Jun. 12, 2019
HARRISBURG—The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee today passed legislation to encourage older Pennsylvanians to give back to their communities.
“Our seniors have so much to offer our Commonwealth, especially in our schools, that we must create incentives to encourage them,” said Rep. Tom Murt (Montgomery/Philadelphia), chairman of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee.
House Bill 974, sponsored by Rep. Mike Peifer (Pike/Wayne), would create the Senior Citizen Tax Reduction Incentive Act to allow townships, municipalities and boroughs to create programs that allow residents age 60 and older to receive property tax credit in exchange for volunteer service.
House Bill 1076, sponsored by Rep. Tim Hennessey (R-Chester/Montgomery), would allow school districts to establish the Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program (STRIVE) to allow seniors to volunteer in school districts in exchange for property tax relief.
“Even as they struggle on fixed incomes, many seniors volunteer with our schools.” Murt said. “This legislation helps us solve two problems. Seniors can help our students and trim their property tax bills.”
The Committee also passed
House Bill 298, sponsored by Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) to establish the Older Adult Mentor Volunteer Program, which would create a certified list of retired volunteers for school districts who are willing to share their life-lessons, experience and hobbies with junior and high school students interested in enhancing their knowledge and skill sets.
All three bills now go before the full House for consideration.
Representative Thomas P. Murt, Ed.D.
152nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: David Foster
267.207.0207
dfoster@pahousegop.com
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