FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2009
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Senator Pileggi: Legislation Protecting Tax-Exempt Status of Charter Schools Approved by the Senate

Legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) to protect the tax-exempt status of charter schools was approved today by the Senate, 49 to 0.

"Charter schools are public schools and should be treated as such," said Senator Pileggi. "In most of Pennsylvania, there is no confusion on this point. Unfortunately, some local charter schools have received real estate tax bills and were forced to go to court to fight this inequity. My bill would make the law absolutely clear, ensuring that education funds are spent to educate our children rather than wasted on unnecessary legal battles."

Senate Bill 687 explicitly states that all school property owned by a charter school or an associated non-profit foundation, or leased to a charter school at or below fair market value, which is used for public school purposes is exempt from taxation.

Last year, the Avon Grove Charter School in London Grove Township, Chester County, received real estate tax bills totaling about $500,000. If forced to pay the bill, the school was at risk of shutting down. The school opened in 2002, but did not receive any tax bills until 2008. At least two other charter schools in Chester County have received similar tax bills.

"Sending a tax bill to a charter school makes no more sense than sending one to a traditional public school," said Senator Pileggi. "It is simply wrong, and I am pleased that my colleagues in the Senate agreed and supported this legislation."

Senate Bill 687 now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

More information about state issues is available at Senator Pileggi's web site, www.senatorpileggi.com.

Contact:

Erik Arneson
(717) 787-4712