Tax Policy Discussion

Posted by on July 7, 2006

Did you know?
Pennsylvania?s tax system places a particularly difficult burden on its poorest residents?

? Pennsylvania has one of the 10 most regressive tax systems in the nation

? Families in the lowest 20 percent income group pay 3 times as much in state and local taxes, when calculated as a share of their income, as the wealthiest 1% of Pennsylvanians.

? In 2002, Pennsylvania state and local tax burden was 19th highest in the nation for lowest 20% of residents, but 42nd for the top 1%.

The Commonwealth?s ability to adequately fund needed services is continually challenged?

? Pennsylvania has the among the highest percentage of residents over the age of 85 in the nation.

? Pennsylvania ranks 47th nationally in equitable school funding.

? Federal funds to Pennsylvania have dropped a billion dollars since 2002.

Is it possible to create a tax system that raises funds equitably, and adequately supports necessary services to low and moderate- income families, the elderly and the disabled?

Please join the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, PA Council of Churches, Good Schools Pennsylvania, the Keystone Research Center, the Interfaith Alliance of Pennsylvania and others for a one day discussion of tax policy as a social justice issue. The event is designed for individuals in the faith community, and individuals and organizations wishing to learn more about state efforts to link faith and lay leaders in a common effort to support fair and adequate taxation.

University of Alabama law professor Susan Pace Hamill, who inspired that states? sweeping tax reform referendum, will be the featured speaker.

The event is scheduled for Friday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St. Camp Hill PA

You can register at http://www.pennbpc.org.

Please join us or share the invitation with a friend.