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Penn. Governor Applauds License Approvals

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania –- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell applauded the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today after it approved conditional slot-machine gaming operator licenses for five Pennsylvania horseracing tracks. In a statement, the Governor called the PGCB's action a major step toward the realization of property tax relief for all Pennsylvania homeowners.

"The Gaming Control Board's action is a major milestone in the implementation of Act 71," said Governor Rendell. "The approval of these conditional licenses is a clear sign to all homeowners that property tax relief is on the way. For more than three decades, homeowners have awaited a plan that will finally begin to cut these onerous taxes, and that time is closer than ever before.

"As racetrack owners begin to expand their operations, thousands of new jobs will be created and our horseracing industry will get a major boost, which will benefit all Pennsylvanians. I am encouraged that the board has committed to reviewing the remaining racetrack applicant in October, and I urge them to stay on track as they continue this important work."

The Governor also reminded seniors that in the coming months they will need to sign up to receive applications for the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. More than 400,000 newly eligible older and disabled Pennsylvanians can receive rebates of up to $650 under Act 1 when applications are mailed in early 2007.

Beginning next year, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program will be open to homeowners: age 65 and older; widows and widowers 50 and older; and the disabled who are 18 and older. The program's income limit for homeowners has been increased to $35,000 and, since that figure does not include half of a household's Social Security benefits, many people with incomes of over $40,000 will qualify.

People who think they may qualify for the expanded program should call 1- 888-222-9190 to request an application.

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