Business leaders want budget passed

They say without a tax increase, the city’s contingency plan would be problematic for everyone.

Lawmakers in Harrisburg continue to struggle with the state budget, but some Philadelphia residents and politicians are calling on them to focus on the city’s financial needs and approve a sales tax hike and pension plan changes. Mayor Nutter says the moves are necessary to avoid drastic cuts to the city’s libraries, recreation centers, and police and fire departments. Today business leaders met with the Mayor to find out how they can further the cause.

Listen:
[audio: 090731lfbusiness.mp3]

Comcast Executive Vice President David L. Cohen is also Chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He says the impact the cuts would have on the business community is almost unthinkable.

Cohen: We’re all about generating jobs and growing the economy and growing the tax base. Who wants to move to a city with no recreation infrastrucutre, and no free library system, twice a month trash collection, real threats to public safety, if you’re a CEO thinking about locating your business and you’re competing with five cities, would you come to the city that literally cut the guts out of the city services that were being provided?

Cohen says the most effective way the business leaders can make their position known is not by marching to Harrisburg, but by reaching out to lawmakers.