In Pennsylvania, senators propose to eliminate school property tax. While the final decision rests with the voters, two Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing a constitutional amendment to abolish school property taxes.
Senate Bill 929 would forbid school districts from collecting property taxes starting on July 1, 2029, according to state senator Chris Gebhard (R-48), who represents a portion of Berks County, and senator Doug Mastriano (R-33).
If the amendment is approved, the General Assembly will be forced to adopt a more equal method of funding public education. The General Assembly "shall, by general law, provide annually each school district with maintenance and support in an amount at least equal to the real property tax collected by the school district on real property during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2029, less the annual debt service legally obligated to be paid by the school district during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2029," according to the amendment, which also calls for the elimination of school property taxes.
The amendment further specifies that the following may be used to fund and maintain school districts: The Commonwealth imposes a state tax on every individual retail sale of tangible personal property or services. A state tax on the money received by each inhabitant, whether they are an individual, estate, or trust. Each resident's income, whether they are an individual, estate, or trust, is subject to a local tax. A municipal tax would be imposed on net earnings and earned income.
According to the proposal, all money collected from taxes in the first two categories would be placed into a distinct fund in the State Treasury called the Stabilization of Education Fund, which would be used only to support and maintain school districts. People believe that introducing this bill as a constitutional amendment will give voters the final say on whether to eliminate property taxes and citizens should never have to deal with homelessness as a result of taxes.
The proposed constitutional amendment will be put on the ballot for people to determine if it is adopted by the House and Senate in two consecutive sessions.
