Harhart Votes No to Governor’s Massive Tax Hike Plan
HARRISBURG – Rep. Julie Harhart (R-Lehigh/Northampton) today voted with the majority of her colleagues in the House against the governor’s multi-billion tax hike plan to pay for his state budget proposal. She issued this statement following the vote:
“The governor’s plan sought to increase the Personal Income Tax by 16 percent. This would have meant more money being taken out of the paychecks of hard-working men and women each week at a time when they can hardly afford it.
“He also proposed an additional tax on the natural gas drilling industry which would bring its total severance tax amount to 14 percent – the highest in the nation. This would drive more jobs from the industry out of the state and eventually reduce the amount of funding our communities are currently receiving through the impact fee, which is based on the amount of production.
“I applaud the governor for realizing the need to address property taxes in the Commonwealth. The problem is the relief would not begin for two years and would not address the overall tax burden placed on families of all ages and income levels across the state. Instead of taxing citizens further in order to implement a Band-Aid approach to this problem, I continue to support the need to look for substantial, long-term solutions that provide dollar-for-dollar relief or, ideally, the complete elimination of property taxes.
“I could not vote in favor of a plan that would raise billions of dollars on the backs of working men and women and our business community.
“I am hopeful after today’s vote the governor realizes the lack of support for broad-based tax increases, and will work with the Legislature to come to a budget compromise that funds the core functions of government and increases our commitment to education without any new or increased taxes.”
Representative Julie Harhart
183rd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
JulieHarhart.com