Dear Editor,

Pass House and Senate Bill 76 now to eliminate school taxes.There is currently legislation being considered in Pennsylvania that, if passed, would completely eliminate the school property tax on homes, farms and businesses. House Bill 76 proposes an increase in state sales taxes from 6 percent to 7 percent, which it is estimated will add up to 4.5 billion dollars a year for our school districts.Major Points:1: DO NOT elect candidates who support supposed "property tax relief" such as House Bill 1189. Bill 1189 proposes a complex system in which school districts can decide if they want to reduce or eliminate school taxes, which would give the districts MORE taxing power, offer no guarantee of school tax elimination, and kill HB 76. It is instead important to make sure your candidate supports school tax elimination. "Relief" can offer no guarantee that our school taxes will not continue to rise in the future.2: No tax should have the power to leave you homeless; school taxes, in certain districts, are doing just that.3: The Property Tax Independence Act (aka House Bill 76) works to fully fund all Pennsylvania schools. Under this bill each district would receive the resources it needs regardless of the local ability to pay. Stop penalizing our farmers, small towns and rural areas that have no industry to absorb the tax burden a school district creates. Help fix our system.4: It doesn't matter if you are a Republican or Democrat. It is clear that both Republicans and Democrats alike are supporting HB 76. In the Senate, HB 76 has 26 co-sponsors and 13 are Democratic. The fact that this bill has such strong bipartisan support should speak volumes.5: Always remember: One person can make a difference. Get out and vote for candidates who clearly support House and Senate Bill 76.Sincerely,Mr. David J. PapayRetired biology teacher and school administrator for Northern Lehigh School District,Slatington andSt. Lawrence School,Catasauqua,Slatington