Property Tax And Rent Refunds Promote Development By Congress

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s key proposal to expand the state’s property tax and rent-refund programs has been shaken as lawmakers grapple with expected costs.

Property Tax ( Photo: Vista Residences )

Shapiro’s budget plan to raise the program’s income cap and reimbursement amount

The bill’s primary beneficiaries are the rapidly growing population of the elderly and disabled. To receive the discount the resident must be a recipient of her SSI or SSD benefits. The new bill raises the rebate cap from $650 to $1,000 and raises the inflation-linked income limit to $45,000. The government said 175,000 Pennsylvania residents would be eligible for the bill and receive almost double the rebates many already receive. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, and given the prospect of annual budget increases with inflation, some legislators are skeptical that the plan will be affordable in the long run.

Republicans also want to help older homeowners but they can’t afford to do so the governor’s way

It’s unclear how quickly the bill will reach a final vote in the House, but a major stumbling block is prospects in the Republican-controlled Senate. The deadline for submitting the annual budget is June 30 and failure to take action on the proposal could delay progress until parliament resumes in the fall.

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