To the Editor:
Every election cycle legislators trot out statements that they are going to do something about property taxes, and as sure as spring follows winter, nothing gets done and that issue gets put away until the next election season. It’s time to stop paying lip service to we, the taxpayers, and do something. I’ve been paying property taxes for 28 years, so I understand the struggles that families face. I believe that in order to reduce property taxes, we must change the way Harrisburg functions.
The Legislature is required by the Pennsylvania Constitution to provide for quality public education for all students. Instead, over the years Harrisburg has shirked its responsibility by not paying their fair share to the schools, which forced our local school boards to raise our taxes. It’s time to make sure that Harrisburg does what they are constitutionally required to do.
There are ways to address this issue. One way is to end corporate welfare and close the loopholes that allow corporations to avoid paying their fair share to the tax base. Did you know that Pennsylvania gives out $700 million in corporate welfare every year? That’s the most of any state in the nation and now they want to increase that by another $10 million. The Commonwealth Foundation states “By ending government favoritism and moving toward a tax system devoid of special treatment for moneyed interests, lawmakers can improve the state’s business climate and create opportunities that will lead to better lives for all Pennsylvanians.” That makes sense to me. I believe that we need to do a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate all corporate tax breaks and then eliminate any corporate tax break that does not significantly and positively impact taxpayers. It won’t be simple or easy, there are a lot of moving parts but we must do something. Before Harrisburg raises taxes on people, how about we make sure that everyone is paying their fair share.
Susan Rzucidlo
Candidate for the PA House, 158th District
Susan@SusanForPA.com
How refreshing to hear a candidate agree that we are tired of lip service from these legislators. Susan is a property owner and pays taxes like the rest of us. Her opponent Eric Roe is a renter and he does not feel our pain. He hasn’t a clue about anything- he’s a political hack. I voted for Susan last time and will again. Alteast she has a website that tells us where she stands on the issues..not Eric- nothing. But then again she is the adult in the room and he’s a 27 year old kid. Give me a break! Go Susan-