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For Immediate Release
02/23/05
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Sen. Pippy wants tax relief for more senior citizens

Legislation would increase income limits for County relief program

Citing the increasing burden imposed by real estate taxes on Allegheny's older residents, Senator John Pippy reintroduced legislation to make more senior citizens eligible for a county tax relief program.

"Through reassessment and facing rising costs of living, an increasing number of our older residents are finding it difficult to pay their real estate taxes," Senator Pippy said. "I am introducing this legislation because it is essential that we look for ways to help people meet their tax burden and eliminate the fears that they may lose their homes."

Senator Pippy has introduced Senate Bill 405, a bill that would increase the income limit for a program offered to senior citizens by Allegheny County for their county real estate tax bills to $31,500. Under the program, eligible senior citizens receive a flat 30 percent discount on their county tax bills.

Senator Pippy has been a strong proponent of legislation to cut real estate taxes. In fact SB 405 mirrors the language of Senate Bill 1253, a bill that Senator Pippy introduced during the 2003-04 Legislative Session.

"Allegheny County offers a good program that reduces the tax burden on older residents," Senator Pippy said. "My legislation would open that up to more people and provide them with real relief from the burden imposed by those taxes."

Contact:            Matt Campion    412.262.2260