ACT 1 Vote

The primary election is Tuesday, May 15th and Erie County residents will have to decide if they're going to vote yes or no on "Act 1."

Its a decision that could affect your property taxes. "Act 1" is a tax shift suggested by Governor Ed Rendell, which would reduce some property taxes by increasing some income taxes.

We're finding....its apparently a confusing issue for a lot of Erie area residents.

Everyone in Erie County will has the opportunity to vote on the referendum...and it differs across school districts.

But this taxpayer relief act aims to have one common goal, "in the past its been 100% almost real estate property that has gone to the bottom line budget of school districts, now its asking do you want to take some of that burden and put it on income earners. "  Jennifer Gornall-Rouch - Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall & Sennett Law Firm.

The revenue generated from the proposed personal income tax increase is said to reduce school district taxes on qualified residential properties. -- and replace the revenue from the school districts current earned income tax - which is zero point 5 percent to a 1.1 percent personal income tax.

Some residents say if your household makes over 41 thousand dollars...(At least in the city of erie) and the "tax shift" is approved. The result could be shocking!

"it will make 120% increase to the personal income so it does have a dramatic negative impact on the finances of individuals residing in the City of Erie. " -Gary Kanoncyk Opposes Tax Increase

Again,  the "Act 1" referendum is different in each district.
   
If you're an independent voter you can vote in the primary, just let a poll worker know.

If you're confused as to what you think about the shift, you can now find out how the change would personally affect you. Just log onto the Erie County Website - www.eriecountygov.org

Then find the "Tax Claim and Revenue Bureau" under "Departments"...and use the two calculators there to determine exactly how you will - or will not - benefit from the change.