1936, a devastating flood hit Johnstown, Pennsylvania. To help fund the city’s recovery, state lawmakers passed what was intended to be a temporary 10% tax on wine and spirits. The flood was real, the damage was severe, and the recovery effort was completed. But nearly 90 years later, Pennsylvanians are still paying that tax, and it has grown to a staggering 18%.

Today, that tax no longer supports flood relief. Instead, it quietly funnels nearly $500 million a year into the state’s general fund. It is included in the retail shelf price at Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor stores, so most people do not even know they are paying it.

It is time to end this outdated, misleading, and unfair tax.

We are calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Josh Shapiro to:

• Fully repeal the 18% “Johnstown Flood Tax” on alcohol sales
• Stop labeling it as temporary when it has become permanent
• Replace this regressive tax with a fairer, transparent revenue strategy if needed

Pennsylvania consumers already pay some of the highest alcohol taxes in the country. This particular tax was tied to a specific event that ended generations ago. If lawmakers believe the revenue is essential, they should be honest with the public and build a permanent, transparent policy through proper legislation, not hide behind a disaster from 1936.

Temporary should mean temporary. Taxes passed under emergency conditions should not quietly become permanent burdens without public consent.

Sign this petition if you believe Pennsylvania should finally repeal the 1936 flood tax and stop using outdated emergencies to justify ongoing taxation.