HARRISBURG, November 15, 2005 - State Sen. Michael Stack today testified before the Senate committee considering proposals for the property tax special session and called for relief for Philadelphia seniors who will see no economic benefit from expanded gaming under Act 72.

“Throughout the negotiations on this issue, I have been concerned that we may have neglected a certain segment of Pennsylvania’s population: the senior citizens of Philadelphia,” said Stack (D-Philadelphia). “They are people who stayed in the city through thick and thin, and soon they may be rewarded for their loyalty with massive property tax hikes and no help from Harrisburg.”

Stack has introduced Special Session Senate Bill 24, which would provide $250 in property tax relief to low-income and middle-income Philadelphia seniors who would not receive wage tax relief under the current, Act 72 framework. Philadelphia senior homeowners with an annual household income under $50,000 would be eligible for property tax relief under Stack’s plan.

Stack’s proposal was prompted, in part, by seniors’ concerns about the city’s new property tax assessment proposal.

“At this very moment, the city of Philadelphia is looking at a new property tax assessment system that could send taxes through the roof for certain seniors,” said Stack. “The new system will be based on full valuations of homes at current sale prices, which will likely result in huge new tax bills for homeowners in the Northeast, University City, South Philadelphia, and Center City.”

“Northeast Philadelphia is currently experiencing rising property values, and new housing developments are being planned for the Delaware riverfront” Stack said. “This is good news for the city of Philadelphia, but higher property values could have a negative impact on homeowners who are living on Social Security and small pensions. Our seniors need tax relief.”

The Senate Legislation committee for the property tax special session will meet tomorrow at the Capitol to discuss the various proposals offered. For more information on Senate Democratic plans for property tax relief, visit www.pasenate.com/specialsession.htm.

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