Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SueHelm.net
Spring 2010
Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
State government needs
$25,000,000,000
$15,000,000,000
1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
Rendell Proposal
Governor’s Sales Tax Applications Now Available
Proposal Will Cost for Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Taxpayers More Program
A key proposal included in the governor’s Applications for the Pennsylvania 2009 Property Tax/Rent
budget would significantly alter the state sales tax. Rebate program are now available.
As presented, the rate would drop from the current Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650
6 percent to 4 percent, while broadening it to 74 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2009. The program
items that are currently exempt. The more than benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older,
$530 million in anticipated revenue would be used widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or
to fund state government operations. Since the older with disabilities.
unveiling of his plan, the governor has stated that Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the
this change would result in savings to taxpayers. I following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security,
question this since many of the 74 items that would Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1
be subject to the sales tax are used and purchased benefits:
by the majority of taxpayers.
Under his plan, sales tax would be charged on • $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate
residential electric bills. This would be in addition (Homeowners and renters)
to the rate caps that were lifted at the end of 2009 • $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate
for PPL customers. While ratepayers were never (Homeowners and renters)
subjected to sales tax in the past, they would be if
• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate
the governor’s proposal is enacted. Depending on a
(Homeowners only)
family’s electric use, this could result in a significant
added cost. • $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate
The governor also proposes applying the sales (Homeowners only)
tax to sewer and water services that nearly every
home in Pennsylvania utilizes. Citizens already pay The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many
a hefty price to maintain water and sewage service initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which
in their homes, and the sales tax would increase dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older
these costs. Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, more than $4
In addition, the governor’s plan proposes to billion has been paid to qualified applicants.
add sales tax on basic television services; candy; Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income,
gum; dry cleaning; non-prescription medications; property tax or rental information required to process claims
veterinary fees; amusement and recreation quickly and accurately. Applications are due by June 30.
admissions; coal; firewood; residential oil and gas Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by
fuel; and telephone service. contacting my office, or by visiting my Web site at
Some argue that the sales tax is avoidable. I SueHelm.net.
beg to differ; if citizens are charged sales tax on
their electric, sewer and water bills, I’m curious how You Can Help Find a Cure for
they can avoid paying the sales tax on these items.
In virtually all situations, people need sewer, water
Breast and Cervical Cancer
and electric services to keep their home functioning. With more than 10,000 Pennsylvania women diagnosed with
In fact, I believe the governor’s proposal would breast or cervical cancer each year, Pennsylvania residents can
actually cost taxpayers more over the long term. take part in helping to find a cure. In 1997, Gov. Tom Ridge signed
I understand and recognize the Commonwealth the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition’s (PBCC) income tax
is facing revenue shortfalls; however, I believe the check-off legislation into law, which allows citizens to donate their
more prudent action would be for state government state tax refund to breast and cervical cancer research. So far, the
to reassess its spending priorities to ensure they are program has raised more than $2.5 million. One hundred percent
in line with what the people of Pennsylvania need. of donations are distributed as grants to outstanding researchers
It’s time for elected officials in Harrisburg to across the Commonwealth.
stop reaching into the taxpayers’ pockets and The income tax check-off for breast and cervical cancer
taking more of their hard-earned money. Like all research continues to be a favorite among state taxpayers. Each
levels of government, the citizens of Pennsylvania year, thousands of Pennsylvanians donate their state tax refund
are also bearing the burden of the downturn in to breast and cervical cancer research, which averages $8 per
the economy. Many have lost their jobs, had their donor. Although this may seem minimal, any amount is greatly
wages frozen or have realized a decrease in take- appreciated.
home pay. Based on the tax burden placed on To donate your tax refund to the PBCC’s breast and cervical
citizens by the federal, state and local governments, cancer research fund, be sure to complete line 35 on the tax form
now is not the time to think of taxpayers as a blank PA 40. For additional information, visit my Web site at
check. SueHelm.net.
www.SueHelm.net
Continued from page 3... Around the 104th District
• Some organizations persuade students and Rep. Sue Helm attended
their families to send them money to “hold” an the ordination of Stanley R.
Lawson at the First Spirit
award, claiming that students are finalists in a Filled Missionary Baptist
scholarship contest. However, scholarships are Church. Pictured from left
are Lawson, Helm and
only awarded based on a student’s application.
Bishop Dwight E. Joppy.
• Organizations that have official sounding Seated is Pastor H.W. Hall.