Property tax reform was a top concern among Pennsylvanians according to a summer 2011 statewide poll conducted by the Pittsburgh Tea Party. More than 1200 respondents, made up of key grassroots leaders, business leaders and Tea Party leaders indicated that property rights had to be restored during this legislative session. Finally, it seems, there are legislators that are listening.

On Wednesday morning, October 5th, Representative Jim Cox, of the 129th District, and AFP-PA State Director Sam Rohrer's former Chief of Staff, sent a memo to all House members inviting them to co-sponsor his school property tax replacement legislation which is set for October introduction in the House. Proponents of such legislation, including 65 taxpayer groups across Pennsylvania (PCTA) are emphatically urging legislators to participate.

Spokesman for the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations, David Baldinger, urges action saying:

"As soon as possible, please contact your Representatives to request that they co-sponsor this legislation. Emails are acceptable but a phone call will get the message to them faster. Please be courteous and respectful in your request by asking them to co-sponsor and join in the discussion to solve the property tax problem for all Pennsylvanians. If your Representative has already agreed to co-sponsor, thank them for their help."

Widely known as a champion for property rights, Baldinger has been efforting for more than seven years to restore true property ownership. "We have to refuse to go away" Baldinger told a crowd at a recent speaking engagement where many gathered to learn about the new legislation. "It's us against special interests. That's the bottom line."

It looks like his persistence is about to pay off. Thanks to Representative Cox and others, Property tax elimination is finally set for long overdue consideration. Legislators are waking up to the fact that property tax elimination is what their constituents are demanding. The 2010 elections sent a strong message that few legislators are willing to ignore--a message proponents of Cox's legislation have pledged to resend if necessary in 2011 and 2012. Supporters are hopeful that Pennsylvania will be the first state to eliminate the unfair property tax.

Thus far, those thought to be co-sponsoring are Representatives Dave Maloney, Rick Saccone, Mark Gillen, and Seth Grove. In the coming days expect to see a report that will verify the participation of members of both parties.

If you have not already, CALL YOUR LEGISLATOR AND ASK HIM OR HER TO CO-SPONSOR THIS LEGISLATION. Let them know that now is the time to eliminate this unfair tax and that you support their participation.

Contact information for your Representative is here. Please call or email today.