Wolf Budget Does Not Reflect the Interests of Pennsylvanians, Says Marsico
HARRISBURG -- Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Lower Paxton) is concerned that Gov. Tom Wolf proposed an irresponsible budget today that, at the core, does not take into account the concerns of Pennsylvanians:
“Governor Wolf’s budget proposal simply does not focus on improving our state’s economy. I was truly hopeful that he would lay out a plan that would be good for Pennsylvania, while, at the same time, doing the right thing by increasing funding in crucial areas of our state. Instead, he increased spending to $33.8 billion, which is $4.7 billion more than this year’s budget. He also plans on cutting programs that are crucial to our constituents.”
“The governor also proposed a 10 percent increase in the sales tax as well as an expansion of the tax. And to add insult to injury, he is proposing that we take more money out of the pockets of our hard-working Pennsylvanians by increasing the Personal Income Tax by 20 percent. This is unacceptable.
“I do agree with the governor that we need to continue to work hard on the issues that Republicans have made a priority and have been focusing on for years. Issues such as pension reform, liquor sales reform, business tax reform and property tax reform. These are all areas that, if enacted properly, could change the fiscal face of this state.
“The bottom line is that we can’t spend what we don’t have, and the taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for an unsustainable spending plan. We should be enticing people to live and work here instead of forcing them to potentially have to move to a state with lower taxes and more opportunity. We need to focus on job creation and business growth in order to maintain the vitality of our economy. Under the governor’s proposed plan, we won’t be achieving any of those goals.
“Now that the governor has given his budget address and we have officially entered budget season, I am hopeful that we will come to an agreement that not only will help boost Pennsylvania’s economy but also start giving back to the taxpayers.
“Over the past four years, we managed to not increase taxes and now the governor is putting us in a position to undo that tireless effort by increasing spending by 16 percent. What we need to do is live within our means and pass a responsible budget in a timely fashion with less spending and, once again, no new taxes while maintaining our goal of bettering the future of all Pennsylvanians.”
Representative Ronald Marsico
105th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
RonMarsico.com
Media Contact: Autumn R. Southard, 717.652.3721
asouthar@pahousegop.com