State Rep.

Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, announced Tuesday he is reintroducing his property tax elimination bill for the 2005-06 legislative session."Over the last few years, there have been many legislative proposals placed on the table seeking to address the need for immediate and comprehensive property tax reform," he said in a news release."Unfortunately, few of them have turned out to be a viable alternative."Metcalfe said his measure would phase out Pennsylvania's property tax system in six years by incrementally increasing a combination of remaining tax options, relying as much as possible on sales taxes.The proposal excludes items, such as food, clothing and doctor visits.He said unlike other proposed property tax relief plans, rather than running up taxpayer-funded surpluses before providing any tax relief at all, his bill would provide taxpayers with the tangible benefit of a 33 percent reduction in their property taxes in the first year alone.He said his legislation is revenue neutral, requiring that property tax revenues be replaced dollar-for-dollar, and requires voter approval for future tax increases and further tax reductions from surpluses and greater government accountability.State Rep.

Frank LaGrotta, D-10th, this week announced he will serve on the House Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee."I understand how important the agriculture industry is to our state's economy," LaGrotta said in a news release. "Serving on this committee, in conjunction with serving as Democratic chairman of the Tourism and Recreational Development Committee, will give me tremendous insight into the issues affecting the two largest industries in the state."He noted the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee reviews all legislation relating to agriculture and rural development. It oversees the state's Farmland Preservation program and the state Milk Marketing Board.He will continue to serve on the House Firefighters and Emergency Services Caucus for the 2005-06 legislative session, the news release states.The caucus is a bipartisan group of House members who make sure the needs of firefighters and emergency services personnel receive priority treatment in Harrisburg.