51 Years of Broken Promises: Why Property Tax Elimination Is David's #1 Priority

Here's the hard truth: for over fifty-one years, Pennsylvania politicians have promised to eliminate property taxes. Republican, Democrat — it doesn't matter. They make the promise during campaign season and abandon it the moment they're sworn in.

Meanwhile, the consequences are real and devastating. Seniors on fixed incomes are losing their homes because they can't keep up with rising assessments. Young families are priced out of neighborhoods where they grew up. Small businesses are crushed under property tax burdens that grow every year regardless of whether their revenue does.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Pennsylvania has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. According to the Tax Foundation, the Keystone State ranks in the top 15 nationally for effective property tax rates. In Berks County and surrounding areas of the 128th District, homeowners are watching their tax bills climb year after year — with no end in sight.

The legislation exists. HB 13 and HB 1649 both offer frameworks for complete elimination of school property taxes — not a reduction, not a cap. Complete elimination, with revenue replaced through spending cuts first and targeted reforms second.

Why It Never Gets Done

The answer is simple: political will. The framework is there. Other states have done it. The only thing missing is elected officials who actually follow through. Too many legislators benefit from the status quo. They make the promise, collect the votes, and then quietly let it die in committee.

David Hughes isn't that kind of politician — because he isn't a politician at all. He's a businessman who has spent 40 years making hard decisions and delivering results. When he says he'll fight for property tax elimination, that's not a campaign slogan. It's a commitment backed by a track record of standing up to the establishment even when it cost him personally.

David's Plan

Goal: Eliminate school property taxes through HB 13, HB 1649, or similar legislation. Complete elimination — not a reduction, not a cap.

Timeline: Introduce legislation in David's first session. Fight for passage within his first term.

How: Revenue replaced through spending cuts first, targeted reforms second. No more kicking this down the road.

This isn't abstract policy debate. This is happening to your neighbors right now. Seniors are losing their homes. David Hughes is running to finally do something about it.