"Two local legislators sponsoring a proposal that would give counties the option of imposing a 1 percent sales tax think it will become law.

The question is when.

State Reps. Dante Santoni Jr. and Thomas R. Caltagirone, both Reading Democrats, said counties and municipalities need a way to reduce local property taxes.

"I'm hoping we can incorporate this bill to run along with the budget," Santoni said. "But things are changing right now and are pretty fluid."

Caltagirone said he plans to introduce a new version of the proposal soon because without it, municipalities would have to cut essential services such as police protection and road repairs.

"We need to throw a life preserver to the locals," he said. "This recession is going to continue to wreak havoc on our communities. Common sense has to prevail."  For the complete Reading Eagle article, please click here.