HARRISBURG, December 16, 2005 - State Sen. Michael Stack today announced that the Senate-passed Taxpayer Relief Act includes property tax relief for Philadelphia senior citizens and other residents eligible for the Pennsylvania Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program.

“We have been fighting for Philadelphia seniors who are worried that the new property assessment system could send their property tax bills through the roof,” said Stack (D-Philadelphia). “Homeowners in the Northeast are concerned that rising property values could become a curse, not a blessing.

“That’s why expanding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program is so important. Statewide, this proposal would double the number of seniors who could receive property tax and rent assistance. This is a great first step, and we will continue to work for additional property tax relief for Philadelphia residents. That’s why I’ve sponsored Senate Bill 788 and Special Session Senate Bill 24, which would provide a $250 property tax break to Philadelphia senior citizens earning $50,000 or less.”

The state Senate yesterday voted 48-2 to approve the Pennsylvania Taxpayer Relief Act, a compromise proposal that would increase the household income eligibility limit for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program from $15,000 to $25,000. (Only half of Social Security is counted toward a household’s income.)

Increasing the income limits would allow an additional 281,000 low-income seniors and disabled individuals to apply for the program.

Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton school district residents qualifying for the program would be eligible to receive an additional 50 percent rebate over the amount provided to other recipients. Under the Senate Plan, property tax relief for citizens eligible for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program would range from $250 to $750.

The Pennsylvania Taxpayer Relief Act would also retain the provision established under Act 72 that Philadelphia will use gaming dollars to fund wage tax reductions.

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