Pennsylvania dismisses tax proposals

Pennsylvania legislators decided to approve a no-new-taxes borrowing package to boost the economy.

US.- Pennsylvania legislators decided on Wednesday morning not to establish new taxes for the gaming industry. The government was evaluating several reforms to boost the economy, but this week, state officials approved a no-new-taxes borrowing package, as reported by local newspapers.

The new package will take money from “off-budget programs, including accounts for mass transit, environmental protection and economic development,” according to an official statement. The measure was set to plug Pennsylvania’s  US$2.2 billion budget gap, which was presented two months ago.

“We can either tax our constituents, or we can use the money we already have,” one supporter, Rep. Paul Schemel, R-Franklin, told colleagues during Wednesday night’s debate. This fiscal year’s budget generated great controversy due to the necessity of expanding the gaming industry in order for it to be achievable. State legislators would now discuss the approval of several gaming projects to reach the US$700 million the local market needs to end the cash shortfall.

Among gaming proposals, Pennsylvania could expand its industry with satellite casinos – which would be operated by current licensed operators, as well as daily fantasy sports and online gaming platforms. Furthermore, the state could also grant gaming licenses to hotel, bar, restaurant, truck stop and fraternal club operators. iGaming services would also be available at international airports, whilst new land-based casinos could be constructed.