Defeat House Bill 1489!
Another fraudulent property tax "relief" measure
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HB 1489, also
known as “HB 1600 Lite”, is another bogus property tax "relief"
bill that was introduced by Democratic Caucus leader Bill DeWeese. It
does not raise the state income tax like HB 1600 but raises the sales
tax by 0.5% to finance a small homestead rebate of approximately an average
$205. Otherwise the provisions are identical to HB
1600. Reportedly, the governor has told the Democratic Caucus that
this is the only bill he wants to see approved by the House.
This bill is another dangerous piece of legislation that works on the same principle as the Act 1 tax shift referendum that was so soundly rejected by the voters last May. It permanently raises the sales tax for a small, temporary rebate that will quickly be eaten away by relentlessly rising property taxes. It does nothing to control costs, address equity for underfunded schools or to solve the education finance crisis. It is a WORTHLESS SCAM that is meant to deceive us unto believing that the politicians have given us property tax “relief” and can be jammed down our throats without any chance for us to reject it. It is simply a PERMANENT TAX INCREASE and must be rejected.
I am astonished at the arrogance of these legislators who think that they can again ignore the taxpayers while they regurgitate the same old plan that has failed three times in the past and still expect us to fall for their charade. Their utter disregard for the intelligence of Pennsylvania taxpayers is incomprehensible and they must be told unequivocally that we WILL NOT tolerate any more of their misguided halfway measures.
The most pressing concern with HB 1489 is that if it is enacted the legislature will tell us that they have given us property tax relief and nothing more will be done for the foreseeable future. As much as they like to tell us that this is another "first step", we know that if HB 1489 passes it will be the LAST step towards true education finance reform for a very long time.
We MUST fight this measure in any way possible.
Please call, write, or e-mail your district's Representative to let them know that you do not want HB 1489 in any manner whatsoever and that you will hold them accountable in the 2008 elections if they support this bill. Further, let them know that you DO NOT CARE if a statewide tax such as the sales tax is raised or broadened as long as it ELIMINATES school property taxes. We must get these messages to the legislators NOW!
If you do not know your Representative's contact information it is available by Zip+4 here.
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Tax Elimination Act. Click here.
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