The 49 Tourism Promotion Agencies representing all 67 counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have an incredible informational piece that outlines how vital tourism is to Pennsylvania's bottom line. I'm reciting some facts just in case you don't have time to open the link!
"Did you know that Tourism ranks as the second largest industry in Pennsylvania! How about, that our state is the 4th most visited state in the country! In 2007, visitors generated a total of $2.8 billion in state and municipal tax revenues (a little more than 10% of the total General Fund Expenditures in 2007-08).
Due to the major tax revenues generated by tourism industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, each one of our 4.9 million households benefits with $575 in tax savings. Put another way, if not for tourism industry, each household would have to pay $575 in additional taxes to maintain the current level of state services."
In deed, we as REALTORS focusing our business on Hidden Valley, Seven Springs, and the immediate area in the Laurel Highlands are extremely biased in our support for the tourism industry. "We urge Gov. Rendell and our legislators to maintain FY 2009-10 Tourism Promotion Assistance funding at $8 million - funding that has already been contracted and awarded.
Without this support of a key state industry, the second round of cuts included in the Governor's FY 2009-10 budget revisions would leave PA's total tourism promotion expenditures at 65% below FY 2008-09."
Here is the link that shares how YOUR VOICE can make a difference! Through a call, letter, or e-mail YOU can help to keep tourism a viable factor in our economy!
PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY!
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