I empathize with homeowners on fixed budgets who struggle as their local taxes increase steadily, to make up for shortfalls caused by tax breaks given to businesses by previous administrations.
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives.Express-Times file photo
As a longtime resident, I believe the ongoing development of business, shopping, warehouse and housing developments reflects that business owners think Pennsylvania is a pretty good place to build and operate.
Why then does HB/SB 76 eliminate all property taxes, including those on local and nationally owned businesses in Pennsylvania? HB/SB 76 frays the social contract between citizens and businesses. If businesses expect to be provided with educated workers, they must contribute through the taxes which support public education.
A recent article stated that businesses in Bethlehem alone stand to save $18 million if they no longer pay school taxes. There is little evidence that replacing this lost income with increased sales and personal income taxes on citizens alone will make up the shortfall.
Good schools help companies attract and retain workers with young families. Pennsylvania legislators must hold new and long-time businesses that are benefiting from the educated workers and consumers in Pennsylvania accountable to contribute their fair share to educate our children.
Jeanie Morgano
Nazareth
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