SLOT MACHINES & TAX RELIEF--IT JUST WON'T MIX!!

From the beginning of the debate on casino-style gambling in Pennsylvania, "Fast Eddie" Rendell declared that the revenues from the slot machines would be used to provide property tax relief for the citizens of the Commonwealth. Well in case no one has noticed, 2005 is rapidly coming to a close. The slot machines are on the horizon, but there is NO tax relief in sight. I'm just wondering of course, but maybe it's because the two are like oil and vinegar--they just don't mix!

The citizens/taxpayers of Pennsylvania deserve true and fair tax relief, however relying on the unpredictable performance of the slot machines is not the way to do the job.

Speaking solely for myself, I would support a total elimination of the School Property Tax, and an expansion of the State Sales Tax. This in my estimation would seem to be the most equitable of the proposals that are currently on the table.