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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 13, 2015 04:40 PM
From:	Representative Thomas R. Caltagirone
To:	All House members
Subject:	Constitutional Amendment to protect home owners from government seizure of their home

In the near future, I plan to introduce a constitutional amendment that will prevent any government entity from seizing a home from a homeowner simply because that homeowner cannot afford to pay property taxes. It is not right that the government can seize these homes. Under the current property tax system home ownership in Pennsylvania is a façade. Our Founding Fathers rose up against the tyranny of England over the levying of exorbitant taxes. In fact, Thomas Jefferson wrote to James Madison in 1784 that “Taxes should be proportioned to what may be annually spared by the individual.” FE 4:15, Papers 7:557. Property taxes in this Commonwealth have risen to the point where many citizens can no longer afford to stay in their homes. Many of these people have paid off mortgages but simply can’t afford the taxes. There are far too many homes being sold at tax sales throughout the state leaving our most vulnerable citizens literally out in the cold. The day has come where we as a legislative body need to stand up for the people we represent and once and for all deal with property tax problem. The burden of these taxes fall particularly hard on the poor, sick and older citizens. These people are constantly fighting to keep their homes and the American dream of homeownership is a lay-off, illness or death of a spouse away from being torn from their grasp. Jefferson also wrote, “Whenever there is in any country uncultivated lands and unemployed poor, it is clear that the laws of property have been so far extended as to violate natural right.” Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1785. ME 19:18, Papers 8:682. Until we as a legislature get the courage to stand up to the entrenched interests, I think we need to protect the most vulnerable among us from the government seizure of their home by giving them the constitutional right to keep their home. My belief is simple: When you pay off your mortgage, you should feel secure that the government isn’t going to take your home. Last, I do not consider this to be a political issue but rather I view this as a moral imperative. I implore you to join me in my efforts.

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