HARRISBURG, March 10, 2010 – State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) today announced the introduction of legislation that would make it easier for homeowners to get access to property tax reductions fueled by taxes on casino revenues. Currently, applications can be confusing and difficult to find, and tax bills are not clearly indicating the source of the funds reducing taxes.
Act 1 of the 2006 Special Session created the Taxpayer Relief Act which used gaming revenue to reduce local school property taxes. While the Act has been successful at raising over $1.7 billion in property tax reductions some homeowners have not signed up for the program or are not made aware of the reason that their bills are being lowered. Senator Ferlo’s legislation will make applications more easily available and accessible, and require a more clear notification statement be placed on property tax bills.
“I lobbied for the creation of the gaming industry and a significant tax rate for the generation of revenue for the reduction of property taxes,” Senator Ferlo said. “I want to ensure that all homeowners are benefitting from these revenues.”
Ferlo believes that many homeowners have not fully appreciated or realized the extent of the benefits that the gaming industry has brought to Pennsylvania. By making applications for the property tax reductions readily available and providing a clearer notification of the source of property tax reductions on property tax bills, Senator Ferlo believes that the program can improve on its record of success.
Senator Ferlo added, “By bringing gaming to Pennsylvania we’ve added thousands of jobs to our economy and will raise billions of dollars in property tax reductions. It’s important to me that we make the programs as user friendly as possible so that we reduce the taxes of the highest number of homeowners.”
More specifically, the bill will require that applications for property tax reductions be available in more locations and more clearly state their purpose, and additionally require the Department of Community and Economic Development to make each county form available. Additionally, the bill will require that property tax notices carry a more clear statement regarding the source of funds for property tax reductions.
Senator Ferlo’s legislation is being circulated for co-sponsorship and will be introduced shortly.
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