Raising taxes on the table as Pa. weighs how to pay for education court ruling

[FakeNoose]

Spotlight PA link: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/02/pennsylvania-public-school-funding-lawsuit-tax-increase-legislature-budget-josh-shapiro/

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania likely needs billions of dollars to shore up its public schools following a landmark court ruling, but lawmakers are entering a new state budget cycle with few concrete proposals.

In the coming months, the General Assembly and Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro will debate the state’s next spending plan behind closed doors, and will ultimately be forced to put their ideas for finding revenue on the record. Shapiro will kick off those talks on Feb. 6, when he delivers his budget address. The deadline to deliver a completed spending plan is June 30.

The answer could involve sales or income tax increases, but Republicans say those pitches must come with concessions from Democrats, like property tax relief. Increasing taxes on liquor or gambling, or legalizing marijuana are attractive options, but so-called “sin taxes” have failed to produce lasting revenue in the past.

Still, many lawmakers from both major parties agree on at least one thing: More education funding is necessary.

- more at link -

This is not the time for the endless debate on vouchers for private and religious schools. This is about creating a new foundation for Pennsylvania's public schools after the Supreme Court ruled last year that the property tax system was unconstitutional because it discriminated against certain residents.

[Freddie]

1. Legalize recreational pot and tax it heavily

Step 1