EDITORIAL: Property Taxes

Recently, debate over property taxes reached a fever pitch, and it’s no
wonder. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania has the 10th highest
state and local tax burden in the nation. Four decades of growing
government took their toll, and whether it’s school property, state, or
local taxes, we’ve had enough. That’s why it’s so important that
Harrisburg keeps spending in check and uses the fall session to enact
taxpayer relief. Otherwise, it’s only going to get worse.****

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The pension crisis in our state is real, and it’s going to impact our taxes
and our communities fast. Because of public pensions, state and local taxes
are estimated to increase by $1,000 per person, and homeowners will get hit
up for more from their school districts. All this to pay off debt; we’ll
get nothing back in return.****

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In Armstrong School District, according to the latest pension fund
projections, contributions to the teachers’ pension system, PSERS, will
increase more than $7.2 million. That means nearly $270 more in school
property taxes for every homeowner, every year.****

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We’ve got to tighten the belt in Harrisburg. Spending must be reigned in,
just like we’ve all done at home. Most importantly, our government pensions
have to be reformed before our communities, schools, and taxpayers suffer
more.
Julie Anderson

Indiana, PA 15701

The views expressed are those of the author.