Philly sales tax hike a tough sell in Harrisburg
Friday, March 20th, 2009
By: Susan Phillips
sphillips@whyy.org
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter wants to increase the sales tax by one cent. But the tax hike requires state approval.
Transcript:
Nutter says he's made his case to Harrisburg lawmakers who, at the very least, have not said no. But Republican lawmakers say its the wrong time to raise taxes. Steve Miskin is the spokesperson for the House Republican Caucus.
Miskin: "Right now as the economy is continuing declining, we just think its the wrong time to raise taxes on any level."
Philadelphia's sales tax is already one cent higher than the rest of the state. And recent polls indicate that a proposal by Governor Rendell to allow the other counties to raise sales tax is also unpopular.
Pollster Terry Madonna: "Whether the legislature is willing to give the city or any city control over taxes, or gun issues or whatever, the legislature typically holds onto its power and is reluctant to let local governments make changes willy nilly."
The proposed sales tax hike would end after three years.