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State Rep. Ken Smith D-Lackawanna www.pahouse.com/kSmith

  Smith votes to stop tax on small games of chance, local arts and cultural events  

HARRISBURG, Oct. 4 – State Rep. Ken Smith, D-Lackawanna, joined other House Democrats in voting to make three major changes to the tentative state budget that would protect core Democratic values and benefit their 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. The amended bill would also implement a severance tax on natural gas extracted from the state's Marcellus Shale formation. In addition, Smith voted to eliminate the proposed tax on admissions to arts and cultural events, such as performances, museums and zoos.

"I chose to not tax local volunteer fire companies, sportsmen's clubs and VFWs because they rely so much on small games of chance to raise funds for their causes," Smith said.

Smith said with so many Pennsylvanians financially cutting back, it was not a good idea to tax admission to arts and cultural activities, such as performances, museums and zoos.

The legislation is being considered by the state Senate and is one part of the overall budget package that needs to be passed by the Senate before being signed by the governor.

"We are moving in the right direction," Smith said.