100 rally in Harrisburg for alternative to Pa. school taxes
More than 100 people rallied Tuesday on the steps of the state Capitol to support eliminating school property taxes in Pennsylvania.
Backers say they’re committed to advancing a proposal this session, though they acknowledge the fight has been going for some 30 years.
Taking part in the protest, James Rodkey of Lebanon County echoed a familiar criticism of the rapidly rising property taxes levied by school district.
“We have something to say and that’s that no tax should have the power to leave you homeless,” he said to a round of cheers and applause.
The bill would replace the funding for schools by hiking the personal income tax and sales taxes.
Competing proposals would give school districts an option to levy property taxes or a menu of other taxes. The measures have just cleared a House committee.
Opponents say replacing the property tax could lock in low state funding levels for education.
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