Pennsylvania Senator Doug Mastriano, alongside Senator Chris Gebhard, has introduced a constitutional amendment to eliminate school property taxes, aiming to relieve financial burdens on homeowners, particularly seniors. Senate Bill 929 proposes to stop school districts from collecting property taxes starting July 1, 2029. The General Assembly would need to find alternative funding methods for public schools.
Mastriano emphasized the moral and financial issues caused by rising property taxes, stating, "Each year, thousands of our seniors—men and women who worked their entire lives, paid off their homes, and played by the rules—are being thrown out of those very homes simply because they can’t keep up with an ever-growing tax bill." He argued that paying property taxes on owned land is akin to paying rent, which he finds unacceptable.
The proposed amendment requires approval from the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions before it can be placed on the ballot for Pennsylvania voters to decide. If passed, the amendment mandates that the General Assembly provide school districts with funds equivalent to the real property tax collected in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2029, minus the annual debt service. Funding could come from state and local taxes on sales, income, and net profits, with proceeds going into a Stabilization of Education Fund.
The amendment aims to ensure equitable funding for public education while addressing the financial struggles faced by many homeowners.