Six editors met with legislative leaders Tuesday, Oct. 21 in the third Capitol Editorial Briefing sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society of Newspaper Editors and the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

This briefing was timed perfectly, coming on the heels of major legislative activity: the passage of a $1.1 billion tax-and-spending package with a 16 percent increase in the state’s personal income tax, the first increase in 12 years. Passed by a vote of 104-95 that came in the early morning hours of Oct. 21, the budget bill provided the Senate leaders plenty to talk about in our briefing.

Both Senate Democrats and Republicans found faults in the House’s budget bill and the budget process. Senate Democrats questioned how money was allocated in the bill, citing examples of services whose funding was cut and examples of appropriations of “luxury.” Senate Republicans said spending cuts are needed if the bill is to receive their support. 

For editors, it was a time to get to know a little more about the leaders of each party in the General Assembly, their priorities and goals. Capitol briefings provide an opportunity to hear the leaders’ own “spin” directly from the source, as well as a chance to concentrate on issues important to their readers and gain a different insight or viewpoint than the perspective of the reporting of legislative correspondents.

Meeting with House Majority Leader Sam Smith, the editors were briefed on a proposal that could impact the newspaper industry. Smith (R-Armstrong) discussed the concept of implementing a 4 percent sales tax on all goods and services in order to eliminate Pennsylvania’s property tax. This type of tax shifting is of interest to PNA, because it would result in a tax on newspapers and advertising. To date, only a handful of House and Senate members support this proposal. Many members recognize the significant downside to this type of shift including the long list of exemptions that would inevitably be carved out and the negative impact it would have on Pennsylvania’s retailers and outlets.

Check each week’s Headlines & Deadlines for information on the next editorial briefing sponsored by the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association and the Pennsylvania Society of Newspaper Editors.