Senate Democrats Call for Special Session on Property Tax Relief or Elimination

Harrisburg – February 1, 2017 – State Senate Democrats said that Gov. Tom Wolf should call a special session of the General Assembly to ensure that legislation that results in significant property tax relief or total elimination is passed and signed into law this session.

At a news conference today at the state Capitol, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said taxpayers of Pennsylvania have waited too long for relief from escalating tax bills.

“We believe there should be a full, complete and transparent discussion of any and all tax relief or elimination proposals,” Costa said.  “A special session provides the kind of platform that is needed for citizens and lawmakers to understand specifics about each proposal.”

Leading the call for the special session, state Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) said, “Relief from property tax needs to be addressed without delay.”

In the letter to the governor, the Democrats stated, “Our taxpayers have waited far too long for action on this important issue.  They want lawmakers to set aside partisan agendas and enact a significant property tax reform or elimination measure–NOW.”

Working families are struggling to pay mortgages and save for college for their children while seniors have to scrape resources together to make ends meet; property taxes add to their burden, the letter said.

Boscola, who has been a long-time advocate of property tax elimination and relief, said that “my goal is to pass legislation that will eliminate the property tax and replace it with a better system to fund public education. Our homeowners deserve it and our children need it.”

Another strong proponent of calling the special session is Senate Democratic Whip Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware).

“Addressing property tax relief or elimination needs to be a top priority, but is critical that we look at all the plans closely and find common ground,” Williams said.  “A special session will force the General Assembly to focus on the issue, act assertively and come forward with a proposal that is balanced and equitable.

“Our property taxpayers have waited long enough.”

Senate Democratic Appropriations Chair Sen. Vincent J. Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) endorsed the call for a special session.

“The issue of property taxes has been a top priority for Pennsylvanians, many of whom have seen significant tax increases over the past few years,” Hughes said.  “This special session would serve as an opportunity to thoroughly examine how we can provide the sustainable property tax relief that Pennsylvanians want and deserve while ensuring that our school districts are still properly funded.”

Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna) said that a special session will allow lawmakers to fashion a plan that strikes a balance between property tax relief and reliable state support for public education.

“For many Pennsylvanians – particularly our seniors and lower income property owners – there is a very real school property tax crisis. I remain committed to a responsible solution that can significantly reduce and, if possible, eliminate the property tax burden on these lower income property owners,” Blake said. “I believe strongly that a special session on property tax reform can finally allow the legislature to strike the appropriate balance between property tax relief and the assurance of sufficient, predictable and reliable state financial support for public education.”

Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said he hoped a special session will spur lawmakers to act.

“For too long our taxpayers have watched while the General Assembly has tried to deal with reducing property taxes,” Brewster said. “There are many plans now being drafted or considered and lawmakers need to come together on a plan that provided real relief or elimination.  Taxpayers have waited too long.

“A special session is an excellent forum for all plans to be discussed, including the plan to totally eliminate property taxes.”

Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) said that there are several approaches to address tax reform, but lawmakers need to be thoughtful about how tax elimination impacts schools.

“If we’re going to get serious about providing property tax relief or elimination, we must do it thoughtfully. We certainly can’t hastily approve an elimination plan at the expense of our public schools,” Street said. “There are several approaches to addressing property taxes, so a special session would provide us with a clearer path toward true relief.”

Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), who has long been an advocate of property tax elimination, said school property tax is a complicated issue.

“One large source of revenue for school funding must be replaced with multiple other sources, and we must do this fairly and uniformly,” Schwank said.  “Let’s use this special session to strike a balance between relieving the heavy burden property owners face, while also providing our schools with a reliable source of investment.”

Sen. Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) said that property tax reform is a complex issue, but one that must be addressed.

“Property taxes remain an important issue to address. I still maintain that the appropriate solution will prove complex. We must dedicate time and effort to ensure the solution is successful,” Haywood said.

“The property tax is no longer sustainable as the sole source of funding for public education. It is high time for us to come together in the spirit of bipartisanship to develop and enact new and lasting solutions to the ongoing burden of rising property taxes on Pennsylvania homeowners,” Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) who serves as minority chair of the Senate Education Committee said. “This is a process that must involve both school districts and direct input from taxpayers and homeowners.”

