The pleas of more than 75,000 Pennsylvanians who are calling for the elimination of residential property taxes were heard today at the Capitol when Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny) hosted a press conference for the STOP (Stop Taxing Our Properties) organization.   

 

STOP has submitted petitions to all House members with more than 75,000 signatures asking for the elimination of all real estate property taxes for homeowners.

 

“Because this plan would require a constitutional amendment, voters could directly decide whether to abolish taxes on homes,” said Maher. “Taxes are a burden because the cost of government is a burden.  Shifting away from real estate taxes must be coupled with measures that genuinely stop the soaring cost of government on all levels.”

 

STOP is advancing a plan to eliminate all residential property taxes and replace those taxes with a 1 percent sales tax increase, a 1.5 percent income tax increase and an increased transfer tax when property is sold.

 

STOP is a true grassroots, all-volunteer movement that continues to collect an ever-increasing number of petition signatures without any overhead or formal organization. The movement was launched earlier this year by listeners to Bob Logue, who hosts the “Undercover Club” program on KDKA radio from midnight to 5 a.m. weekdays. The vast majority of petition signatures are from Allegheny and surrounding counties.  Moon, Coraoplois, Bridgeville, Bethel Park, Pleasant Hills and Whitehall are heavily represented, along with virtually every municipality in Allegheny County.

 

“This genuine grassroots effort is so much more powerful than the phony Astroturf that special interests sometimes put forth,” said Maher. “I’m encouraging STOP to continue to go because their efforts can keep the spotlight on the need for reform.” 

The Legislature is currently holding a special session on property taxes that began Sept. 4 and will conclude Nov. 30. Maher will present the petitions gathered by STOP to the special session on property tax reform.

 

Rep. John Maher
40th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(412) 831-8080
(717) 783-1522

www.repmaher.com
Contact:  Tricia Lehman

House Republican Communications
(717) 787-3993

www.pahousegop.com