PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 23, 2012 — State Sen. Mike Stack today said that the City of Philadelphia’s new policy to charge youth organizations for use of public schools after 7 p.m. and on weekends hurts working families that already pay taxes to support the schools.
In a letter sent today to Mayor Michael Nutter, Stack said he was disappointed that this policy would harm taxpayers that are already paying their fair share to operate school district and city facilities.
“These fees will impact youth organizations across the board in Philadelphia,” said Stack (D-Phila.). “Most if not all of these parents already pay wage taxes, property taxes and other fees to support the school district. An increase to the usage fees could severely impact many vital after school and weekend athletic activities.”
In the senator’s Northeast Philadelphia district, the Somerton Youth Organization (SYO) uses Washington High School, Comly Elementary School and Loesche Elementary School for after school athletic programs and would face up to $20,000 annually in fees. The Bustleton Bengals organization would face a $15,000 bill for the use of school district facilities.
“These policies will hurt kids, parents, youth athletic organizations and checkbooks,” Stack said. “It asks way too much from parents and groups that are already contributing significantly to our communities.”
A copy of the letter that Stack sent to the mayor is available here.
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