{"id":2477351,"date":"2025-08-21T17:57:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T21:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/school-property-tax-elimination-plan-goes-on-the-road\/"},"modified":"2025-08-21T18:00:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T22:00:15","slug":"school-property-tax-elimination-plan-goes-on-the-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/school-property-tax-elimination-plan-goes-on-the-road\/","title":{"rendered":"School property tax elimination plan goes on the road"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fschool-property-tax-elimination-plan-goes-on-the-road%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2477351&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>the article discusses a new legislative initiative in Pennsylvania aimed at eliminating school property taxes. Rather of conventional legislative hearings, the primary sponsors-Senator Dawn Keefer and Representative Wendy Fink, both Republicans from central Pennsylvania-are promoting thier companion bills (House Bill 1649 and Senate Bill 962) through a series of town hall meetings across local districts.<\/p>\n<p>Their plan proposes to replace property taxes with increased state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/how-states-can-lead-america-back-towards-lower-taxes-and-less-government\/\" title=\"How ...s Can Lead America Back Towards Lower Taxes And Less Government\">personal income tax<\/a> (by 1.88%) and sales tax (by 2%), creating a new funding pool for public schools. This shift aims to ease the financial burden on <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >lower-income property owners<\/a>,especially seniors and working families,who face rising property taxes.The proposal also includes giving school districts more spending flexibility by removing reserve caps, providing teachers with raises above cost-of-living adjustments, and allocating $300 million initially to Philadelphia schools to address infrastructure and resource deficits.<\/p>\n<p>Lawmakers express hopes that eliminating property taxes will make housing more affordable and create a fairer, enduring funding system for education. Despite numerous past attempts to eliminate property taxes in Pennsylvania, the legislature has not yet acted decisively. currently, Pennsylvania&#8217;s public schools are primarily funded by local property taxes, supported by state and federal funds; though, local tax rates have continued to rise despite declining student enrollment.<\/p>\n<p>The sponsors emphasize their meetings are intended to engage directly with communities affected by the tax system to refine and promote the proposal. <br \/> <!DOCTYPE html><br \/>\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">School property tax elimination plan goes on the road<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2209520\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>(The Center Square) &ndash; There&rsquo;s a new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/school\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">school<\/a> property <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/tax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tax<\/a> elimination plan in the Legislature, and rather than hashing it out in hearings, the prime sponsors are taking it into local districts.<\/p>\n<p>Sen. Dawn Keffer and Rep. Wendy Fink, Republicans from central <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/pennsylvania\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pennsylvania<\/a>, announced the tour as they roll out companion proposals: House Bill 1649 and Senate Bill 962.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3777445\/muriel-bowser-offers-space-homeless-shelter-trump-dc-takeover\/\">Bowser offers new space for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/bowser-offers-new-space-for-homeless-people-needing-shelter-during-trump-dc-takeover\/\" title=\"Bowser offers new space for homeless people needing shelter during Trump DC takeover\">homeless people needing shelter<\/a> during Trump DC takeover<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/3777365\/biden-spokesman-ian-sams-met-former-president-twice-comer\/\">Biden spokesman Ian Sams only met former president twice, Comer says<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3777471\/gemini-trump-gsa-google-contract-ai-47-cents\/\">Trump&rsquo;s GSA seals major Google contract offering Gemini AI to agencies for $0.47<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Together, they hope that a shift in funding public education can ease the burden on lower-income property owners who face endless tax increases as schools struggle to serve students.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;No one should be one life event away from losing their home,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Keefer. &ldquo;For too long, Pennsylvania has relied on a broken property tax system that unfairly burdens seniors, working families and homeowners. Our legislation is designed to fix that by replacing it with a modern, sustainable approach.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>The bills would raise the personal income tax by 1.88% and the sales tax by 2%, giving the state a new pot of money to direct to schools. In exchange, property taxes would be eliminated.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3763417\/bipartisan-welfare-work-requirements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BIPARTISAN EFFORT LAUNCHES TO REINTRODUCE WELFARE WORK REQUIREMENTS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In its first year, the plan earmarks $300 million for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/philadelphia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Philadelphia<\/a> schools, which have been unable to address hazardous buildings that lack teachers, textbooks, and reliable transportation.<\/p>\n<p>School districts will no longer face reserve caps, giving more spending flexibility, while offering teachers higher raises than just cost-of-living adjustments. Reduced mortgage payments will keep housing more affordable, the lawmakers said, and landlords would be required to pass the savings on to their tenants for one year.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;This legislation is about fairness, sustainability and making Pennsylvania a place where families can thrive without the constant threat of being taxed out of their homes,&rdquo; Fink said.<\/p>\n<p>The lawmakers kicked off a series of town halls on Thursday in the Poconos Mountains in Luzerne County. Additional events are scheduled for Sept. 15 in Montoursville and Oct. 14 in Hazle Township.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;These town halls are about having a real conversation with the people this bill is designed to help,&rdquo;&nbsp;Keefer&nbsp;said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re bringing the plan to communities across Pennsylvania to listen, answer questions and work together to finally eliminate property taxes for good.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Proposals to eliminate property taxes in Pennsylvania are common, with many filed every year. The Legislature has yet to find a path forward, however.<\/p>\n<p>Pennsylvania&rsquo;s public school system receives majority funding from local taxes, bolstered by state and federal support. Struggling districts often raise rates to cover cost increases.<\/p>\n<p>Of note, though both&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecentersquare.com\/pennsylvania\/article_4de5ad6e-3af3-11ef-b7be-73d083d6059b.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">parties have criticized<\/a>&nbsp;the education system,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonwealthfoundation.org\/research\/education-funding-commonwealth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">spending has continued to grow.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3761107\/school-bank-accounts-take-a-hit-as-budget-impasse-persists\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SCHOOL BANK ACCOUNTS TAKE A HIT AS BUDGET IMPASSE PERSISTS<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>State support has gone from $8.6 billion in 2011 to $15.4 billion in 2024 as school district revenues have climbed from $25.2 billion to $36.7 billion. And since 2000, student enrollment has fallen by almost 140,000.<\/p>\n<p>For local taxes, recent years have had growth of 2.4% to 3.3% &ndash; but they&rsquo;re expected to grow by 4.8% and 4% in 2025 and 2026, according to&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ifo.state.pa.us\/download.cfm?file=Resources\/Documents\/SD_Prop_Tax_Update_Jun_2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">an analysis<\/a>&nbsp;from the Independent Fiscal Office.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script> <\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>School property tax repeal plan tours local districts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2869,"featured_media":2477352,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/rep-wendy-fink-pennsylvania.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[33940,61724,61725],"class_list":["post-2477351","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-education-funding","tag-school-property-tax","tag-tax-elimination"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/rep-wendy-fink-pennsylvania.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2477351","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2869"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2477351"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2477351\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2477355,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2477351\/revisions\/2477355"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2477352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2477351"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2477351"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2477351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}