Arts Supporters Hold Anti-Tax Rally

PHILADELPHIA - More than 150 people angry about a proposed tax on state arts and cultural venues held a protest in downtown Philadelphia.

The crowd carried signs and rallied Friday outside a hotel building where Gov. Ed Rendell has an office. They then marched down Broad Street, which is also called "Avenue of the Arts" for its numerous theaters.

Some lawmakers say the proposed tax is needed to help close a spending gap and end a 3-month-old budget stalemate.

State Sen. Larry Farnese was one of three state senators to join the protest. The Philadelphia Democrat denounced the proposed tax as a "backroom deal" and said he would oppose it.