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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John T. Galloway |
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Galloway refused to raise taxes on seniors, families, working class
Rejects amendment to property tax relief bill
HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – State Rep. John Galloway, D-Bucks, today voted against raising taxes on the working class to give big business a break.
Galloway voted against an amendment that would increase the cost of property tax elimination by almost $5 billion by including commercial and non-homestead properties. It would pay for the break by expanding the state sales tax to currently non-taxed items and services. The amendment (A05384) was posted to legislation the House is considering to reduce homeowner property taxes (H.B. 1600).
"Under this amendment, citizens would be taxed to death," Galloway said. "There would be taxes on caskets, Bibles, day-care services for children and senior citizens, non-prescription drugs, and legal and accounting services, not to mention banking fees such as ATM and bounced-check fees. Yet businesses, who would enjoy the property tax relief, would be exempt from these new charges, leaving the working class and senior citizens to foot the bill.
"I want property tax relief for homeowners, not casino and shopping-center owners. That should be our top priority," Galloway said.
The House rejected the amendment. The House is poised to vote on H.B. 1600 this week.
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