Galloway: Compromise Is the Art of Getting Something Done and Key for HB 76

In a first-time ever exclusive, State Rep. John Galloway and LevittownNow  held an online forum where questions posted and e-mailed in about the Property Independence Tax Act were answered Tuesday by the representative.

The two-hour online gathering came on the heels of his forum in Bristol Borough attended by constituents and local officials about the proposed bill which continues to gain significant momentum in Lower Bucks county.

Prior to coming online for the online meeting with the public, the man who has recently talked about running for Lt. Governor said Governor Corbett has an opportunity to lead on something he could claim as a victory for his “failed agenda.”

Galloway, relaxed and drinking coffee at a staffers desk on the right hand side of his spacious office, on New Falls Road fielded a number of questions from online attendees and LevittownNow.

Starting off the social media gathering posters inquired about the status of the proposed legislation.

“Before we can do anything,”  in response to a question timeline for the HB 76,  “I just want people to agree that there is a problem and a concept for a solution. Once we compromise we can get this done,” he said.

The bill which now sits in the house finance committee many say is being held up because of “special interests,” Galloway, said.   As he sees it, speaking about its  potential economic effects, his could very well to a “boon” for all Pennsylvanian’s

“It’s the perfect starting point” he said.  It  “touches all the bases. It would be a taxpayer controlled stimulus. There is a school of thought that if you produce a tax cut it provides more revenue. I think it would be tremendous for our economy and house values,” he offered.

Galloway has freely admitted it’s not  a  perfect bill,  but scoffs at critics who use that  reasoning  as an excuse for not moving forward.

One of the high points of the forum  came when Pennsbury School Board Member Jacqui  Redner engaged  Galloway in an exchange through Facebook  about the issue of  the state taking control away from local school boards, its inability to be trusted and get the state budget done on time saying, “”I’ll pass” when it comes to the measure with Galloway offering Harrisburg escapes responsibility but noting change is needed.

Questions about how to replace the funds drawn in by property taxes were also addressed with Galloway saying he expected to see increases with both but added  the formula on how those taxes will be assessed could very well be could change in during the amendment process if the proposed measure comes out or committee and hits the floor.

Galloway insisted Bucks County will play a major role if the public starts :…contacting the five  other representatives in Bucks County and the two state senators in an effort to get them to support House Bill 76.”

“The major number is 100,” he said, “and we’re that close to forcing it out of committee. If we can get that done we’re on the way,” he said, shortly after the forum ended.