Resolution 260480
Supporting the proposed Sam Worley Elderly Tax Relief Act, legislation to exempt qualifying long-term elderly homeowners from school, county, and municipal property taxes on their primary residences in Pennsylvania.
Introduced by
From the floor
Passages in the official transcripts that cite this file number. Every quote links to its exact place in the record.
“Good morning, everyone. My name is Javonnie Asante Newton. I am one of the newest members of the organization called Flip Philly Red. Resolution No. 260480, the reason I'm opposed to that resolution is that not every senior would automatically qualify. The actual legislation would likely include requirements such as minimum age, years of homeownership, income limits and primary residence rules. I also disagree with t…”
Mr. Newton · Stated Meeting, May 14, 2026 · May 14, 2026 · official transcript, this passage
“My name is Sterling Johnson and I'm with ACT UP Philadelphia. I'm here to support Resolution 260480. It is to support just the idea that people that are (inaudible) and their seniors are usually the ones becoming homeless. Nowadays we have to understand that people in their 50s and 60s, they're suffering from this economy. Those people are not really taken into account when we're talking about homelessness. I will sa…”
Mr. Johnson · Stated Meeting, May 14, 2026 · May 14, 2026 · official transcript, this passage
Status timeline
- May 7, 2026Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar · CITY COUNCIL
- May 14, 2026ADOPTED · CITY COUNCIL
Official documents
Documents open on the City of Philadelphia’s legislative site.
Full text
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..Title Supporting the proposed Sam Worley Elderly Tax Relief Act, legislation to exempt qualifying long-term elderly homeowners from school, county, and municipal property taxes on their primary residences in Pennsylvania. ..Body WHEREAS, Many elderly Pennsylvanians have spent decades contributing to their communities, maintaining their homes, and paying property taxes; and WHEREAS, Rising property taxes can place a serious burden on seniors living on fixed or limited incomes and may threaten their ability to remain in their homes; and WHEREAS, The proposed Sam Worley Elderly Tax Relief Act, circulated by Senator Doug Mastriano, would provide a full property tax exemption for homeowners who are at least 75 years old, have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 10 consecutive years, have owned and occupied the same primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years, and continue to use that residence as their primary home; and WHEREAS, The proposal would allow a surviving spouse to continue receiving the exemption while remaining in the home, and would include annual verification, repayment requirements, and penalties for false claims; and WHEREAS, The proposal is named in honor of Sam Worley, a World War II veteran who continued paying property taxes into his 100th year of life, symbolizing the need to protect seniors who have already given a lifetime of service and contribution; and WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's existing property tax relief programs provide important support but do not fully eliminate the burden for long-term elderly homeowners who remain responsible for recurring property taxes; and WHEREAS, Targeted property tax relief for elderly homeowners would promote aging in place, housing stability, community continuity, and dignity for Pennsylvania seniors, while requiring responsible implementation to protect schools, counties, municipalities, and essential public services; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE PHILADELPHIA, Hereby supports the intent of the proposed Sam Worley Elderly Tax Relief Act and urges the Pennsylvania General Assembly to advance legislation that provides full property tax relief to qualifying long-term elderly homeowners, preserves protections for surviving spouses, includes appropriate verification and anti-fraud safeguards, and ensures that implementation is fiscally responsible and does not undermine essential local services. ..End