Oct. 05, 2016
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Cox (R-Berks/Lancaster) today introduced the Property Tax Independence Act (
House Bill 76) in the Pennsylvania state House. The legislation would completely replace school district property taxes.
“We can fund our schools without driving law-abiding citizens out of their homes,” said Cox. “This plan represents hope for people teetering on the edge of losing their homes due to the current property tax system.”
The Property Tax Independence Act would replace school district property taxes by funding education in Pennsylvania with statewide revenue sources. It would increase the state Personal Income Tax from 3.07 percent to 4.95 percent. It also would increase the state Sales and Use Tax (SUT) from 6 percent to 7 percent. Additional revenue would be generated by closing special interest loopholes in the SUT.
Cox recognizes the bill is unlikely to be considered in the state House before the two-year session ends in November. He said he is introducing it now at the request of 87 taxpayer groups across the Commonwealth and many of his colleagues.
“Introducing the bill assures our supporters and allies that House Bill 76 is alive and well, and will be pursued in the future,” said Cox. “This also gives state representatives an opportunity to sign onto the bill as a co-sponsor if they support replacing school district property taxes with other stable sources of revenue.”
A similar proposal came up one vote short in the state Senate in November 2015. Cox said he is introducing the legislation so his colleagues in the House have an opportunity to show their support.
The Property Tax Independence Act was developed with the input and support of grassroots taxpayer organizations from across Pennsylvania.
Representative Jim Cox
129th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Daniel Massing
717.772.9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com
RepJimCox.com /
Facebook.com/RepJimCox