This year, State Rep. John Taylor's (R-Philadelphia)
HB 1871
moved swiftly through both chambers of the General Assembly, passing the House on June 27th and the Senate on July 1, by overwhelming majorities. The resolution seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution and allow cities of the first class (Philadelphia) to impose taxes on real estate used for business purposes at a tax rate that is higher than the rate for residential properties. But the resolution makes no distinction between properties that are rented for business purposes, and properties that are rented as residences. The serious negative consequences of such an amendment would deliver to multi-family rental properties were completely ignored.
In order to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution, legislation proposing the amendment must be passed by the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions and be advertised in newspapers upon each passage, before being submitted to the electorate for approval. HB 1871 has completed its course for the current session and cannot be considered again until next session gears up. PAA will continue to advocate on behalf of multifamily owners' concerns and keep members apprised of our progress.
|
