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Philadelphia Forward, a group that is advocating for the adoption of Philadelphia Tax Reform Commission recommendations, has launched an all-out effort to push reforms designed to make the city more competitive.
"We've been talking to citizens groups, business groups and politicians. We are going to keep spreading that message," said Brett Mandel, executive director of Philadelphia Forward, which was formed to educate and promote tax reform.
Mandel, who was a member of the now-disbanded commission, said the group was trying to secure meetings with Mayor John F. Street and City Council members.
"The mayor has touched upon some of the unfairness [in the tax structure], but he hasn't done enough to dramatically reduce the burden on businesses and residents and he hasn't done enough to dramatically change our tax structure," said Mandel of Street's proposed $3.4 billion budget. The budget adopts only some of the recommendations of the Tax Reform Commission.
The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, which has been meeting weekly with Philadelphia Forward, agreed. It is not, however, taking the same "all-or-nothing approach" in trying to get additional tax reforms on the budget.
"Our position will be somewhere in the middle," said Joe Mahoney, executive vice president of the chamber. "I think we have to understand that there are forces,...