SIDES CLASH THIS WEEK OVER GETTYSBURG CASINO
According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the numbers are amazing and show how deep the emotions run on both sides of the Gettysburg casino issue. More than 400 individuals and groups have signed up to speak — some pro, some con — at a public hearing this week on whether the state should license a gambling parlor containing 600 slot machines and 50 table games just south of the Gettysburg National Military Park. Some speakers are strongly opposed to a casino, calling the historic area “hallowed ground” because of the many Union and Confederate soldiers who died during a three-day battle in early July 1863. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.
CORBETT VOWS TO CUT SPENDING
According to an article in the Patriot News, Tom Corbett says that if he is elected governor, he would make unpopular cuts in state services, even if it meant he would become the state’s first one-term governor in 40 years. At a campaign stop at ASK Foods in Palmyra on Friday, Corbett, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, said steep cuts might be needed in state government. Corbett, the state attorney general, made it clear Friday that his focus is on reducing spending, rather than raising fees or taxes, to deal with financial challenges. “If I only serve one term, I only serve one term,” Corbett said Friday. “I think people want to see you cut –except their program.” Click here to read the Patriot News article.
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE STEPS UP EFFORT TO COLLECT BACK TAXES
According to an article in the Patriot News, every week the state’s budget office reviews thousands of bills submitted for payment, but not every one of them is approved. On average, 353 of the 24,000 invoices processed weekly by that office get caught up in what is called the Contractor Responsibility Program filter. This is an effort the state has in place to delay or block payments of $5,000 or more to companies that owe the state government something, usually money or a tax return. It also flags contracts and grants issued to a company that owes back taxes, a Department of Revenue official said. It is part of the state’s ongoing — and increasingly more aggressive — effort to go after the 3 percent of individuals and companies in Pennsylvania owing back taxes. Click here to read the Patriot News article.
