Forked tongues

"When the gaming bill was pushed through state government a few years ago and casinos were permitted to operate in Pennsylvania, we were promised this to be the solution to the problem of Property owners carrying the burden of funding education."

Then came a string of unfunded mandates from the federal govt, like No Child Left Behind, and the REAL ID Act, and voila, all the gaming money was spent.

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Chayes --Then came a string of unfunded mandates

Ed Rendell funneling a large chunk of gaming money to build a hockey arena in Pittsburgh comes to mind also

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We all knew Rendell was lying when he proposed gambling to reduce property taxes.

It was simply a scheme to enrich donors.

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Off subject, but what if Williamsport used money from the hotel tax to build a small indoor multipurpose sports arena? Might actually bring some spirit back into the lives of some really grumpy residents around here. Got to admit, it would create a reason for people to visit Williamsport.

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While I don't like the idea of a property tax because it promotes the idea that the government is the defacto owner of everything, I don't agree with some of the author's assertions. The idea that renters do not pay property tax is laughable. If you pay rent you are paying the landlord's property tax, which is higher than that of a home-owner who lives in their home, because rental properties are not eligible for tax relief. It is unfair not because renters don't pay property tax, but because they pay more.

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enigma;

The number of Renters that have never realized they are paying the Property Taxes for the Home they rent is simply amazing...!

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A tax on property goes against our founding principles.

Assessment is partially subjective and prone to corruption.

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well said enigma!!

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If property taxes were replace by consumption taxes, then the elderly who don't run out and buy every little thing and are much more discerning with their purchases would get the property tax relief they seek. Just a thought.

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And will this assessment once again be performed by an out-of-state group that has no idea of the property values of this area?

If the people doing the spending can't get the big bucks one way, they will get them another.

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