Exploiting the Poor to Reduce Taxes

I recently received my taxpayer funded propaganda from our state representative, Bill DeWeese. The opening piece states:

“Homeowners across Pennsylvania will see property tax cuts this year, which are made possible by proceeds from the state’s successful gaming industry, a proposal that was shepherded though the legislature by Rep. Bill DeWeese”.

This sentence, alone, gives the 50th District three reasons why DeWeese should no longer have his stronghold over all of Pennsylvania.

One. We will not see property tax cuts this year. I also recently received my real estate tax notice from the borough of Brownsville. It’s not there.

Two. I wish I could feel good about getting tax relief funded from the poor and elderly who are gambling away their dollars that will fund the (alleged) $1 billion in tax relief. That $1 billion is just a fraction of what Pennsylvanian’s have to lose in front of the slot machine. Anyone with an ounce of compassion should find this repulsive.

Three. Someone, somewhere must understand that gambling expansion doesn’t come with an associated cost for infrastructure, increased crime, bankruptcy, social programs, more administration and a host of other costs. The cost of legalized gambling in PA will likely exceed $500 million. Anyone with an ounce of common sense should find gambling funded tax relief ludicrous.

So, I’m committing to donate all tax relief to any candidate or organization who will actively seek to oppose and repeal legalized gambling in PA. I hope you will do the same.