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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus |
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House paves the way to eliminating school property taxes
Shimkus: This is a bold step property owners have waited a long time for us to take
HARRISBURG, Jan. 17 – The House today unanimously passed legislation (H.B. 1947) that paves the way for the elimination of school property taxes for homeowners in Pennsylvania. State Rep. Frank Andrews Shimkus, D-Lackawanna, voted for the bill, saying it was the will of the people in his legislative district.
“Property owners in Lackawanna County and across the Commonwealth want to see school property taxes eliminated,” Shimkus said. “Soaring school property tax bills are forcing many seniors from their homes and preventing many young couples from becoming homeowners.”
Shimkus said Pennsylvania took the first step in giving property owners relief with the passage of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2006, which will use slots revenues to lower school property tax bills this year.
“But we can’t stop there,” Shimkus said. “We have to keep the momentum going on this issue. We have to reduce taxes, cut government spending and put more money back in the pockets of the people of Pennsylvania.”
House Bill 1947, sponsored by state Rep. David Ledvansky, D-Allegheny/Washington, would amend the state constitution to allow for the elimination of school property taxes on homestead and farmstead property.
Shimkus said today’s vote was just the first step toward that goal. The legislation must be passed by both the House and Senate in two separate legislative sessions, then approved by Pennsylvania voters. The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
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CONTACT: Lauren Rooney |