Rendell Keeps Threat to Cut City's Tax Relief From Gaming

by KYW's Tony Romeo

A spokesman says Pa. Governor Rendell is not ready to back off his threat to sign legislation that would cut off Philadelphia’s share of tax relief from gaming revenues until the city’s casinos are up and running. 

In the weeks since Governor Rendell – citing frustration over Philadelphia’s casinos failure to launch – first suggested he’d strongly consider signing legislation, if it were sent to him, that would cut off Philadelphia’s share of tax relief from gaming funds, there has been progress on the casino projects. But Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo says while the governor is encouraged by the progress, for now, his position is unchanged:

(Ardo): “I think he is willing to soften that depending on how much progress is made.”

(Romeo): “But for the moment?”

(Ardo): “For the moment, he is standing by his comments.”

But Ardo says the governor is not keen on legislation that would cut off gaming funds for the Convention Center expansion until Philadelphia’s casinos are up and running. A bill that would do that is scheduled to be considered by a Senate committee a week from Monday.