WASHINGTON COMMENTS ON SPECIAL SESSION FOR TAX RELIEF

          HARRISBURG, September 30 – State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) today called for property tax relief for all Pennsylvanian’s that “does not burden those on fixed incomes and does not squeeze the middle class.” 

          Washington made her comments earlier this week, following the opening of a special session of the General Assembly called by Governor Rendell.  She walked with Governor Rendell onto the floor of the House for his message to a special legislative session of the General Assembly. 

          Washington, who was one of the senators invited to join the Governor as he entered the House floor said, “the tax burden has arisen so rapidly that working families are afraid they won’t be able to purchase a home and seniors are afraid they will lose their homes.”

          “Over the past decade, there has been an enormous increase in property taxes across the Commonwealth, some averaging as high as 55 percent. Tax cuts must not bring with it significant new burdens to families.”

          Washington added that she opposes taxing necessitates such as food and clothing and also opposes increasing real estate transfer taxes that would create impediments for homebuyers.

          “I oppose any plan that would make it harder for those trying to improve their lives,” Washington said.

         Washington said she does support and encourage fair distribution of gaming revenue for property tax cuts.

          The Governor’s proclamation, which created the special session, noted that the session was called to bring property tax relief to citizens by utilizing revenues generated by Act 71, which authorized an expansion of gaming.

          “The citizens of Pennsylvania were told that the funds raised, as a result of the bill that expanded gaming, would be used to lower their taxes,” Washington said. “We must honor that promise.”

          Washington added that she believes any tax plan must consider ways to foster economic growth and activity in our major cities, suburbs, small towns and industry sectors. If we can increase business activity and job attraction, we can build the tax base upward even more.

          Washington noted that decades of inaction have brought us to this point. She added that she was concerned with the “tax burden” being placed on so many of the Commonwealth’s families. 

          “The American dream for many families, to buy and own a home, has become increasingly an American nightmare,” Washington said.  “The tax burden has risen so sharply that working families and seniors are afraid they will not be able to stay in their homes or they may lose their homes.”

          “Homeowners cannot continue to carry this tax burden on their backs. Homeowners need relief and they need it now. This special session can help us assess the various plans to be put forth to lead us to a plan that is fair to everyone.”