ABC27 WHTM Another Pa. lawmaker trying to block Harrisburg commuter tax

Another Pa. lawmaker trying to block Harrisburg commuter tax

Could a commuter tax literally drive jobs out of Harrisburg? Some people think so. In fact, another state lawmaker is now trying to block city leaders from approving the new tax.

Rep. Ron Marsico, (R) Dauphin County, believes a commuter tax would be devastating to midstate residents. They could be forced to pay hundreds of dollars more a year just because they work in the city. Some on city council said commuters should be paying their fair share.

"We're not trying to put any burden on the suburbanites," Harrisburg City Councilwoman Wanda Williams said. "It's just that they're utilize our services in the City of Harrisburg."

Williams has been calling for a commuter tax for years. It may sound good to people who live in the city. Not so fast, said Harrisburg Regional Chamber President Dave Black.

"If I'm playing to my constituents in the city, we're going to tax those commuters. Great sale, but what they're not saying is, oh, by the way, city residents, we're going to increase your tax rate at least 4 times," Black said.

That's the rule. Increase income taxes on non-residents, and you've got to do the same for people in the city. Here's the other rule-- a county judge has to approve it.

Plus, there's Marsicio's bill, which prevents cities the size of Harrisburg from collecting one. The legislation has been in committee for months, and Marsico said he's going to keep pushing for it to pass, given recent talk of a commuter tax to help solve the city's debt crisis.

"It's unfair because they're tying our hands," Williams said. "It's like they're shackling us. If you don't do what we want you to do, there's no other option. It's not fair. We're elected officials as well as they are. We should be able to do what ever is needed to get the right revenues in here."

If there is a commuter tax, there's concern they might look for jobs elsewhere.

"That's a clear possibility, that it's cheaper for me to work in Susquehanna Township. It's cheaper for me to work in Hampden Township. Sure, that makes a difference," Black said.

More than a dozen other Pennsylvania municipalities were allowed to levy a commuter tax, so why not Harrisburg?

"It's about making sure everyone's sharing the pain once again," Harrisburg City Councilwoman Susan Brown-Wilson said.

Commuters do enjoy police and fire protection and place added strain on the city's infrastructure.

Black said that argument doesn't hold up, because employers are paying for water, sewer and other services used by their employees. Plus, commuters already pay to park in the city and they pay $52 a year in local services tax.

Marsico was not available to speak with abc27 News about his legislation.