As a retired senior living on a fixed income, I am deeply concerned about the rising school tax millage rates imposed by the Mid Valley School District in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. The financial burden is becoming increasingly unsustainable for many homeowners, especially those of us who are unable to supplement our income through employment. These significant tax demands threaten not only our financial stability but also our ability to remain in our homes.

The Mid Valley School District has the power to address this issue by voting to reduce or freeze the current millage rates. The school board directly sets these rates, and by making a conscientious decision to lower them, they can provide much-needed relief to countless families and individuals within our community. It's imperative that the board prioritizes the financial wellbeing of its residents, especially the elderly population who are disproportionately affected.

Statistics indicate that Pennsylvania has some of the highest property tax rates in the nation. This positions many homeowners, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, in a precarious situation. According to the Tax Foundation, Pennsylvania ranks 10th in the nation in terms of property tax as a percentage of home value. This highlights the urgency of reassessing tax levels to better reflect the financial realities faced by constituents in our district.

Reducing the school tax millage is not merely a financial issue but a moral one. It speaks to the district’s commitment to safeguarding the quality of life for all its residents, ensuring that individuals like me can continue to live with dignity and security. By adjusting the millage rate, the district can demonstrate that it values its citizens and their contributions to the community over the years.

I urge the Mid Valley School Board to take immediate action in the upcoming budget meeting. Let's work together to find a balanced approach that supports our schools without placing an unjust burden on homeowners. Please join me in calling for the school board to reduce or freeze the school tax millage rate.

Sign this petition to express your support for a fairer tax system that benefits all homeowners in the Mid Valley School District. Your signature can make a difference in ensuring a sustainable and equitable community for everyone.