Tax Reform Challenge Press Release (May 3, 2004)

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia Forward today announced the launch of its new web-based game “Tax Reform Challenge” — found on its website www.philadelphiaforward.org.  Players can enjoy some light-hearted democracy in action as they try to convince the city’s elected officials to vote for tax reform.   

"Tax reform is about Philadelphia retaining and attracting jobs and neighbors," said Philadelphia Forward Executive Director Brett Mandel.  "The Tax Reform Challenge mirrors what concerned citizens have been doing for months – urging City Council members to vote for the Tax Reform Commission’s recommendations. This is a fantastic tool to help us spread the word."

Once the game is won, players can click to send a real message to the city’s elected officials about the need for tax reform or tell a friend to get involved in this effort.  To date, approximately 10,000 messages have descended upon City Hall in the form of faxes, emails, postcards, and letters.  It is clear that city leaders have gotten the message.  Some elected officials have even begged for mercy, requesting that the flood of letters cease in exchange for a commitment to vote for tax reform. 

Philadelphia Forward’s website includes a counter tracking how much 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 $110 million.