St. Matthew started out as a tax collector

Gov. Ed Rendell signed a bill Wednesday that eliminates the need for 500 tax collectors in Pennsylvania.

Where is the public outcry over the loss of 500 jobs? Apparently nobody has much sympathy for tax collectors.

Under Senate Bill 1063, the number of people who collect earned income tax payments for school districts and municipalities would be reduced from 560 to 69.

"Today marks the culmination of a tremendous grassroots effort by the business community, local government and professional associations and, ultimately, the legislature," Rendell said after signing the measure.

The bill is designed to create standard reporting rules across the state and eventually save money.

According to the Pennsylvania Economy League, Pennsylvania's antiquated system of collecting taxes left some $237 million uncollected each year.

"The severe fragmentation and complexity also contributed to the perception that Pennsylvania is a difficult state in which to do business and it hindered our ability to attract and keep jobs," Rendell said. "The lack of standardization, coordination, reporting, and accountability among and between jurisdictions and collectors was a cumbersome burden for companies doing business – or that wanted to do business -- in multiple Pennsylvania jurisdictions. A streamlined tax collection system will reduce administrative costs and headaches."

Now if we could only get Rendell to lower some of those taxes, everyone would be happy.

For more on the new law, check out this release from the governor's office.