For Immediate Release
March 7, 2007
Contact: Tim Nyquist
814-726-7201
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Scarnati Delivers Millions for District

WARREN— During his tenure, State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th Senatorial District has listened to discussions about property tax relief, reduction, and reform.  Instead of focusing on the rhetoric and the words, Scarnati delivered the results as his rural district will receive a large portion of the approximate $8 million that he expects will go toward property tax reform.

"Without question, there will be significant dollars allocated to each local taxing body that should be used for property tax reform," Scarnati said.  "Over the next month school districts, municipalities, and counties will receive funds to help them offset property taxes in their respective areas."

Scarnati is referring to legislation that was enacted last year to increase Pennsylvania's payment in lieu of taxes on state forests, parks and game lands from $1.20 an acre to $3.60 an acre. 

"This increase represents meaningful property tax reform for area residents," Scarnati added.  "I am hopeful that local taxing entities will use this increase to help offset skyrocketing property taxes in their local communities."

According to Scarnati, all state forests and parks, as well as state game lands are not subject to taxation by school districts, counties, and municipalities.  However, they are required to make payments in lieu of taxes, which are evenly distributed among the three local taxing entities.

"Unfortunately, the Commonwealth was not paying its fair share on land that it owns and property owners were having to pick up the additional burden," Scarnati said.  "I have stated time and time again, that the state must be held accountable for these taxes and not expect the taxpayers of this area to foot the bill."           

"Simply put, you cannot have property tax reform until the state pays its fair share on the land it owns," Scarnati added.

Of the state land that is subjected to the payment in lieu of taxes, 2,017,301 acres are forests and state parks, 1,397,429 acres are game lands, and 6,100 are acres owned by the Fish and Boat Commission.

In the 25th Senatorial District percentages of the overall land subjected to the PILT is staggering.  The breakdown by counties is as follows and represents acres:

Senator Scarnati represents all or a portion of the counties that encompass the aforementioned acreages.  Due to the small portion owned by the Fish and Boat Commission, their numbers are not included.

"Almost 38% of state forest and park lands and over 18% of all game lands are in counties that I represent," Scarnati stated.  "Clearly, this has placed a tremendous burden on the taxpayers in the 25th District.  Seemingly, we are being asked to pick up the tab for land owned by the state."

"I am proud that the citizens of the 25th District will see property tax reform," Scarnati concluded.  "I have been and will remain committed to reducing the tax drain on the citizens of this area of the Commonwealth."