Pennsylvania House passes local property tax/rent rebate program

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved the development of a property tax and rent rebate program for local taxing authorities known as the Senior Citizens Rebate and Assistance Act. State Rep. John Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike co-sponsored the bill (H.B. 2553), which would authorize municipalities, counties and school districts, at their discretion, to provide local property tax and rent rebates for certain qualifying seniors, widows, widowers and individuals who are permanently disabled that would mirror the state rebate program already in place. “I am very pleased the state House passed this measure to allow for local entities to provide additional property tax relief to our seniors and other eligible citizens,” Siptroth said. The legislation would permit school districts to further expand the senior rebate, a policy decision that will help so many local residents deal with the rising property taxes facing his district. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.