Galloway votes to eliminate school property taxes

Thanks to the emailer who reminds us all about this. Be sure to let Rep. Galloway know you're out there and you want relief. Check out the link below to HB1600 with the text of the bill.

State Rep. John T. Galloway, D-Bucks
www.pahouse.com/Galloway

Galloway votes to eliminate school property taxes

'Independence from school property taxes closer than ever'

HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Rep. John T. Galloway, D-Bucks, today voted to move a bill out of the House Finance Committee that would eliminate school property taxes for Pennsylvania homeowners.

House Bill 1600, introduced by state Rep. David Levdansky, D-Allegheny, and co-sponsored by Galloway, would establish the Supplemental Homeowner Property Tax Relief Act and would cut school property taxes on homesteads by increasing income and sales taxes.

"I am pleased that on the eve of our Independence Day holiday that independence from school property taxes is closer than it has ever been," said Galloway, who is a member of the House Finance Committee. "This issue has been a political football for more than 30 years and the state legislature has done little but fumble. But with the dedication and ambition of the freshmen lawmakers, and the cooperation of seasoned House members from both sides of the aisle, it looks like we are about to score a touchdown for homeowners across the Commonwealth."

Galloway said an amendment added to the bill by Levdansky, and approved by the Finance Committee, would take away school districts' authority to impose school property taxes and set a date of Dec. 31, 2009, for the legislature to come up with an alternative way to fund education, such as increasing the personal income and/or sales tax.

House Bill 1600 now moves to the House Appropriations Committee, where Galloway is also a member.

"I am hopeful the bill will quickly move to the House floor for a vote," he said.