Lawmakers Meet to Discuss Cigarette Tax, Little Progress Reported

Governor Corbett was in Harrisburg Monday to discuss a $2 cigarette tax to help fund Philadelphia schools, however, reports indicate no progress was made.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that little progress was made during a two-hour meeting between the governor and legislative leaders regarding the tax. The funding crises threatens to delay the opening of Philadelphia schools next month, officials have said.

The Inquirer reports that the House Speaker said he has no plans to call the chamber back into session to pass a bill allowing the cigarette tax.

In July, the state senate made changes to the cigarette tax bill that would put a five-year limit on the $2 per pack tax. House leaders said it would be difficult to get the votes to pass the bill with the changes.

The tax was expected to generate $80 million in its first year and avoid layoffs, according to reports.

Superintendent William R. Hite has said the failure to pass the bill puts city schools in a state of uncertainty.

Governor Corbett supports the cigarette tax and continues to urge lawmakers to pass the bill.

“For more than a year I have been a champion for legislation that produces ongoing revenue to help address the financial difficulties of the District. My commitment to working with the legislature to make that a reality has not wavered,” Corbett said in a statement.