FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Bill Kortz D-Allegheny www.pahouse.com/kortz

Most 38^th District homeowners to get more than average property tax relief this summer

HARRISBURG, May 2 – State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Allegheny, said 3 million Pennsylvania homeowners will receive school property tax relief this summer, now that slots revenues from the state’s gaming facilities have reached the threshold needed to trigger relief.

Kortz said the Property Tax Relief Fund contains $613 million and the money will be given to 500 of the state’s school districts for property tax reductions this summer; Philadelphia residents will get wage tax relief.

"The average reduction in school property tax bills statewide will be about $190," Kortz said. "I’m proud to announce that property tax relief is finally coming to my constituents, and that most of the homeowners in the 38th Legislative District will receive more than the statewide average."

Kortz said the estimated property tax relief per homeowner in local school districts is as follows:

· Baldwin-Whitehall School District = $149

· McKeesport Area School District = $324

· South Allegheny School District = $209

· West Jefferson Hills School District = $207

· West Mifflin Area School District = $219

The tax cuts will be reflected in homeowners’ new school property tax bills this summer.

Last year, gaming revenues helped to expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to help 540,000 Pennsylvania senior citizens receive $234 million in property tax relief.

"This is welcomed good news," Kortz said. "School property tax relief is finally on its way and, even better, folks can expect additional property tax reductions in the coming years as revenue from current and yet-to-be-opened gaming sites increases."

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