Issue #004 Pottstown School Board Deliberates Over Tax Relief Methods

Pottstown YWCA Seeks Nominations for 'Exceptional Women' and Invites Sponsors for Celebratory Brunch

Author

Drew Griffin
20 May

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Pottstown School Board Deliberates Over Tax Relief Methods

"Each Approach Carries its Own Challenges"

The Pottstown School Board has approved a $79.9 million budget without a tax increase for the fourth consecutive year, in a decision split 5-4. However, the main controversy revolves around the method of delivering $740,000 in tax relief from the surplus fund balance. Initially, the board considered boosting the Pennsylvania Homestead exemption program, which would benefit homeowners but exclude renters. This proposal sparked a debate on racial implications, given the historical discrimination in homeownership.

An alternative suggestion was to lower the millage for all property owners, but this raised concerns of benefiting absentee landlords and commercial property owners. Moreover, it would lead to a revenue deficit in the next year's budget. Another option was to decrease the earned income tax, which would benefit wage earners but not seniors on fixed incomes.

The board is considering the Homestead tax break as the primary tax relief method, despite its potential to disproportionately benefit homeowners. The final decision will be made at a meeting on June 15. The debate has underscored the need for a more equitable tax relief system, given the historical and systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities, particularly in homeownership.

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Pottstown YWCA Seeks Nominations for 'Exceptional Women' and Invites Sponsors for Celebratory Brunch

This year, the organization has removed award categories to celebrate nominees' achievements without restrictions

The YWCA Tri-County Area is now accepting nominations for its 27th Annual Tribute to Exceptional Women & Girls until May 31. This year, the organization has removed award categories to celebrate nominees' achievements without restrictions. Ten honorees will receive the Persimmon Paragon Award, aligning with YW's mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting justice, peace, and freedom. The celebratory brunch will be held on June 15 at the Valley Forge Casino and Resort in King of Prussia. The event features Nicole McGruder as emcee and keynote speaker Kim Brazwell. Attendees can expect discussions, awards, music, raffles, food, and drinks. The proceeds from the event will support YWCA's mission.

Business

Apple Lists 28 New AI Job Openings in May, Anticipates Generative AI to Revolutionize the iPhone


Apple, despite restricting the use of tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT, is actively pursuing its own generative AI initiatives.

In just three weeks of May, the company added 28 new AI-focused roles, indicative of a substantial interest in the field. CEO Tim Cook expressed enthusiasm around AI, saying Apple considers it "huge" and will continue investing in it. Consistent with this, 9to5Mac reported that Apple is testing new natural language-generating features for Siri. The company has emphasized the transformative potential of generative AI for its mobile computing platforms, particularly the iPhone and iPad. While maintaining its proactive stance towards AI, Apple remains concerned about potential security and privacy issues from third-party tools. Concurrently, OpenAI launched a ChatGPT app for iPhone, featuring Whisper support.


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