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PASA Position - Property Tax Relief

Posted: January 6, 2005

Background

The Senate and House have passed different tax relief proposals.  The big difference between the two proposals is that the House plan (SB 854) increases state taxes to fund property tax relief beyond what would be available from gambling revenue alone, while the Senate plan (SB 30) relies on an optional local EIT or PIT tax shift to expand property tax relief. 

The House version is more consistent with PASA’s positions on school funding.  In November PASA presented testimony (pdf) before the Senate Special Session Committee on Legislation to this effect - that the use of state revenue to fund property tax relief supports school funding equity when the state money is used to reduce the local tax burden on those making the greatest effort. 

The House version also contains amendments to the back–end referendum exceptions for which PASA has lobbied.  This amendment was adopted in the House by a vote of 183-12.  Twelve House members (pdf) voted "no" on the amendment. 

Action Urged

PASA members who live in the district of a House member who voted "no" on the exceptions amendment (see above) are encouraged to communicate their disappointment with that vote.  But more importantly, PASA members whose representatives voted for the amendment and in support of the PASA position should communicate their appreciation for that vote.  Special thanks should go to Representatives Stanley Saylor (R -York) and Michael Veon (D -Westmoreland) for their leadership on the “exception” issue.

PASA offers to members two letters to use as the basis of communication with legislators about property tax relief:

• general support for SB 854, as amended (Word)

• 'Thank You' to legislator for support of SB 854 (Word)