State College, PA (WJAC) — State College is among municipalities statewide where more money could be poured into the local budget through pouring drinks.

In the borough's recent budget review for the new year, there was a mention of working with state lawmakers to approve a new drink tax.

“The bottom line is, it’s not a state tax. This is the ability for a local municipality to make the right decisions for themselves.”

State Representative Paul Takac stresses that the drink tax idea is in the early stages, and it wouldn’t be for just State College.

“We have a limited permanent tax base for our earned income tax. It is hard for that base to grow very much because we’re landlocked. So, we need other ways to raise money.”

Several years ago, a similar idea of a drink tax was considered here. Among the strongest opposition was the restaurant and tavern association.

“I am in support of this without burdening the bars. We don’t want to burden what is one of the highest industries in town.”

Like many municipalities, the borough continues to deal with increasing costs. Among them is policing, and nearly 70 percent of State College police calls are alcohol related.

“We are not the only municipality in the state that might benefit from this. I believe we're a key example of the kind of municipality it would help. So, I don’t see this as an additional burden. I see it as local taxpayer relief.”

When the drink tax was previously considered here, it was estimated it would raise at least three million dollars in revenue.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfqMGiwMRmmqiknJq0pnnCqKWsoZSav6q6xmabq6GeoHq1rddmq6hlmaOws7HArJxmpJ%2BYrq15wa6boJ2k