Numbers in the news
Numbers

7

Pennsylvania's sales tax could rise to 7% if the legislature approves Gov. Ed Rendell's proposal. If it's passed, about $420 million would be used to cut real estate taxes for homeowners.

The governor is pushing hard to raise the sales tax, which is currently 6%, and points out that Pennsylvania's levy is more modest than most, since groceries, clothing and medicine are all exempt.

2

State Assemblyman Martin Causer has been named minority chairman of two House submcommittees: on Parks and Forests, and on Programs and Benefits for Older Adults. Causer is serving his third twoyear term representing the 67th District, made up of Cameron, Numbers in the Potter and McKean counties.

100

Health care spending - the cost of prescription drugs, hospital care and other health services -- is expected to increase by 100 percent over the next decade. Twenty cents of every dollar spent in the U.S. will go toward health care.

State and federal governments pay about 45% of health care cost. The government share will be likely be 50% by 2016. Average government expense for health care per U.S. citizen is $6,102, the highest figure in the world. Canada, even with its national health insurance, is second at $3,165.

5.6 M

Time Warner decided it was not economical to keep 550 jobs in Coudersport. Interestingly, the company decided it was economical to pay its CEO, Glenn Britt, a $5.6 million bonus in 2006.

That was over and above his $1 million salary, as well as another $1.5 million in stock and stock options.

Time Warner leaders also saw sound economics in tacking on another $2.1 million to Chief Operating Officer Landel Hobbs' salary of $762,500, along with stock and options news worth another $900,000.

Chief Financial Officer John Martin, whose salary was $650,000, with stock and options valued at $680,000 last year, also got a little something to tide him over: a $1.2 million bonus.

34

Pennsylvania receives 34% of its annual revenue from the 6% sales tax. That's second only to the personal income tax of 3.07%, which generates 37% of the state's income.

Class of '71 scholarship

The Cameron County High School Class of 1971 is offering a one-time college scholarship to a graduating senior for the class of 2007.

"Our scholarship is a memorial to deceased members of the Class of 1971," said spokesperson Michele Emmett. "It will be presented during the 2007 Alumni Banquet in memory of Lori Alexander, Ted Barnhart, Lucille Bierly, Mark Campbell, Deb Constanzo, Bonnie Foley and Ray Wolfanger."

Applications are available from Pat Lewis at the high school guidance office.