More smoke-and-mirrors from Pa. legislators

The political football is back ...

Sen. Scavello introduced more smoke-and-mirrors with SB1137. He states “The people voted for it in November. We’re putting it in writing and we’re going to go ahead and do it for them.”

No, the people didn’t approve the referendum for more smoke-and-mirrors. Sen. Scavello looked me in the eyes and stated “If the property tax referendum passes in November, it opens the door for property tax elimination.” I’m certain he repeated that to others. That’s why the people approved SB1285, to allow SB76, real property tax elimination.

Senator Mensch stated, “We finally have a bill that will meet the demands of the school districts as well as the taxpayer.” No, we do not. SB1137 will leave property taxes untouched and increase personal income tax.

The School Property Tax Exclusion Act is an expansion of the existing homestead exclusion. Prior to the passing of the referendum, the districts already had the “option” of excluding up to 50 percent of the home’s assessed value. With the passing of SB1137, the optional exclusion increases to 100 percent.

If the school districts already had the “option” to lower property taxes from 100 percent to 50 percent of assessed value, but did not, who thinks the school districts will choose the option to lower property taxes to 0 percent of assessed value? Yet, we all get to pay the increase in income tax.

Even worse, this bill expands the taxing authority of the school boards, permitting them “to inspect the tax returns of any taxpayer of the school district.” In essence, making the school board a mini version of the IRS.

Contact the legislators. Hold them accountable to eliminate school property taxes. This political football comes around every election. Game over! We need complete school property tax elimination, not a larger, optional, exclusion with increase income tax. Visit www.PTCC.us.