The upcoming spring primary will give the voters of almost all local school districts the chance to change the way they are taxed. I would encourage a large turnout to approve the referendum being considered by each district.
It is important to understand that the result of the referendum will be a shift away from an almost total dependence on property taxes, to a fairer sharing between earned income taxes and property taxes. The end result of the referendum will be revenue neutral, meaning the total amount of revenue collected will not change, only where it comes from.
The shift of anywhere between 0.4 percent and 1 percent in extra earned income taxes will yield a property tax reduction of approximately between $200 and $450, depending on the district in which you live. I have heard talk about "winners and losers" if the change is made. I would subscribe to you that all taxpayers will be winners upon approval, because of the fairness of the proposal.
Our state representatives have been listening to the citizens and have now given us the chance to take real action on how to best fund our local school districts. Let us do our part and approve the referendum.
As chairperson of the Selinsgrove Area School District Tax Study Commission, I can tell you that we researched every possible piece of information and demographics to find the best solution.
You should also know, that although the referendum procedure was part of Act 1, it has nothing to do with the implementation of gaming in Pennsylvania, or the revenues that may result from such gaming. So do not let that issue keep you from voting in favor of the referendum. We have the ability to make a real change, so please take advantage of it. Vote "yes" on May 15!
David I. Herbert,
Shamokin Dam
