Pennsylvania Taxpayers Stuck With $4.2 Million Parking Tab for State Employees

Harrisburg Patriot-News ^ | August 07, 2013 | Jim Panyard

[george76]

Like many northeastern cities, Harrisburg has a severe parking problem — unless you are one of about 3,200 state employees whose parking costs are picked up by state taxpayers.

The little-known benefit was picked up by the Harrisburg Patriot-News in an article concerning the capital city’s manifest financial woes and its attempt to get out of state receivership.

The Department of General Services rents 3,200 parking spaces at garages near the Capitol Building for some state employees. There are also 885 parking spots on two levels under the East Wing of the Capitol that are free to 253 state lawmakers, various cabinet officials, gubernatorial staff, and other dignitaries or friends of dignitaries.

The misnomer that parking under the Capitol is “free” was dispelled in a June 2011 editorial by Brooks Mountcastle, a failed candidate for the House of Representatives, pointing out taxpayers paid for the construction of the facility and continue to pay for security and maintenance.

[TurboZamboni]

It’s good to be king...or a member of AFSCME.

[Red in Blue PA]

Dock their paychecks. What is the effing issue?

[USMA '71]

I am no expert, but I believe that Federal Income Tax Law would consider this “imputed income” that would be taxable. I wonder how many of the state elites have been dodging the tax bill associated with such benefits??

[SC_Pete]

Public employee unions should be outlawed.

[brityank]

There are also 885 parking spots on two levels under the East Wing of the Capitol that are free to 253 state lawmakers, various cabinet officials, gubernatorial staff, and other dignitaries or friends of dignitaries.

Ping.

Also, see #4 for an interesting point! :^)

[Busko]

If they are docked they will just raise their per deim to give the m more slush money. Time for new blood to take over.

[Intolerant in NJ]

Wait ‘til they get the new tab for the Philly school system, which today threatened not to open as scheduled next week unless they’re given $50 million from somewhere in addition to the $42 million the state has already said it will kick in - and we all know what “somewhere” means when it comes to Philly needing more money.....

[bamahead]

Libertarian ping! Click here to get added or here to be removed or post a message here!
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[Vendome]

Whatever.

I use to park under the capital and never paid for parking...