Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
10/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2024 07:40
Heffley Calls Out House Democrats for Using Property Owners in Political Stunt
Oct. 10, 2024
HARRISBURG - State Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), a dedicated advocate for property tax relief, expressed deep frustration during a vote in the House this week on a bill aimed at easing the property tax burden for Pennsylvanians. Despite Heffley's support of House Bill 2536, he condemned the motives behind the bill's timing, emphasizing that this last-minute action will be ineffective in delivering timely relief.
"Property tax relief is an issue I've long been passionate about, and this bill is one I have introduced and supported repeatedly. Unfortunately, this vote comes far too late to make a real difference," said Heffley. "This is a political stunt, pushed through less than a month before a major election, and it's clear the majority is more focused on scoring points in campaign mailers than helping homeowners."
The Longtime Owner-Occupant Program (LOOP) is an optional property tax abatement that local taxing authorities may offer to longtime homeowners (10 years or more) facing increases in their property taxes due to neighborhood revitalization. Currently, the Pennsylvania Constitution only allows LOOPs in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties. House Bill 2536 seeks to amend the state Constitution to make it possible for other taxing authorities to provide for LOOPs. Heffley's legislation, House Bill 1376, does the same thing, except it would not allow taxing authorities to increase the millage rate to offset relief offered under the program.
The amendment process requires the resolution to pass, be advertised in each county for at least 90 days before an election, pass again in a second consecutive session, and be advertised again before reaching voters as a referendum. With less than 30 days until the election, Heffley pointed out that there simply is not enough time for this legislation to be effective.
Despite the frustration, Heffley reaffirmed his support for the bill, while calling for real, actionable solutions moving forward. "I voted for this bill because Pennsylvanians need property tax relief, but I'm disheartened that it has come to this - a gesture, months too late to help those who need it most."
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Huntre Keip
717.772.9837
[email protected]
RepHeffley.com / Facebook.com/RepHeffley
"Property tax relief is an issue I've long been passionate about, and this bill is one I have introduced and supported repeatedly. Unfortunately, this vote comes far too late to make a real difference," said Heffley. "This is a political stunt, pushed through less than a month before a major election, and it's clear the majority is more focused on scoring points in campaign mailers than helping homeowners."
The Longtime Owner-Occupant Program (LOOP) is an optional property tax abatement that local taxing authorities may offer to longtime homeowners (10 years or more) facing increases in their property taxes due to neighborhood revitalization. Currently, the Pennsylvania Constitution only allows LOOPs in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties. House Bill 2536 seeks to amend the state Constitution to make it possible for other taxing authorities to provide for LOOPs. Heffley's legislation, House Bill 1376, does the same thing, except it would not allow taxing authorities to increase the millage rate to offset relief offered under the program.
The amendment process requires the resolution to pass, be advertised in each county for at least 90 days before an election, pass again in a second consecutive session, and be advertised again before reaching voters as a referendum. With less than 30 days until the election, Heffley pointed out that there simply is not enough time for this legislation to be effective.
Despite the frustration, Heffley reaffirmed his support for the bill, while calling for real, actionable solutions moving forward. "I voted for this bill because Pennsylvanians need property tax relief, but I'm disheartened that it has come to this - a gesture, months too late to help those who need it most."
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Huntre Keip
717.772.9837
[email protected]
RepHeffley.com / Facebook.com/RepHeffley
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