Why are school property taxes so high in Pennsylvania?

Nathan Benefield of The Commonwealth Foundation has a theory:

Every state in the nation limits the ability of school boards to raise property taxes. Eleven states don't give school boards taxing authority; 36 states require voter referendum on school budgets, property tax increases or all bond issues; and three states without referenda place a cap on school taxes. Pennsylvania counts among those with a referendum requirement — but our law is a toothless tiger that has become "referendum in name only."

The ideal solution would be the elimination of school property taxes in Pennsylvania. Short of that, the voters should get the final say on taxes.

Read the full column at the link below:

Give voters a say on school taxes - pottsmerc.com