Philadelphia tweaking business taxes to lure new ones, encourage existing

A Philadelphia City Council Committee has passed changes to the business tax structure in the city.  

The two bills are designed to help businesses in Philadelphia by giving them a break on sales outside the city and other taxes, fees and permits.

Edward Kicak of Sandmeyer Steel says the tax breaks could be good for business.

“By implementing this change it will allow existing companies to do business in their ever-increasing competitive markets and in so doing expand the tax base for the betterment of the city,” said Kicak.

Nancy Minor of the United Steel Workers represents employees at the two regional Sunoco  refineries.   She believes the changes could save the South Philadelphia facility which is for sale.

“What your bill may do may be encourage a new employer to come in and run the facility and maintain not only the 1000 jobs in the facility but the eight people that are effected by every job loss in that plant,” said Minor.

The Nutter administration supports the amended plan saying even though it could cost millions it could result in new business and new jobs.