Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 24, 2023 11:23 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jeanne McNeill |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Limiting Property Tax Increases Over the Index |
| School districts in Pennsylvania have the authority to levy property taxes on individuals living within the district’s boundaries. To help residents, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) publishes an index each year stating the highest property tax increase that districts can impose on its residents. If a school district wishes to raise property taxes beyond that index, they must either apply for an exemption from PDE or receive approval by residents through a referendum. However, there is currently no limit on the number of times that a school district can apply for an exemption to raise property taxes above the approved index without receiving voter approval, meaning they could apply every year without permission from residents. We need to ensure school districts do not misuse this provision and overburden residents with school property tax increases above what is actually permitted without their input. To that end, I am introducing legislation that would limit a school district to two consecutive exemptions during a three-year period. This way, a school district can only apply to PDE for an exemption to raise school property taxes above the index two times before they would need approval from voters. This legislation would ensure that residents across Pennsylvania actually have a voice when it comes to their school property taxes. Taxpayers are currently left out of the decision making when school districts apply for exemptions to raise property taxes above the index, and they deserve to offer their input more often by voting on this matter. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation that will protect taxpayers in Pennsylvania. |
Introduced as HB598