Kosierowski supports investments in education, expanded property tax rebates

Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski    July 7, 2023 | 1:09 PM

HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski voted for the 2023-24 state budget Wednesday because it increases education funding and additional legislation will help more seniors receive rebates on their property taxes.

“This budget is not perfect, as is often the case when we have divided government, but I ultimately voted for it because it includes no new taxes, while still increasing K-12 education funding by $1 billion,” said Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna. “I am a strong proponent for ensuring equitable funding for our school districts because every child deserves to be in a thriving classroom, no matter where they live. This is a good step toward achieving that goal, but we have more work to do before that becomes a reality.”

Kosierowski said the school districts she represents will see total basic education and special education funding increases as follows:

  • Abington Heights School District: $640,707 or 6.8% more than the 2022-23 school year.
  • Lackawanna Trail School District: $508,953 or 7.1% more.
  • Lakeland School District: $327,579 or 4.7% more.
  • Mid Valley School District: $694,865 or 9% more.
  • Scranton School District: $10.4 million or 14.7% more, which includes Level Up funding that is provided to the state’s most underfunded school districts.

Another bill that is on its way to the desk of Gov. Josh Shapiro and received Kosierowski’s “yes”  vote would increase the eligibility income limits for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to $45,000 for homeowners and renters with future adjustments for inflation. The current limits, which haven’t changed in 16 years, are $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters.

“In addition to increasing the income limits, we are raising the maximum rebate that seniors and other qualified applicants can receive from $650 to $1,000 and that’s money that goes directly back to people,” Kosierowski said. “My office helps hundreds of people apply for the rebate every year, so I know how important it is.”

She reminds people that the deadline to apply for PTRR was extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. More information about the program is available here.