CHANGING THE MINDSET IN HARRISBURG TO ELIMINATE PROPERTY TAX ON PRIMARY HOMESTEADS FIRST.

By David R. Kessler

I believe we have been stuck in the status quo regarding property taxes for the last 10 to 20 years because some legislators have been trying to eliminate the school property tax on homesteads and commercial property. We need to concentrate on eliminating the school property tax on primary homes first. I have talked about this from day one as your State Representative.

That is why I am working with Rep. Tim Seip on House Bill 1965, which would eliminate the school property tax on primary homes only. To eliminate the school property tax on all properties, we would need to generate about $16 billion. By comparison, finding $6 to $7 billion to eliminate the school property tax for primary homes is much more achievable.

House Bill 1965 would generate revenue to eliminate the school property tax on primary homes by expanding the 6 percent sales tax to other services and goods that are not currently being taxed. The sales tax rate would remain at 6 percent, and the current tax exemptions for food; clothing and medical expenses would remain in place.