminate school property taxes, I think it’s important to hear ways to advance this issue of much-needed relief for homeowners across this state,” Argall said. “I look forward to a robust discussion with various stakeholders as to how we move forward as requested by so many taxpayers across the state.”
Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton/Lehigh) added, “As a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 76 and an advocate who has fought to eliminate property taxes throughout her career, I am encouraged by this bipartisan approach. Pennsylvania’s seniors, working families and all homeowners expect and deserve decisive action this session.”
Senator Mario Scavello (R-Monroe/Northampton), who is hosting the event, said the issue of local tax reform is a top priority for local residents.
“I am very pleased to have the Senate Policy Committees come to the 40th Senate District to discuss school property tax reform, the single most important issue affecting my constituents,” Scavello said. “This forum is a vital step in continuing to build momentum to end our reliance on the burdensome school property tax that makes it difficult for seniors and families alike to stay in their homes and often makes our citizens choose between critical expenses and paying the property tax.”
The forum will feature a presentation by the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations, the statewide grassroots organization comprised of volunteers who drafted Senate Bill 76, which would eliminate school property taxes by shifting to an increased Personal Income Tax and increased and expanded Sales and Use Tax. Also invited are the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the Pennsylvania School Business Officials, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
Other proposals that will be discussed include: school property tax freeze for senior citizens, a Constitutional amendment to allow for the total elimination of school property taxes for homeowners only, local options for school districts to either reduce or eliminate school property taxes, as well as property tax reassessment reform.
The forum will take place at the Pocono Mountain East High School Auditorium, 231 Pocono Mountain School Road, Swiftwater, PA 18370 on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend and there will be a period for questions from local residents.