LETTER: Norristown Tax Hike Unacceptable

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Dear Editor,

Recently property owners in the Norristown Area School District received their 2017-2018 tax bill.

And "surprise, surprise" ... it went up ..... again!

This time the increase is a whopping 4.33% (as compared to the latest inflation rate of 1.6%).

Property owners of the NASD should not be surprised.

This is the 16th tax hike in the past 17 years (the only time taxpayers have escaped a tax increase was in 2010).

It should be noted that taxpayers in the NASD have endured an astounding 71% increase in their property taxes since 2002.

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

Has your property increased in value 71% since 2002?

Has your salary increased 71% since 2002?

Are your investments 71% higher since 2002.

The answer is...probably not.

If you are a senior citizen has your Social Security increased 71%. The answer ... definitely not. Not even close.

For the record, Social Security benefits have increased an average of 1% per year over the past five years (total 5.2%).

Is there a solution to crushing load placed on the backs of property owners?

Yes.

There is legislature in Harrisburg that would lift the burden of school taxes off homeowners and spread the cost of public education across the board to all PA residents.

It is the Property Tax Independence Act also known as HR76 and SB76.

Its very,very simple.

Increase the personal income tax to 4.34% and increase the sales tax by 1%.

In return ALL school district property taxes would be eliminated. Period.

Its is perfect? No

Is it fair? Yes.

Could it work? Absolutely.

Please take a minute to review the information at www.ptcc.us

The time for property tax reform in PA is now.

The person that can help make it happen is you.

- Barry Papiernik

East Norriton, PA

Patch file photo