Ward Votes Against Governor’s Massive Tax Hike Plan
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair) today joined the majority of her colleagues in voting against a more than $3 billion tax plan offered by the governor to fund his budget proposal to grow state government. She issued this statement following the vote:
“Today marked the second time in the past five months that the House has voted down a proposal by the governor to institute broad-based taxes on the hard-working men and women of this Commonwealth. I am hopeful we can now put this tax-and-spend mindset aside and start working on a budget agreement that funds the core functions of government and prudently invests in key areas that will promote our future success – such as education.
“The governor’s plan, which would have increased the Personal Income Tax by 16 percent, would have taken more money out of employee paychecks each week and would have made it costlier for small businesses to operate in the Commonwealth. This is the wrong path to take if we want to promote job creation and attract more companies to our state.
“The additional tax on natural gas drilling the governor proposed also would have been detrimental to an industry that has thus far brought jobs to our state, reduced the cost of many energy bills and boosted the economy. When combined with the existing impact fee, the new tax would result in an effective rate of more than 14 percent, the highest in nation.
“Today’s vote was positive in that we can finally put the notion of any broad-based tax increases to rest and look at other options to resolve the budget impasse. Two proposals that balance the budget without any new or increased taxes have already been introduced. I am hopeful the governor will now be open to looking at these plans with fresh eyes and work with the Legislature to quickly reach a budget compromise.”
Representative Judy Ward
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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