(Editor’s note: The following is the third part in a series offering Daily Herald readers a closer look at Republican State Representative Jerry Stern.)
When it comes to the subject of the expansion of gambling in Pennsylvania, there is no question where Republican State Representative Jerry Stern stands on the issue.
The 80th district legislator is opposed to legalized slot machines in the Keystone State.
“More than ninety five percent of my constituents are opposed to additional gambling,” said Stern at his Tipton office, where The Daily Herald conducted an interview with the veteran representative forming the basis of this continuing series.
“I’ve heard from church groups, received letters and petitions opposing it,” said Stern as he indicated less than a handful of letters supported expanded gambling.
“There’s a collusion in this whole gambling mess, there are millions of dollars at stake. Certain corporations and people stand to profit substantially. The public does not understand, this thing is scary,” Stern admonished in describing just how strongly he feels about the issue.
For example, Stern claimed Penn National Racing recently opposed expanded gambling in Colorado. A referendum on the issue went down to defeat in the November election this year. Stern claims Penn National spent over one and a half million dollars in advertising to oppose the expansion in Colorado because it did not benefit them in that state.
Conversely, Stern claims Penn National supports the gambling initiative here in Pennsylvania. The proposed legislation would bring slots to horse tracks in the state. Some proponents believe slots will save the racing industry in the commonwealth.
“You don’t raise 43 million dollars running for governor and not owe people,” Stern told The Daily Herald when asked about Governor Ed Rendell’s role in supporting increased gambling in Pennsylvania.
Different versions of slot-based gambling bills have been supported by the two chambers of the legislature since being introduced earlier this year. But as of now, the house and senate have not ironed out their differences and have not been able to present a final version for the governor to sign into law.
Representative Stern also discussed a number of inter-related issues the legislature is dealing with in their latest sessions. These include property tax relief as well as a possible reduction in the state sales tax.
The proposed reduction would take the sales tax from six to four percent. In return, items that for many decades have not been subject to sales taxes would now be included. Stern mentioned items such as cloth and food.
“I’ve received positive feedback from many people who support the idea,” he said.
He said it would allow the property tax to be eliminated altogether. Stern believes if property taxes are merely reduced, it will only be a matter of time before they creep back up again.
“When you look at the onerous taxes forcing people from their homes or putting them in a position of deciding whether to pay a tax bill or buy groceries, I think you have to get rid of school property taxes entirely,” said Stern.
“They’ve promised so many people, the Penguins, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and even deals with gambling supporters,” Stern told The Daily Herald in explaining how the gambling initiative has moved away from one its original purposes, a vehicle to reduce or eliminate property taxes.
Stern summed up the situation by saying those who’ve supported the various changes in the gambling initiative no longer have enough money in the legislation to take care of all of the interest groups, let alone deal with the property tax issue.
