Pa. budget protest circles Philadelphia City Hall

Supporters of social services say Pennsylvania should tax cigars instead of making cuts.

Hundreds of people came to Philadelphia City Hall Thursday to complain about how Pennsylvania’s state budget.

The protesters are pleased that a budget deal is done in Harrisburg, but they aren’t happy that there are numerous cuts for social service groups. JoAnne Weinberger is director of the Center for Literacy. She says people have been cut from programs last year and even more this year.

“Across Pennsylvania over 10,000 adults were on waiting lists, what does this other 15% going to mean. Potentially another five thousand or more adults, adults who a better life for them and their family will not have that opportunity.”

Supporters of social service groups want more revenue generated. They say a cigar tax would be logical since Pennsylvania doesn’t currently have one but taxes other forms of tobacco.