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Rhoades to Have Major Role in Special Session on Property Tax ReformHARRISBURG- Known as the leading advocate for property tax reform in the General Assembly, Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) was appointed today as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Legislation in the Special Session on property taxes by President Pro Tempore of the Senate of Pennsylvania, Robert C. Jubelirer ( R-30). "For years I have been advocating for meaningful property tax reform and I am eager to work with my colleagues on the committee to find a real solution for the citizens of Pennsylvania," said Rhoades. "It is imperative that we work on this important issue to find a lasting solution." The first hearing that the committee will have is scheduled for Wednesday, October 19th. One of the proposals that the committee will be considering is the proposal authored by Senator Rhoades. According to Rhoades, his plan would reduce school taxes by over 45% by shifting the burden of funding public education away from local school districts and to the Commonwealth. In order to shift the burden of funding public education away from the property tax, Rhoades' proposal would increase the personal income tax in order to raise additional state revenues for public education and would require all school districts to dramatically reduce local taxes- dollar for dollar. "Reforming our system of funding public schools is no longer just an option – it is essential," Rhoades said. "I believe we owe it to the taxpayers and the boys and girls of Pennsylvania to find a stable and responsible system of funding for our public schools." The following are examples of estimated reductions under the Rhoades' proposal: Berks County
Carbon County
Lehigh County
Monroe County
Northampton County
Schuylkill County
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