|
Special Session
SB 30, PN 30:
Amendment A5330
(Logan) – This amendment is the “Stop Taxing Our Properties” or STOP
proposal. It is the only proposal that would completely eliminate
property taxes for homeowners.
This amendment would
place an emergency constitutional amendment on the ballot for the May
2006 primary. The amendment would seek voter approval to amend the
constitution to prohibit all political subdivisions from levying
property taxes on homestead property after June 30, 2007.
A vote of 12-38 was
recorded on the amendment.
Amendment A5320 (Brightbill/Mellow)
– This amendment is the Senate compromise proposal.
It would double the
Property Tax and Rent Rebate program and add 281,000 new participants by
increasing the income eligibility limits.
In the 2006 primary
election, each school district (except Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and
Scranton) would propose a referendum question asking voters to authorize
an increase in the earned income tax (EIT) in order to provide property
tax reductions through the homestead exclusion. The EIT rate would be
raised to provide a property tax cut of at least 35 percent of the
maximum homestead exclusion.
School districts are
permitted to propose referenda in later municipal election years to
increase the EIT rate further or convert to a personal income tax (PIT).
Once gaming comes
online, all school districts would receive gaming revenues to reduce
their EIT rates, but school boards would be permitted to opt out.
Voters would also be permitted to reverse this decision through a ballot
referendum.
This amendment would
retain the backend referendum, property tax reduction formula, and other
technical aspects of Act 72. Those school districts that opted into Act
72 would not be permitted to levy the .1 percent EIT that was required
for opting in.
A vote of 48-2 was
recorded on the amendment.
A vote of 48-2 was
also recorded on Senate Bill 30.
HB 477, PN 1076: This bill would establish a civil action to
recover damages caused by terrorism. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
HB 894, PN 2133: This legislation would amend the Public School
Code to provide further for the program of continuing professional
education. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
HB 1826, PN 2440: This bill would allow an individual to obtain
a corporate surety bond or a letter of credit in lieu of escrowing
deposits. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
HB 111, PN 3291: This legislation would make several changes to
the Liquor Code. A vote of 46-4 was recorded on concurrence in House
amendments to Senate amendments.
SB 895, PN 1417: This bill would provide further for police
animals. A vote of 50-0 was recorded on concurrence in House
amendments.
Executive Nominations
The Senate confirmed
the following nominee. A vote of 50-0 was recorded.
| 