Legislation soon to be introduced in the state House of Representatives would require expanded gaming revenue to be deposited exclusively into the Property Tax Relief and Motor License funds.
Under the bill, the Department of Revenue would deposit annually half of the revenue collected under expanded gaming into the Property Tax Relief Fund and half into the Motor License Fund.
Since 2013, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) fees have increased 14.4 percent, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike has increased the toll rate for E-ZPass by 80.2 percent and toll-by-plate by 187 percent.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is $14.07 billion in debt, tolls are scheduled to increase annually through 2050, the average age for bridges is 50 years old, and the state has the third highest money spent by tractor trailer and truck drivers in the United States.
“Placing an increased tax burden upon the motorists and truckers who live and travel throughout the Commonwealth is irresponsible and unjust, especially when considering the rapid rise of fees and tolls that is ubiquitous across Pennsylvania,” state Rep. Kerry A. Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) said in a memorandum to house members. “Expanded gaming revenue would provide a sorely needed boost the capabilities of PennDOT and would go a long way in improving the infrastructure in Pennsylvania, while improving safety and preventing unnecessary disasters.”