tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30020334.post8886009305961268506..comments2023-10-24T11:19:37.236-04:00Comments on Cognitive dissonance in Pittsburgh and beyond: How much in tax savings?EdHeathhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09109361235271107574noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30020334.post-74289597298960732072007-12-22T21:11:00.000-05:002007-12-22T21:11:00.000-05:00Well, Char, the dynamic of why address taxes on no...Well, Char, the dynamic of why address taxes on non-profits right now is a fascinating issue. Does UPMC boldly asking for this tax credit mean that they knew something the rest of us didn’t or that they just wanted to make sure to head something off that has been tossed around for some years? Did UPMC think that distressed cities might get additional taxing power temporarily to address long term problems like the under-funded pension funds or the city’ debt? Do they have an “in” at the state legislature? Of course, the irony is that UPMC’s action might force the legislature to take some action. Then all those questions about whether other non-profits could contribute to the Pittsburgh Promise to avoid paying taxes would also need to be addressed. <BR/><BR/>Would that be the worst thing, if a bunch of non-profits kicked millions of dollars in the Pittsburgh Promise to avoid some taxes, and Pittsburgh ended up with a huge scholarship fund for the ages? People would say, <BR/>”Isn’t that Jeffrey Romoff a nice guy?”.EdHeathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09109361235271107574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30020334.post-18230305584613353912007-12-21T23:32:00.000-05:002007-12-21T23:32:00.000-05:00“They took a small risk in trying to avoid some fu...“They took a small risk in trying to avoid some future taxes, and if they can get away with it, I think city council should let them.”<BR/><BR/>I disagree.<BR/><BR/>It’s not “some” future taxes they are trying to avoid. Its not just the $10M per year that they’re trying to exempt either. It’s ALL possible future taxes for a period of 10 years. Because they’re asking council to “promise” not to challenge their tax exempt status for 10 years.<BR/><BR/>Now some people say this is much to do about nothing because there’s no chance in hell the state will ever mess with Act 55. And normally I’d agree. But a giant like UPMC doesn’t normally waste their time either with legal jockeying over an issue that’s supposedly moot.<BR/><BR/>So actually, this entire “Midnight Pay Raise” stunt by Luke and UPMC gives me hope regarding the possibility of Act 55 reform.Charhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06725494226277483936noreply@blogger.com