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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jesse White |
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White bill would rein in school board spending, property tax increases
HARRISBURG, Aug. 11 – In an effort to prevent property tax increases and rein in school spending, state Rep. Jesse White, D-Washington/Allegheny/Beaver, has introduced legislation that would require a super majority of school boards to approve a tax increase.
Under the bill (H.B. 1213), property tax increases would have to be approved by a three-quarters majority vote by school boards.
White said six out of 10 school districts in the 46th Legislative District have voted to raise property taxes this year despite state basic education funding increases in the 2010 –11 state budget and in years prior.
"I share constituents' frustrations with school property tax increases," White said. "Too many people are living paycheck-to-paycheck or on a fixed income, and unnecessary tax increases can cripple their budgets.
"The public needs to know that their tax dollars are going to fund education, not fancy sports stadiums. My bill would put some checks and balances in place to increase transparency and accountability," he said.
The following school districts are located in White's District: Avella Area; Burgettstown; Canon-McMillan; Chartiers-Houston; Fort Cherry; McGuffey; South Fayette; South Side; Trinity; and West Allegheny.
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