The State Senate today passed a comprehensive property tax reform plan
that would allow voters to decide in the 2006 primary election whether
to reduce school property taxes by raising local earned income taxes.

Under the bill, the minimum property tax reduction offered would be at
least 35 percent of the maximum homestead exclusion, and homeowners
would see tax relief in 2006. In addition, voters will have the power
to vote "yes" or "no" on tax hikes that go beyond the inflation rate.

State Senator Joe Scarnati says the bill isn't the end, though, it's just
beginning.

Senate Bill 30 would also double the size of the popular Property Tax
and Rent Rebate Program - increasing payments by $131 million and
enabling 281,000 additional low income seniors to receive tax relief.