Posted: | January 8, 2015 10:05 AM |
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From: | Representative Robert Freeman |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Tax Exempt Properties |
In the near future, I plan to reintroduce HB 2018 from last session. This legislation would provide a dedicated state funding source to municipalities that have at least 15% tax-exempt properties within their municipal borders. This legislation would establish the Tax Exempt Property Municipal Assistance Fund using the revenue generated from the 18% Liquor Tax (“Johnstown Flood Tax”) to provide funding to municipalities with high levels of tax exempt properties. Municipalities with high levels of tax-exempt properties are facing difficult fiscal decisions. A shrinking tax base makes it difficult for some to provide the basic services expected from local government. By providing annual funding to these municipalities, we can stabilize their fiscal situation and enable them to fix and maintain infrastructure to provide the basic services to ensure the health and safety of their citizens. This program would be particularly beneficial to Act 47 communities, county seats, cities, and any community with a major institution of higher learning, a large non-profit health care facility, or considerable state forest or game land. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Danielle Brown via e-mail at dbrown@pahouse.net or by phone at 783-3815. Previous co-sponsors: Moul, Kim, O'Brien, Fabrizio, Harkins, Schlossberg, Longietti, Samuelson, Carroll, Kauffman, Sturla, Kula, Rock, Readshaw, Brooks, Caltagirone, DeLuca, Thomas, Murt, Sainato, Everett, Bradford and Pashinski |