Swann advocates property-tax cap, but tax experts call it illegal

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Wed, Apr. 26, 2006
Swann advocates property-tax cap, but tax experts call it illegal
PETER JACKSON
Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. - A major element of Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann's tax-fighting agenda - a cap on property taxes - would violate the Pennsylvania Constitution, several tax experts said Wednesday.

In a Tuesday speech at a Camp Hill luncheon sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association of Retired Employees, Swann promised to cap property taxes in a way that ensures that the taxes of individual homeowners do not change as long as they own their property, his campaign confirmed.

Swann campaign spokesman Lenny Alcivar said Wednesday that Swann also will advocate an overhaul of the present property assessment system with "a more efficient and predictable" method when he unveils his complete plan at still-to-be-announced date in May.

However, two tax lawyers and another expert interviewed separately said the proposal would violate a provision in the state constitution that says "All taxes shall be uniform, upon the same class of subjects, within the territorial limits of the authority levying the tax."
(snip/...)

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/politics/14435684.htm

[bluestateguy]

1. This guy needs to shut up

If he doesn't like the way Pennsylvania is being run then he should leave the state.

[SammyBlue]

3. Pennsylvania, love it or leave it?

Watch how your phrase that. . .that's Freeper logic that they us on us.

"Liberals need to shut up.

If they don't like the way the United States is being run, then they should leave the country.

[SammyBlue]

2. Violate a constitution? Republicans have NO problems with that

Ask neo-turd in chief about the way he wipes his ass with the federal one!

[depakid]

4. None whatsoever

Civil laws, criminal laws, the laws of science and economics- none of these matter to Republicans or their supporters.

They have the mentality of spoiled bratty children.

[hexola]

5. Unfortunately this might be popular...

A lot of PA communities are way behind in tax assesment...if they reassesed to todays prices - people would freak out...