Stop the rise in property taxes: Restore liberty and freedom for our citizens

By Joshua David "Josh" Lang

Editorial on School Property Tax Elimination

House and Senate Bill 76, the Property Tax Independence Tax moves away from the current property tax structure to fund K-12 education. As a veteran, who has advocated for student veterans, I am a strong supporter of our education system. However, I firmly believe that no person should lose their home because of taxes and believe we can do better at funding our school districts to ensure students are the number one priority. Our middle class families, farmers, seniors, veterans, and many others have worked hard for their home and they deserve to keep what they earn. Forcing people out of their homes is just not the answer.

The Property Tax Independence Tax would replace school property taxes with a broader sales tax base, with a slight increase of 6 to 7 percent, which equates to one additional penny per $1 of goods that are purchased by a consumer. Personal Income Tax will increase from 3.97 to 4.34 percent, which equates to costing Pennsylvania workers 1 /1/4 pennies for every $1 they earn. The most people possible will contribute to the tax because it is for public education, which is a Constitutional obligation for the benefit of all.

School districts would receive a distribution of funds from a new Education Stabilization Fund (ESF). The Property Tax Independence Tax will help ensure our schools our efficiently funded through a modernized system. School equity will be maximized by creating a dedicated fund that will be separate from the Pennsylvania General Fund into which all replacement revenues will be deposited. This will ensure that schools are fairly and adequately funded. By replacing a mandatory tax with broader based taxes, the people of the 78th district, regardless of income level or home ownership status, largely control what they actually pay out in taxes. In fact, approximately, $12 billion will be given back to Pennsylvanian's to spend, save, or give away, which will help Pennsylvania's economic situation. Simply put, those who spend more will help to fund K-12 education. Further, House and Senate bill 76 would provide for sales tax exemptions for educational entities, food stamp purchases, all utilities, home heating fuels, health, hospital, and dental services, prescription drug, home health care, tuition, day care, charitable organizations, and business-to-business transactions.

Finally, I'm confident that passing the Property Tax Independence Tax will move Pennsylvania in the right direction. Homeowners will have true property ownership and financial freedom, without the fear of losing their home, farmers will not have to sell their family property that has been handed down through generations, more young couples and renters will benefit from qualifying for home ownership, real estate values will be restored our housing market will skyrocket, and eliminating school property taxes will help attract new businesses, create jobs, and restore economic vitality within the 78th district.

Over 50,000 people have been presented this comprehensive plan, with virtually unanimous support and I am honored to be one of them. If elected on May 20th, I will fight for our taxpayers and our school districts.