Cynthia J. O’Hora - Selinsgrove School Director
Thomas Jefferson said “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be…if we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed.”
SASD - AYP report card
Links:
Project 720 High School Reform
Service:
Education Policy Information Clearinghouse
Contact:
Cynthia J. O'Hora
100 Stetler Ave,
Shamokin Dam, PA 17870
I have not linked this info to avoid spamming.
updated 5/25/07
Act 1 Tax Shift for Property Tax relief.
Act 1 tax shift proposal was defeated in the Selinsgrove Area School District.
Results reported in the Daily Item were 1594 NO to 1378 YES.
The Act 1 measure was also defeated in Danville, Shikellamy, Lewisburg, Line Mountain, Midd West, Mifflinburg, Warrior Run and Milton school districts.
Ten Steps to a Lower Property Tax Bill
Extra Tax Reduction Benefits for some groups of people:
*Property Tax/Rent Rebate - This program is independent from the tax shift and the gaming. It is extra cash available to senior citizens, disabled 18 years and older, widows and widowers 50 years or older. Applies to renters and home owners. Income up to $35,000 can qualify - with the maximum rebate raised to $650. Exclude one-half of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits when calculating eligibility income. Pennsylvania senior citizens are receiving an additional $200 million in property tax relief in 2007 through the expansion of this program.
*Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption Program
* Pennsylvania Income Tax and Earned Income tax are not collected on pension or social security payments. This income is not "earned income". This is regardless of how high an annual pension income may be. Ex lawmaker Mike Veon is paid a $50,300 annual state pension. It will not count as earned income. Former Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer is collecting a $90,900 annual pension. It is also not taxed as earned income. They will not pay Pennsylvania income tax nor local earned income tax on these dollars. Pa. pensions offer big returns
Tax Fairness: video from Local Tax Reform Education Project
Independents and minor party voters will be able to vote on the tax question on a ballot that will be provided at the polls and as a mail in absentee ballot.
Understanding the Taxpayer Relief Act: Act 1 of Special Session 2005-2006
PA. Education Department Allows 210 School Districts to Raise Taxes beyond inflation index
A list of approved referendum exceptions for 2007-2008
Four districts will seek voters' approval, at the May Primary to increase property taxes above their State Index. These costs typically do not meet the referendum exceptions.PA.'s Property Tax Relief Fund does not have enough revenue for property tax relief in 2007-2008
Special Session Act 1 of 2006 information Property Tax Shift
The final step is for each district's voters to decide whether they want to reduce some property tax by increasing the local earned income tax. Primary Election date is May 15th. Only those who are registered to vote will have a say in the tax shift question.
Act 1 coming to ballot box near you 4/30/07
The question is: Who pays? - article is about one area but applies to nearly all.
Pa. renters have big stake in referendum
Earned income tax hike on most primary ballots
May 15 referendum on the tax law will decide how much comes out of your wallet. ACT 1 2006
Letters to the Editor - Few voters 5/1/07, Primary duty 4/28/07, Unfair shift 4/18/07, Vote "yes" Daily Item 4/7/07, Daily Item The 'bait' of Act 1 2/22/07, Daily Item Act 1 resolution 3/30/07
If you will be out of town on Election Day, request an absentee ballot from your local county board of elections. Requests for an absentee ballot must be received by the local board of elections no later than May 8, 2007. The absentee ballot must be returned by May 11, 2007.
Register to vote
The last day to register to vote in the spring primary is April 16, 2007. You can go to your county board of elections to register. Mail in voter registration forms are available at many Snyder County post offices and libraries. Local government offices should also be able to provide you with a mail in form.
Who can vote? You must be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next primary, special, municipal, or general election. You must be a U.S. citizen for at least one month prior to the election. You must be resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which you desire to register and vote for at least 30 days before the election.
If you will be out of town on Election Day, request an absentee ballot from your local county board of elections. Requests for an absentee ballot must be received by the local board of elections no later than May 8, 2007. The absentee ballot must be returned by May 11, 2007.
Prior postings:
The final decision lies with the voters. Register to vote
The next step in the law is for each School Board to decided on the question to be placed on the ballot in the Spring 2007 election. I invite district residents to contact us with their thoughts regarding this tax shift issue.
Local Tax Study Commission Public Hearing Meeting - Thursday November 16, 2006 at 7:00 PM in Room A103 in the Middle School. Call Jeff Hummel if you have any questions.(372-2209) ACT 1 Tax Commission Application and Information
Nov 20, 2006 - 7:30 pm - Regular meeting - EI Asscotiates will make a presentation regarding the Elementary Building project.
October 2005
I continue to support Act 72. I believe that Act 72 is a valuable tool for controlling costs. (Act 72 was repealed by act 1 of 2006.) Taxpayers should have a greater voice in how their tax dollars are spent. School Boards must not continue to tax people out of their homes. More - does not mean better. 8/10/06 Act 72 has been repealed. It has been superceded by Act 1 of 2006 - Pennsylvania Taxpayer Relief Act.
Democracy Rising - put ethics and sunshine back in our PA. government