Argall Legislation Would Give Voters a Stronger Voice in Ongoing Property Tax Debate

February 02, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – The legislative stalemate that has surrounded efforts to reform or remove Pennsylvania’s unfair and outdated school property tax system is unacceptable and voters should be given a stronger voice in the ongoing debate. That’s the rationale behind a new bill Rep. David G. Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill) is introducing in the House.

“For too long, the property tax issue has resulted in a legislative stalemate,” Argall said. “Unfortunately, the process usually results in a watered-down property tax reform bill being brought to the people for a vote through a ballot referendum. Historically, voters have rejected these plans. I believe it’s time to give the voters more options. Instead of a simple yes or no vote, it’s time to give them a menu of options from which to choose.”

Under Argall’s bill, four property tax reform proposals would be put on the 2009 General Election ballot. Voters would be given an opportunity to choose from among the four proposals or leave the current property tax structure intact.

The ballot referendum proposals would be tailored to represent actual bills that have been introduced in the General Assembly. The four property tax reform bills introduced in the General Assembly that have the most House and Senate co-sponsors would be represented on the 2009 General Election ballot referendum.

Argall, who has been a long-time advocate for the complete elimination of school property taxes, said he hopes that proposal will be one of the four available to voters through the ballot referendum.

“I have voted for the complete elimination of school property taxes whenever the issue came up before the House,” Argall said. “Now, I’d like to see that option presented the people so they have an option to voice their support for the plan.”

Argall is currently circulating the legislation among his peers to seek co-sponsors. Thus far, 29 House members have put their support behind the bill.

Rep. David Argall
124th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(570) 668-1240
(717) 787-9024
www.DaveArgall.com
Contact: Dan Massing

House Republican Public Relations
(717) 772-9845
www.pahousegop.com