Olsommer Legislation Seeks to Bring Property Tax Relief to Residents

March 9, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jeff Olsommer (R-Wayne/Pike) has introduced legislation, House Bill 2153, that would require any increase in property tax revenue from the construction of new data centers within a school district be used exclusively to fund additional Homestead/Farmstead property tax relief for district residents.

“Pennsylvania has become an increasingly attractive location for data centers due to its energy infrastructure, available land and proximity to major markets,” Olsommer stated. “While data centers can substantially increase a school district’s tax base, they can place strains on local resources. The measure ensures that while data centers may place increased demands on local infrastructure and land use, the financial benefits are shared directly with the community.

The Homestead/Farmstead exclusion is an established and effective mechanism for providing direct property tax relief to owner-occupied homes and farms. The legislation Olsommer introduced builds on that framework by dedicating new, data center-generated tax revenue to reducing the tax burden on local residents rather than allowing it to be absorbed into general spending.

The intent of the legislation is to be revenue-neutral to school districts. It does not reduce existing revenues but rather directs new property tax revenue resulting from data center construction toward property tax relief. Homeowners and farmers would see reduced school property tax bills, while school districts would not experience a loss of current funding.

“My legislation ensures that the financial benefits of data center development flow directly to the people who live in the affected communities,” Olsommer added.

House Bill 2153 has been assigned to the House Education Committee for consideration.

Residents are welcome to visit Olsommer’s website, RepOlsommer.com, as well as his Facebook page, Facebook.com/RepOlsommer. There, information can be found on the latest legislative developments in Harrisburg, state programs and the latest happenings in the 139th District.

The 139th Legislative District is comprised of parts of Pike and Wayne counties, consisting of the townships of Blooming Grove, Dingman, Greene, Lackawaxen, Milford, Palmyra (Pike), Shohola, Westfall, Cherry Ridge, Dreher, Lake, Lehigh, Paupack, Palmyra (Wayne), Salem, South Canaan and Sterling, and the boroughs of Matamoras, Milford and Hawley.

Representative Jeff Olsommer
139th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com
RepOlsommer.com / Facebook.com/RepOlsommer