Understanding the issue
Philly is a high-tax city, and some of our taxes -- wage taxes, for example, and some business taxes -- hurt most three groups that don't need the pain: employers, employees and the poor. The Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission's report stated bluntly: "Our taxes are too high; and our taxes are unfairly imposed."
Recurrent tax protests have merely kept small cuts moving, not led to wholesale tax reforms. A recently reported surplus was good news, but that does not mean Philadelphia is flush with money. Rising obligations and the city's slow growth are a dangerous combo. In fact, the city's budget watchdogs say the next mayor will have only 90 days to get his fiscal act together.
The next mayor will be ... broke!
The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority -- aka the city budget watchdog -- offers a sobering look at the fiscal challenges the next mayor will face. (Our favorite page might be page 5.)
Also from PICA:
An updated Citizens' Guide to the city budget
A sobering report on the cost of city prisons
A look at what the next five years will bring for the city budget
Compare the candidates' plans
Candidates who have issued plans specifically about balancing the budget:
Read Michael Nutter's budget plan
Read Chaka Fattah's fiscal stability plan
Understanding taxes and the city budget
From Neighborhoods Online: A city budget explainer
From the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission: "Our study of Philadelphia’s tax system demonstrates that as a city we tax what others do not; our taxes are too high; and our taxes are unfairly imposed." Read the full report.
From Philadelphia Forward: Learn about how the city budget is made (and much more)
From WHYY's Radio Times: Host Marty Moss-Coane talks with the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Larry Eichel, who just finished a two-part series on why the City's taxes are among the highest in the nation, and Ed Schwartz, who chaired the Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission. (RealAudio, 4/25/06)
Real estate taxes: Big bills delayed?
Daily News: Tax revision board delays assessments change (11/14/06)
Business taxes: The battles are far from over
Even after three (upcoming) years of cuts, Philadelphia's business tax burden will remain the second
highest of eight major cities in a study conducted for the Philadelphia Business Journal. (6/9/06)
Daily News: Where the would-be mayors stand on the business "privilege" tax (12/14/05)
From WHYY News: The Mayor has promised modest cuts, but business leaders want more. Both sides got to say their piece during City Council's budget hearings. WHYY's Brad Linder was there. (RealAudio, 2/28/06)
From WHYY News: Both sides of the Business Privilege Tax debate prepare for a vote in City Council. More from WHYY's Brad Linder. (RealAudio, 12/08/05)
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