May 2, 2001

House Adopts Bard Legislation Doubling Maximum Property Tax/Rent Rebates

  The House this week passed legislation authored by Montgomery County lawmaker Rep. Ellen M. Bard (R-153) that would significantly increase property tax and rent relief for low-income seniors in Pennsylvania.

Bard's legislation increases the maximum rebate under the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program from $500 to $1,000 for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2000. The lawmaker estimated that over 45,000 persons statewide would receive the full maximum rebate amount of $1,000.

The maximum rebate has not been increased since 1981.

" So many older residents on a fixed income are being chased from their homes by high property taxes – and in particular high school taxes, " Bard said. " Increasing the maximum rebate offers property tax relief to those who need it most, and it is something we in the General Assembly can do now to address this very serious problem.

" A scenario where at least 25 percent of a household's total income is consumed by property taxes is not uncommon in Pennsylvania. Taxpayers who have to endure such a situation have little left over to pay for medicine, heat, electricity and food. "

Bard said one-quarter of the claimants processed in her Abington office last year paid 25 percent or more of their total household income in local property taxes; some even paid 40 to 50 percent of their income in property taxes.

" These older Pennsylvanians deserve to be able to stay in their homes, " Bard added. " They have paid their share over the years. They need our help. "

Statewide data show that about 18 percent of all those eligible under the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program were so overburdened by taxes that they were eligible for the $500 maximum rebate.

The lawmaker's measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Rep Bard has also sponsored an Amendment  to another Bill that would double the amount of the rebate