Pocono News Section

State Budget Agreement Could Impact Your Entertainment Budget

State Budget Agreement Could Impact Your Entertainment Budget - Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 4:40PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Tuesday, Sep 22, 2009 @ 04:40pm EDT
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - A night out at the local playhouse, ballet or opera could soon cost you more. The state budget agreement includes a six percent sales tax on cultural events. Rich Berkowitz is the CEO of the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg. He said, "I think with most people I would agree that another tax is not a good tax."

The tax wold cost show goers an extra six cents for every dollar they spend. Berkowitz said, "Every dollar you raise it -- is another dollar - that could be the dollar that keeps people out "

Some people worry a drop in business at the theater could lead to a drop in business throughout the community. Frank Brown owns a hotel, restaurant and bar in Stroudsburg. He said, "It could very well affect a little bit of everybody."

He told Eyewitness News if people skip the theater they might also pass by his business. He explained, "They're not gonna come into the restaurant perhaps prior to to have a burger or a beer - or afterwards stop in for a light after theater snack."

He and Berkowitz agree, the government needs to find another way to pay for projects and programs. Berkowitz said, "I think that every now and again just like we do in our own homes we say you know what this year we have to cut back."

They hope government spending doesn't force the curtain to close on regional theaters.

Just because the tax is listed in the budget agreement doesn't mean it will be imposed. Lawmakers have to vote on each proposal in the budget separately. Some local lawmakers say they will not support the arts tax. If it does not pass lawmakers will have to rework their budget plans.