The governor is empowered to call a special session of the General Assembly under the provisions of Article II, Section 4 and Article IV, Section 12 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

-30-

Costa Comments on Acquittal of Sen. Larry Farnese

Harrisburg – February 1, 2017 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) issued the following statement concerning the acquittal of state Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) of all charges in federal court in Philadelphia today.  

Costa’s comments follow:

“I am happy that Senator Farnese was acquitted today on all charges. This issue has gone through the legal system and with the jury’s ruling, can now be put to rest.

“Senator Farnese is an exceptionally valuable member of our Democratic caucus and the Senate.  He is a leader on key issues and a fighter for the citizens of Philadelphia. 

“This was a very difficult time for Larry and his family and I am pleased that his case has now been resolved.  I know that Senator Farnese is anxious to get back to work in the Senate serving the citizens of his district.”

###

Costa Reacts to SCI Pittsburgh Closure Decision

Harrisburg – January 26, 2016 – State Senator Jay Costa today issued the following statement in reaction to Governor Wolf’s decision to close SCI Pittsburgh.  

“Now that the decision has been made and SCI Pittsburgh is scheduled for closure by the end of June, it is imperative on us all to come together to ensure the shutdown is completed in a thoughtful and strategic manner.   

“We need to focus on the future and work hard to bring development opportunities to this site.  The goal is to quickly turn this property into a taxable parcel where hundreds of private sector jobs can be created.  This would lessen the tax burden on city and county taxpayers and grow Pittsburgh’s employment base.  

“My hope moving forward is that we take on the challenges created by this decision and turn it into an economic opportunity for the region.  We need to utilize state and local resources and work together with the governor and his economic development team on the future use of the facility and the surrounding property.

“I look forward to working alongside corrections staff and the administration as we move through this process together, committed to offering job opportunities for facility staff while providing for a safe and seamless transfer of inmates and operations in the community.”

-30-

 

Senate Democrats Announce Committee Assignments for 2017-18 Legislative Session

Harrisburg, January 20, 2017 − Senate Democrats today announced committee memberships for the upcoming 2017-18 legislative session.

Members assigned to standing committees are as follows:

AGING & YOUTH

  • Chair – Haywood
  • Sabatina
  • Schwank
  • Yudichak

AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS

  • Chair – Schwank
  • Blake
  • Dinniman
  • Street

APPROPRIATIONS

  • Chair – Hughes
  • Schwank (Vice)
  • Costa (ex-officio)
  • Blake
  • Brewster
  • Haywood
  • Leach
  • Street
  • Tartaglione

BANKING & INSURANCE

  • Chair – Street
  • Boscola
  • Brewster
  • Farnese
  • Tartaglione

COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

  • Chair – Haywood
  • Hughes
  • Fontana
  • Street

COMMUNITY, ECONOMIC & RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  • Chair – Farnese
  • Blake
  • Boscola
  • Fontana
  • Sabatina

