Job Growth

It’s not by chance that Philadelphia is the poorest big city in America, with one of the highest unemployment rates. City policies push jobs and the businesses that create them away. “Philadelphia ranks among the worst U.S. cities to do business, with high taxes and burdensome regulations,” reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. Yet in recent years, the City has passed more regulations on businesses and delayed even the tiniest of tax reductions.

We support policies to create living-wage jobs that are accessible to all Philadelphians. These must include meaningful reductions to business and wage taxes, and the elimination of regulations that do more harm than good. This won’t be easy. Lost revenue in the short term will have to be offset by reduced spending or other types of taxes. Let’s hold businesses accountable for safe and equitable practices, but let’s not penalize them for wanting to serve customers and create jobs.

High unemployment leads to inequality, crime and suffering. Philadelphia needs a new strategy, focused on business and job creation.