Taxes are here to stay
Attorney Gary Stout wrote an interesting column in the Oct. 15 Observer-Reporter, “Patriotism starts with supporting higher taxes.” All the newspaper’s subscribers should read it and understand why we pay taxes in Pennsylvania.
Prior to the 1950s, the only local tax was a property tax. When World War II happened, this led to the need for new housing. In turn, there was the need for bigger and better schools. As Stout stated, “We want government to provide for all our needs, while taxing us and regulating society as little as possible.”
Education, roads, sewers, police and fire protection and other public services are equally available. But what if you do not need some of the services? Should you pay the same rate of tax to the school district and municipality?
Originally, early tax law stated, “Taxes are due for services received.” We can agree with that fact, but it does not seem to be how we are taxed. If you don’t have a child in school, you are taxed. If you live on a state-maintained road or private lane, you are fully taxed by the municipality. A newer home has the highest tax rate, even if its owners receive none of the aforementioned services, except fire and police protection.
Tax reform proposals are being considered in Harrisburg, calling for the elimination of school property taxes. However, the proposals contain a clause that “the district must retain their property tax if they have a current annual debt to pay.” What school district is currently without a construction or remodeling debt? So much for the wish that there be no more school property taxes.
Stout politely warned us, “We can’t make demands without footing the bill.” Local services, including education, must remain. Taxes are here to stay, in some form or another.
Joann Diesel
Washington