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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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Majority
Leader Bill DeWeese |
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DeWeese lauds $600 million in property tax cuts through slots
HARRISBURG, April 17 – Homeowners can expect a reduction in their property taxes this summer, thanks to $600 million in proceeds from slot machines, according to House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese.
"Pennsylvania’s budget secretary this week certified that the state’s slot machine facilities have now produced enough revenue to begin reducing property taxes – more than $600 million for homeowners statewide. It’s important to remember that this cut will be sustainable over the coming years and even grow, since only half of the slots facilities are up and running. The three that likely will generate the most money have yet to open. Once the venues in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are operating, the property tax cuts will get even larger," said DeWeese, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington.
House Democrats, under DeWeese’s leadership, spurred the debate and supplied the majority of votes to launch property tax relief for homeowners through slot machine gaming.
Last year, gaming revenues helped 540,000 Pennsylvania seniors receive $234 million in property tax relief from the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.
"I’m pleased to see this next step of property tax cuts realized for all homeowners. As House Majority Leader, I am committed to providing even deeper property tax cuts for homeowners – beyond the slot machine gaming revenues that will continue to grow and reduce bills every year. Among the measures we’ve already moved to the Senate is a state constitutional amendment that would allow for the elimination of property taxes on homes," DeWeese said.
For more information about the plan for further property tax relief, visit the House Democratic Caucus Web site www.pahouse.com.
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