Pittsburgh Commuter Tax: Bad Idea

http://www.alleghenyinstitute.org/briefs/vol4no36.pdf

One one hand, the Mayor puts forth a "phony" budget. One the other, City Council President, Gene Ricciardi, has asked the Mayor to cut to the chase and push now for the "commuter tax."

The commuter earned income tax is a wrongheaded strategy that is unlikely to bring about the desired results. First, this is a tax paid mostly by city residents. Next, the tax can't fetch money for the city from those who live elsewhere if they have to pay elsewhere. In all, 28,609 commuters from twelve communities would pay no commuter tax.

Moreover, a many home rule communities (with 19,231 commuters) can raise their home rates and lower property taxes so as to nullify any gains to Pittsburgh.

See the report has the details. Thanks Jake.

Rally for those who need MENTAL RETARDATION SERVICES

Call Kathy at ACHIEVA: 412 995-5000 X 509.

PA Self Advocates & Families United to End the Wait are to rally to demand that the Rendell Administration END THE WAIT FOR THOSE WHO NEED at 1:30 on October 19, 2004 at the Capitol Rotunda, in Harrisburg.

Hundreds of individuals waiting for services and their families will descend on the State Capitol to inform Governor Rendell that new funds are needed in the community MR system and that the Governor's budget proposal due in February 2005 MUST include the following:

Sufficient funds to end the "Emergency" Waiting List

sustain the community services already in place

The 2,102 on the "Emergency" Waiting List are desperately counting on our success. More than 20,230 people are waiting overall. The Mental Retardation community system received one 2% increase in three years. Community-based services are being starved.

Contact your Legislator and set up a meeting with them prior to the Rally. Thank them for passing the last budget which included funds to support 475 people on the Waiting List and for passing the 2% Cost of Living Adjustment. Ask them for their continued support to seek adequate funding and ask them also to encourage the Rendell Administration to fund this need.

Buses and vans will be available for the rally. General Information on the PA Waiting List Campaign 1-877-372-WAIT. Southwest Region, Barb Telhorster (The Arc of Indiana County) 1-724-349-8230. Thanks to the PA Self Advocates & Families United to End the Wait!