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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tim Mahoney |
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Mahoney votes to eliminate tax on small games of chance, local arts and cultural activities
HARRISBURG, Oct. 4 – State Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fayette, joined other House Democrats in voting to make three major changes to the tentative state budget that would protect core Democratic values and benefit his constituents.
The House voted to amend the Senate Republican proposal by eliminating their proposed tax on volunteer fire departments and other community organizations that raise money through small games of chance. In addition, Mahoney voted to eliminate a proposed tax on admissions to arts and cultural events, such as performances, museums and zoos.
"I don’t believe our volunteer firefighters and veterans groups should have to pay to help fund the proposed state budget with a tax on small games of chance," Mahoney said. "I am in favor of taxing big oil and gas corporations and tobacco and casino industries so we can balance the budget."
Mahoney said the approved bill would instead establish a 30 percent tax on smokeless and other tobacco products, as well as increase the cigarette tax by 25 cents per pack. Closing Pennsylvania's tobacco tax loopholes and ending the state's status as the only state that does not impose a tax on smokeless tobacco would garner approximately $38 million to $70 million per year.
The amended bill would also implement a severance tax on natural gas extracted from the state's Marcellus Shale formation.
"Several other states such as Ohio and West Virginia impose a severance tax which brings in millions of dollars in revenue," Mahoney said.
The legislation is being considered by the state Senate.
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