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Established June 2, 1997
by citizens for citizens
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March 16, 1998
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August 13, 1997
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A beautiful part of southeastern Pennsylvania
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November 4, 1997 Ballot Questions
Each of these three questions asks your approval of an amendment to the PA Constitution. They relate to
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Exact Wording -
Shall the PA Constitution be amended to permit the enactment of legislation authorizing local taxing authorities to exclude from taxation an amount based on the assessed value of homestead property, with the limitation that the exclusions shall not exceed one-half of the median assessed value of all homestead property within the taxing jurisdiction and that the taxing authority may not increase the millage rate of its tax on real property to pay for these exclusions?
Quiz at 9, bring a #2 lead pencil.
Seriously folks, the above Homestead Exemption "question" will be on the November 4 ballot for all Pennsylvanians. We thought we should attempt to interpret this question, with the help of materials distributed by Representative Carole Rubley. We will not suggest how anybody should vote on the issue, but hopefully we'll help visitors to this site understand the question.
Quoting from Representative Rubley's materials -
The Homestead Exemption deals with the single biggest problem in local taxation - property taxes, especially school taxes, on our homes. If the Exemption is approved by the voters, here's how it would work: Taxing authorities, such as school districts, cities and townships, could exempt a portion of the assessed value of a residence from the local property tax. The amount of the exemption could be capped at up to 50% of the median assessed value of the residential property. The median assessed value is an average value of homes in a given area.
For example, if the median (average) assessed value of homes within a given school district was $50,000, the amount of the exemption in that district could be no higher than $25,000. By capping the exemption, the greatest tax relief is targeted to the lower-income people who need it the most.
It is important to note that if property tax rates are reduced, the revenue will have to be made up from another tax, perhaps an income or sales tax or a combination of taxes. Proponents say the ultimate goal is to make home ownership more affordable by reducing local government dependence on property taxes and to give taxpayers more control over taxing decisions.
Supporters say the purpose of the Homestead Exemption is to pave the way for comprehensive local tax reform and the creation of a tax structure based upon a person's ability to pay, rather than on the property he or she owns.
End quote.
The question on the November 4 ballot is just the first step in a process that may lead to local tax reform. In and of itself, it does not affect our local tax system and will not even give our local representatives an opportunity to reform the tax system until other steps at the state legislature level have taken place.
Specifically, and quoting again -
Property taxes have been the major source of revenue for local governments in Pennsylvania for many years. To reform this system and wean local governments from their dependence on property taxes, a gradual, step-by-step process has been proposed. The process begins and ends with voter approval, so your involvement is crucial. There are three steps to this process.
1. HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Approval of the Homestead Exemption on November 4th is key. This will allow a change to the Pennsylvania Constitution so that residential property taxes can be reduced. The guidelines for school districts, townships and other local governments to follow in reducing property taxes would be established in step two.
2. TAX REFORM LEGISLATION
Once the voters have approved the Homestead Exemption, the General Assembly could then consider legislation allowing local governments to offer new tax proposals to local voters. The legislation would contain the details on how local governments could target property tax reductions to homeowners using the Homestead Exemption approved in step one. The state will not mandate a one-size-fits-all tax system on local governments. Instead, schools, counties and municipalities would be able to design their own tax system to fit local needs. The proposal for a new tax system would incorporate various options for income or sales taxes to offset property tax reductions.
3. LOCAL VOTER APPROVAL
The local government would spell out the details of the new tax proposals to local residents. Under most proposals, the residents would then vote on the proposed tax system. If approved, the system would be put in place. Given the diversity of the state, not all local governments will wish to participate in the tax reform plan. Voters in some areas may be content to stay with their current tax system. Under this three step process, approving the Homestead Exemption in step one would not require local governments to continue the process. It only provides communities with the opportunity to change property taxes if they so desire.
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PARDONS BOARD RESTRUCTURING
Exact Wording -
Shall the PA Constitution be amended to require a unanimous recommendation of the Board of Pardons before the Governor can pardon or commute the sentence of an individual sentenced in a criminal case to death or life imprisonment, to require only a majority vote of the Senate to approve the Governor's appointment to the Board, and to substitute a crime victim for an attorney and a corrections expert for a penologist as Board members?
Explanation -
This amendment would make it more difficult for prison inmates sentenced to death or life in prison to receive a pardon, commutation or reprieve. Under current law, such inmates can be recommended for release by a simple majority vote of the state Board of Pardons. This amendment would require a unanimous vote by the Board, setting a stricter standard for securing releases.
The proposed amendment would also restructure the Pardons Board. Among the changes, a crime victim would be added to the Board to replace a lawyer.
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ABSENTEE VOTING
Exact Wording -
Shall the PA Constitution be amended to require the enactment of legislation permitting absentee voting by qualified electors who at the time of an election may be absent from the municipality where they reside because of their duties, occupation or business require them to be elsewhere, which would change the current law permitting absentee voting by such qualified electors only when they are absent from the entire county where they reside?
Explanation -
Current law allows voters who are away from home because of their duties, occupation or business to file absentee ballots only if they must be out of their home county or country on election day.
This proposed amendment would enable such voters to cast absentee ballots if they must be outside their municipality on election day - even if they will still be within county limits. The goal is to make it easier for voters to participate in elections.
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Other Web Sites Covering the Homestead Exemption
This is not an exhaustive list, but these sites present alternative explanations and some get into pros and cons of the Homestead Exemption.
Berks County Web Site
Rep. Italo S. Cappabianca PA House District 2: Erie
Philadelphia Inquirer - City & Region 09/13/97
PA Farm Bureau (1)
PA Farm Bureau (2)
PSEA
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