Bucks County House Members Respond to Governor’s Budget Presentation
HARRISBURG – In response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s presentation of his 2015-16 budget proposal today at Bucks County Community College, Reps. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), Scott Petri (R-Bucks), Craig Staats (R-Bucks) and Kathy Watson (R-Bucks) released the following statement:
“Bucks County Community College has for years excelled at preparing students for ‘jobs that pay’ by providing cost-effective education and workforce training. We are glad that Gov. Wolf decided to visit here today so that he can see firsthand how it has benefitted its students and our community.
“We are concerned with the impact the governor’s proposed sales tax expansion on higher education would have on students. We cannot afford to tax items such as textbooks and meal plans at a time when many students and families are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of higher education.
“We are equally concerned about the impact of his tax policies on small business. Bucks County is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. Our community is founded on thriving small businesses and hardworking families. The governor’s $8 billion tax increase would hurt these people most. While we are encouraged that the governor is interested in reducing the excessively high Corporate Net Income Tax rate and eliminating the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax – measures that would help to attract businesses and jobs to Pennsylvania – we cannot overburden small businesses and working families with more taxes.
“We look forward to working with the governor and our colleagues in the Legislature on a budget that supports the state’s obligations, such as kindergarten-12 and higher education, and protects taxpayers.”
Representative Craig Staats
145th Legislative District
Representative Frank Farry
142nd Legislative District
Representative Scott Petri
178th Legislative District
Representative Kathy Watson
144th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jonathan Anzur, 717.260.6610
janzur@pahousegop.com