Veterans organizations, volunteer fire companies and EMS providers are the backbone of communities throughout the Commonwealth. These groups offer more than gathering spaces; they provide critical services, support networks and programs that protect and strengthen our neighborhoods. For many residents, these organizations are a vital lifeline.
For nearly a decade, skill games have helped these groups generate important revenue. These funds support building maintenance, community outreach, training, equipment purchases and essential services that many rely on.
I support clear and equitable regulation of skill games. However, such regulations must not undermine the financial stability of the indispensable community institutions that depend on funding from these games.
Senate Bill 756 proposes a tax with an effective rate of more than 40%, along with strict rules that would leave little to no revenue for many veterans groups, volunteer fire companies, EMS providers and nonprofits. This could result in cuts to services, layoffs or even the permanent closure of organizations that have long served as community pillars.
These groups do not seek profit. Their mission is to serve and protect their communities. Overregulating and overtaxing skill games to the point these groups cannot survive would be a grave disservice to those they support.
We must find a balanced approach that brings transparency and fairness to skill games without taxing them out of existence. Lawmakers should prioritize policies that protect these vital institutions, honor the sacrifices of veterans and first responders, and preserve programs that benefit thousands of Pennsylvanians.
As the Legislature debates this important issue, I urge my colleagues to carefully consider the real impact their decisions will have on veterans, volunteer fire companies, EMS providers and the communities they serve. We owe it to those who dedicate their lives to protecting others to get this right.
State Rep. JoAnne Stehr represents the 107th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
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