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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Chelsa Wagner |
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Wagner calls for end to Allegheny County drink tax
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 24 – State Rep. Chelsa Wagner, D-Beechview, issued the following statement in reaction to Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato's announcement today that he plans to reduce the county's 10 percent drink tax to 7 percent.
"Today I'm reiterating my stance that Allegheny County ought to repeal the drink and car rental tax, despite a potential decrease being considered by county officials.
"From the beginning, I opposed the 10 percent tax on alcoholic drinks and a $2 a day car rental tax and voted against them in Harrisburg. I pointed out that the taxes would provide far more funding than the additional $3 million the county needed for its increased contribution to the Port Authority’s operating expenses. I also pointed out that the projections were faulty, and the proposed taxes were never fully vetted.
"What was a poor plan then remains a poor plan now, despite the announcement today for an incremental reduction in the drink tax to 7 percent. Such a reduction comes only after county officials recognized that at 10 percent, the tax is raising more money than expected or needed. Even at 7 percent, this tax will still be creating an unlevel playing field for Allegheny County's businesses, when the $3 million could have been achieved by cost savings.
"I maintain that the county must repeal the drink and car rental tax and instead address the governance of the Port Authority, which I proposed in HB 1642. We ought to be looking at ways to increase accountability, efficiency and governance of the Port Authority rather than imposing new taxes on our hard-working residents in Allegheny County. These crucial changes at the Port Authority – which address the illness rather than the symptom – still remain untouched. We must continue to look to ways to grow and enhance the region for the future, rather than hurt the residents and businesses we have."
Media is invited to contact Wagner for further comment on this topic at her district office; phone 412-343-2094.
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CONTACT: Mike Storm |