Web Site Launch Press Release (March 17, 2004)

Philadelphia Forward Launches Web Site;
Creates New Resource for

Tax Reform Education and Promotion

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia Forward today announced the launch of its new web site — www.philadelphiaforward.org.  The site will exist to educate about and promote tax reform in Philadelphia, as well as serve as the virtual home of Philadelphia Forward.

"With this resource, we will be able to expand the reach of our message that taxes hold Philadelphia back, but tax reform can move Philadelphia forward," said Philadelphia Forward Executive Director Brett Mandel.  "Everyone from citizens to employers to elected officials will have a single site to visit to learn why tax reform is critical for Philadelphia and what is happening to promote tax reform measures."

One signature feature of the site is a counter tracking how much the City of Philadelphia is losing in terms of new wages from foregone jobs each minute that passes without tax reform.  Based on research performed for the Tax Reform Commission, the counter shows that Philadelphia loses about $10 each second in wages from foregone jobs that would have been created pursuant to the adoption of the Commission’s tax reform recommendations.  Since January 1, 2004, that cost in wages to the City of Philadelphia is approximately $70 million.

The web site offers visitors basic information about the need for tax reform, the work of the Tax Reform Commission, and the push for tax reform.  It also offers "myths and realities about tax reform" and the "top ten reasons for tax reform" as resources for visitors who are more informed about the arguments surrounding tax reform in Philadelphia.  In addition, the web site tracks the significant groups and officials who have endorsed the tax reform blueprint of the Tax Reform Commission.