When is enough enough?

On average Philadelphians' tax bill is 60% higher than the that of their family and neighbors who live in the suburbs. According to the Metropolitan Philadelphia Policy Center's Flight or Fight report, for every $1 a surburbanite pays in tax, we pay $1.60 in taxes.

As a city, Philadelpia has been losing jobs and residents for 50 years. Back in 1950 two Million people lived here. In 50 years half a million people have left the city. Every year 10,000 Philadelphians vote with their feet and move to the other side of City Line Ave. and the Delaware.

Has the number of city employees declined in the past 50 years?

It has not.

According to the MPCC report, the city currently employs 25,000 people, exactly the same as in 1952 when 30% more people lived here. So are we getting 30% more service for our tax dollars? Is trash being picked up 30% more often? Are the streets 30% cleaner and safer? Are our libraries open 30% longer?

We need answers to these questions!

The City Controller has a plan to reform Philadelphia's god awful tax mess. Council is to hold hearings on the Controller's plan January 30 and 31. Please write City Council and tell them you want real tax reform now. Tell them while talk about tax reform is fine, you expect to see results. It's time to stop taxing the daylight out of ourselves.

We pay 60% more taxes than the suburbs.

What are we getting for our money?

Ed Goppelt
Webmaster@Hallwatch.org