Representative Curry Co-sponsors Important Components of Democratic Tax-Reform Package

House Democrats move forward to reduce Pennsylvanians’ tax burden

HARRISBURG, Jan. 17 – House Democratic Leaders today hailed passage of a duo of components in the House Democratic Caucus’ tax policy, which sets the stage for deeper tax cuts for homeowners and low-income working residents who may not own property, but pay taxes on goods, services and wages that may be used to help fund Pennsylvania schools.

“We are buoyed by the news from Budget Secretary Masch that homeowners will reap the rewards from the successful gaming industry this year,” said House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington. "But Pennsylvanians want more.”

House Democrats positioned for a vote a series of bills to give lawmakers a menu of opportunities to take property tax relief to the next level, as well as provide needed relief to low-income working families.

Among the measures is H.B. 1947, a cornerstone of the effort to eliminate property taxes, sponsored by House Finance Committee Chairman Dave Levdansky, D-Allegheny. The bill would remove the constitutional barrier to eliminating property taxes by taking the homestead exemption to 100 percent.

“This is the foundation for property tax elimination without any gimmicks,” Majority Whip Keith McCall, D-Carbon, said.

In order to amend the constitution, the legislation must be approved by the General Assembly in two consecutive sessions, and then approved by the voters.

Also clearing the House was the Earned Income Tax Credit (H.B. 377), sponsored by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dwight Evans, D-Phila., which would provide low-income workers with extra income through state tax refunds.

“The EITC encourages single parents, particularly women, to obtain employment and reduce their dependence on welfare. It’s a proven program that’s been around a long time,” DeWeese said. "It promotes both family values and a strong work ethic.”

Other bills in the package would further shift the responsibility for funding education to the state by raising $1.5 billion through sales and personal income taxes to slash local property taxes by the maximum allowable homestead exemption. The legislation would result in the Commonwealth providing greater funding for public education, rather than relying on a local tax effort.

“Paired with the anticipated $1 billion in revenue from gaming, these bills will enable all homeowners to see significant and immediate relief," McCall said.

“We will continue our march forward, once our members have an opportunity to wade through the flood of amendments offered to our property tax reduction bills,” DeWeese said. “The outpouring of amendments is reflective of the weight this issue carries in every corner of the state, and it’s only right that we afford House members the chance to consider them carefully.

Nearly 100 amendments were offered to the bills in the House Democratic package, which include H.B. 1489, H.B. 1600 and H.B. 93.