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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Nick Kotik |
  
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Kotik reacts to passage of local tax collection bill
HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. Nick Kotik, D-Allegheny, released the following statement expressing opposition to legislation (S.B. 1063) passed by the House this week consolidate collection of the local wage tax under 69 tax collection districts across the state. Collection of the tax in Allegheny County would be divided among four tax collection districts.
"This bill is a major disappointment. It was rushed through the House without adequate public debate and input, and it fails to address the deficiencies in Act 511, which was passed enacted in 1965.
"It was sponsored by special interest groups without regard for the revenue implications for municipal governments. It was truly a slap in the face for local school districts and municipalities.
"Furthermore, it will create a new layer of bureaucracy at the county level. Most importantly, it lays the groundwork for new taxes at the county level. A county wage tax or commuter tax could be implemented utilizing this new taxing authority.
"I have no doubt that county residents who live outside of Pittsburgh but work in the city could at some point be subject to a wage tax similar to the one that is charged to non-resident workers in Philadelphia.
"The loss of local control of tax collection by the municipalities and school districts will make it harder to resolve disputes for taxpayers. We can do better and I will fight to make that happen."
The bill was sent to the Senate for further consideration.
Kotik represents the 45th Legislative District, which includes a portion of Allegheny County including parts of Collier, Kennedy, Robinson, Scott, South Fayette and Stowe townships, and the boroughs of Bridgeville, Carnegie, Coraopolis, Heidelberg, McKees Rocks and Pennsbury Village. It encompasses the following school districts: Carlynton, Chartiers-Valley, Cornell, Montour, South Fayette and Sto-Rox.
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