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For Immediate
Release
2/11/08
Contact:
Tom Hower
(717) 787-6063
Committee Approves Tourist
Industry Relief Bill
Senator
Regola’s measure would aid amusement, water parks
The Senate Finance Committee today approved Senate Bill
1012, a measure introduced by Senator Bob Regola (R-39) that
would exempt Pennsylvania’s amusement and water parks from
the local amusement tax.
“This is an important bill for these important tourist
attractions and recreational facilities. Many of our parks
are being over-taxed without seeing any tangible benefits,”
said Senator Regola. “From Kennywood to Conneaut Lake Park
-- which was shut down last season -- parks are facing
hardship and need relief now.”
Pennsylvania has 18 amusement and water parks that act as
a tourist draw and economic stimulant for the Commonwealth.
Parks currently pay their fair share of local taxes,
including property taxes, water/sewage, parking, mechanical
device taxes (arcade machines), mercantile (food and
merchandise) taxes, occupational taxes, and sales taxes in
certain counties.
“Unfortunately, many municipalities are taking advantage
of the amusement tax by over-taxing parks rather than
spreading the tax evenly to all events in the municipality,”
said Senator Regola. “This is unfair and needs to be
addressed. When our parks are overburdened with unnecessary
taxes, costs ultimately get passed onto the consumer with
higher ticket prices. By reducing this tax, parks will be
able to keep ticket prices reasonable, and the parks will
remain viable.”
“Kennywood is grateful that Senator Regola is correcting
this unfairly levied and applied tax,” said Andy Quinn,
Director of Community Relations for Kennywood and Chairman
of the Government Relations Committee for the Pennsylvania
Amusement Parks Association. “Kennywood and all of the
parks across the Commonwealth deserve a level playing field
with other entertainment options so we can continue to drive
tourism and create jobs.”
Additional Information:
Tax Relief
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