Quinones Sanchez backs Use and Occupancy tax increase

A hearing Friday in Philadelphia City Council will address a plan to raise one of the taxes businesses pay in the city.

 

 

Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez says she wants to increase the Use and Occupancy tax to make the Actual Value Initiative revenue-neutral to businesses instead of an increase to the liquor by the drink tax and a new cigarette tax.

“I think this is a quicker way to get to where we want to go, a fairer way because i’ts cost neutral to the majority of the business sector that we are talking about,” she said.

The councilwoman says it’s not fair to further burden homeowners while giving businesses a tax break, and this increase would send a message to that effect.

“We’re willing to be part of the solution, but we’re not going to be there alone.”

There is major opposition to the increase by the city’s business community. Several dozen people are registered to comment at the public hearing.