In Philly visit, Corbett says protesters, business share common ground

Gov. Tom Corbett was in town Tuesday to speak to the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. The governor also spoke, indirectly, to protesters outside the event at the Prince Theater.

A crowd of hundreds protesting state budget priorities included Shirley McCoy, a retiree and union member.

“It’s so many issues today. It’s the school issues. It’s the job issues. It’s all types of issues,” said McCoy. “So I’m here to represent every issue in this city.”

Inside, the governor acknowledged the protesters several times in his remarks, saying that business-friendly policies were important to achieve their objectives.

“They want good jobs, but they want to tax corporations. If you ask the businesspeople here, that’s incongruous,” the governor said. “You need to make it a competitive environment.”

Corbett noted that Pennsylvania has successfully attracted jobs from New Jersey by having lower taxes. He said that, ultimately, the economy will have to grow out of the recession.

The event was moderated by Marty Moss-Coane and will air on Thursday’s “Radio Times.”