CONSUMER PROTECTION & PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE

  • Chair – Boscola
  • Farnese
  • Fontana
  • Haywood
  • Yudichak

EDUCATION

  • Chair – Dinniman
  • Brewster
  • Leach
  • Williams

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES & ENERGY

  • Chair – Yudichak
  • Leach
  • Dinniman
  • Williams

FINANCE

  • Chair – Blake
  • Costa
  • Haywood
  • Hughes

GAMES & FISHERIES

  • Chair – Brewster
  • Boscola
  • Costa
  • Yudichak

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

  • Chair – Schwank
  • Costa
  • Haywood
  • Street

INTERGOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

  • Chair – Williams
  • Hughes
  • Sabatina
  • Tartaglione

JUDICIARY

  • Chair – Leach
  • Boscola
  • Farnese
  • Haywood
  • Sabatina

LABOR & INDUSTRY

  • Chair – Tartaglione
  • Leach
  • Sabatina
  • Yudichak

LAW & JUSTICE

  • Chair – Brewster
  • Fontana
  • Tartaglione
  • Williams

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

  • Chair – Blake
  • Brewster
  • Hughes
  • Schwank

RULES & EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS

  • Chair – Costa
  • Boscola
  • Farnese
  • Fontana
  • Hughes
  • Williams

STATE GOVERNMENT

  • Chair – Williams
  • Dinniman
  • Leach
  • Schwank

TRANSPORTATION

  • Chair – Sabatina
  • Brewster
  • Farnese
  • Dinniman
  • Yudichak

URBAN AFFAIRS & HOUSING

  • Chair – Fontana
  • Blake
  • Haywood
  • Street

VETERANS AFFAIRS & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

  • Chair – Costa
  • Blake
  • Dinniman
  • Tartaglione

###

RACP Grant Applications Period Opens

Harrisburg – January 4, 2017 – Applications for grants available through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) are now being accepted through Feb. 3, state Senator Jay Costa announced. 

RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Governor’s Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects.  

 “These grants are critically important to the future growth of our communities,” Costa said.  “When organizations receive RACP grants to assist with local projects and initiatives, it creates jobs, sparks economic development and provides new opportunities for businesses, families and the community at large.”

“I strongly encourage everyone in our business community to consider applying for a grant to support the work they’re doing.  When we invest in the people and organizations close to home, we all win.”

In an effort to streamline the application process, an online application is now available.  Organizations wishing to apply for grant funds should submit their application electronically at https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/login.aspx

For more information about the RACP program and prior year grantees, visit http://www.budget.pa.gov/Programs/RACP/Pages/Main%20Page.aspx.

###

Senate Democrats Announce Committee Chairmanships for 2017-18 Legislative Session

Harrisburg, December 29, 2016  – Senate Democrats today announced committee chairmanships for the upcoming 2017-18 legislative session, set to begin on Jan. 3, 2017.

“Our Senate Democratic committee chairs have the breadth and depth of experience, expertise and institutional knowledge necessary to address issues important to and affecting Pennsylvanians and their families,” Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said.  “We recognize the challenges in front of us in the upcoming session and look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate and the House on policy issues and legislation that will move Pennsylvania forward.”

Members assigned as Democratic chairs for standing committees are as follows:

  • Aging & Youth – Sen. Art Haywood (Philadelphia/Montgomery)
  • Agriculture & Rural Affairs – Sen. Judy Schwank (Berks)
  • Appropriations – Sen. Vincent Hughes (Philadelphia/Montgomery)
  • Banking & Insurance – Sen. Sharif Street (Philadelphia)
  • Communications & Technology – Sen. Art Haywood (Philadelphia/Montgomery)
  • Community, Economic & Recreational Development – Sen. Larry Farnese (Philadelphia)
  • Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure – Sen. Lisa Boscola (Northampton/Lehigh)
  • Education – Sen. Andrew Dinniman (Chester)
  • Environmental Resources & Energy – Sen. John Yudichak (Luzerne/Carbon)
  • Finance – Sen. John Blake (Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe)
  • Game & Fisheries – Sen. Jim Brewster (Allegheny/Westmoreland)
  • Intergovernmental Operations – Sen. Anthony Williams (Philadelphia/Delaware)
  • Judiciary – Sen. Daylin Leach (Montgomery/Delaware)
  • Labor & Industry – Sen. Tina Tartaglione (Philadelphia)
  • Law & Justice – Sen. Jim Brewster (Allegheny/Westmoreland)
  • Local Government – Sen. John Blake (Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe)
  • Public Health & Welfare – Sen. Judy Schwank (Berks)
  • Rules & Executive Nominations – Sen. Jay Costa (Allegheny)
  • State Government – Sen. Anthony Williams (Philadelphia/Delaware)
  • Transportation – Sen. John Sabatina (Philadelphia)
  • Urban Affairs and Housing – Sen. Wayne Fontana (Allegheny)
  • Veteran’s Affairs and Emergency Preparedness – Sen. Jay Costa (Allegheny)

###