York County House Republicans Express Concern for Pennsylvania's Financial Health with Passage of State Budget
York County House Republicans released the following statement regarding House passage of a new state spending plan, which they say will put the Commonwealth in more financial danger over the next few fiscal years:
“We are relieved that human service organizations and other community groups will finally receive the funding they depend on to provide assistance to Pennsylvania citizens, but we have major concerns about the spending and taxes included in this budget. We could not support a plan that will put our state at risk for another deficit at the end of this fiscal year. It is also important to note that community organizations, day care providers and schools would not be in such dire straits if their funding had not been used as a bargaining chip and vetoed from Senate Bill 850 in August. It was a decision by the administration to use these groups as political pawns.
“The budget that was approved by the House Wednesday night will cause a deficit at the end of the year. We have already fallen $140 million below expected revenue collections, and because this budget completely drains our reserves, like the Rainy Day Fund, it could actually put the Commonwealth in a worse position in June, and leave us no recourse but to raise taxes. The $1.7 billion in one-time revenue sources will likely leave Pennsylvania with at least a $1.7 billion shortfall next year. This is particularly disturbing because House Republicans had a responsible alternative that would have fully funded government services and increased funding for education. House Bill 1943 would have maintained balances in our reserves and avoided increasing taxes, but that bill was never given its due consideration.
“The current budget agreement will raise taxes on Pennsylvania employers, hindering the state’s ability to spur job growth. At a time when the federal government is considering offering tax incentives to businesses that create jobs, the business tax increases in this budget will stifle any hope of reducing our record unemployment levels. Unfortunately, this will perpetuate the recession because high unemployment leads to low consumer spending, which is a huge concern in our consumer-based economy.”
Members of the York County Republican House Delegation include Reps. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam), Seth Grove (R-Dover), Ron Miller (R-Jacobus), Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion) and Will Tallman (R-Hanover).
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
York County Republican Delegation
Contact: Sean Yeakle
(717) 787-3406