Thorns to Rendell for fudging tax numbers

From a recent editorial in The Pottstown Mercury:

THORNS to Gov. Ed Rendell for misrepresenting the taxing rank of Pennsylvania among other states in proposing an income tax increase. The governor claimed that, after the proposed increase, Pennsylvania's rate would still be the third-lowest among 40 states that also have a personal income tax, citing information compiled by the Federation of Tax Administrators. However, a report on the group's Web site detailing 2008 personal income tax rates shows that Pennsylvania was one of just seven states with a flat income tax, and the rate under Rendell's plan would be the third-lowest only when compared with the highest tax rates in all states. There are 29 states whose minimum income tax rate was lower than the 3.57 percent Rendell proposes, according to the group's report. When you're talking taxes, it's wise to get the facts straight.