One of the very first persons I thought of after hearing the proposed Pennsylvania budget deal was Steve Barrar.
The longtime pol from Upper Chi is the state rep from the 160th District. Much of his turf snakes along the Pennsylvania-Delaware border.
I'm guessing Barrar is not a big fan of the budget deal announced by Gov. Tom Wolf and Republicans in the Legislature. And yes, that means Barrar is probably not exactly thrilled with the leaders of his own party.
That's because the bulk of the new revenue for this budget deal is going to come directly out of taxpayers' pockets. The deal calls for an increase in the state sales tax, from the current 6 percent to 7.25 percent, an increase of about 21 percent.
Barrar is not a fan of hiking taxes in general, but he's especially wary of increases in the sales tax.
That's because of many of his constituents - and business owners - are located a stone's throw from Delaware.
You know, the place that proudly proclaims itself the home of tax-free shopping.
Folks down in the lower end of the county are not exactly shy about their shopping habits, including making trips to the many "super store" wine and spirits outlets located just across the border, minutes from their front door.
A quick glance at the license plates in those parking lots shows a flood of Pennsylvania cars.
Business leaders today are sounding the alarm about the plan to hike the sales tax, and they are especially worried about border sites like the lower end of Delaware County.
We're going to visit the area today to gauge the pulse of shoppers and business owners.
We'll also try to talk to Rep. Barrar. My guess is he'll be more than willing to tell us exactly how he feels about a hike in the sales tax.
Comments
But he is right about the sales tax increase although many in the GOP support it to reduce property tax