Pa. state tax on arts prompts outrage

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Officials with art and cultural groups in Philadelphia say they are angered by the state's decision to expand state sales taxes to their businesses.

Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance director Peggy Amsterdam said Pennsylvania officials' decision to apply the state sales tax to cultural performances and venues may prove detrimental to artistic and cultural sites statewide, the Philadelphia Inquirer said Sunday.

"Not only will it hit the arts organizations, but it will make it harder for people to pay," Amsterdam said of the new tax burden for such venues,

"It would affect not only the orchestra but every single organization in this town," said Hal Sorgenti, the Philadelphia Orchestra's immediate past board chairman.

The expansion of the state sales tax to performing-arts and other cultural venues is intended to help the state raise nearly $100 million, the Inquirer said.

Gary Tuma, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell's spokesman, would not offer specifics regarding the state's budget plan confirmed Friday.

Tuma told the Inquirer "we cannot do a budget without pain," adding, "and there is widespread pain in this budget."