Daily News Wage Tax Story Sparks Heated Council Debate

Our story in today's Daily News about animosity growing the state General Assembly toward a City Council push to consider raising the local wage tax just sparked about 20 minutes of sometimes heated debate in a Council budget hearing.  City Councilman Bill Green spent at least five minutes trying to nail down Rob Dubow, Mayor Nutter's finance director, on whether the administration has been lobbying the General Assembly against the wage tax idea.  Nutter favors raising the local sales and property taxes and stretching out payments in the city's pension plan.  He needs General Assembly approval for the sales tax and pension changes.

Green repeatedly asked Dubow if it would be "extremely irresponsible" for the administration to lobby for one tax over another in Harrisburg.  Dubow, who was frequently interrupted by Green, said that wasn't happening.

"I'm just saying if it's discovered that the administration is trying to wage this battle in Harrisburg, I think that would be extraordinarily irresponsible," Green said. "Let's not lobby for something that may not get through this body.  It's a waste of time any money."

Councilman Jim Kenney, who opposes raising the wage tax, read portions of the Daily News story that quoted legislative leaders who don't like the idea.  He said leaders of the legislative caucuses are not anti-Philadelphia but have many members who are.  "I just want to make sure that people understand, that the public and our members understand, there's only so much friendly leadership can do," Kenney warned. "The members of their caucuses won't stand for it.  And I think they're telling us that clearly up front."