Christiana Stands Against Wolf Tax Hikes, Supports No-Tax-Increase Budget
HARRISBURG — Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver/Washington) today released the following statement in response to the House of Representatives’ approval of the state budget plan, which includes no new taxes, more than $400 million in new education investments and funding for essential government services:
“Since his budget address in March, the governor has told us that he wants to spend $8 billion more in taxpayer money. For the fifth consecutive year, the Republicans in Harrisburg have started the conversation with what we can realistically afford with the tax money we already collect. The result of responsible budgeting is the budget that we voted on today, which makes yet another record investment in our schools and covers the needs of Pennsylvania without the reckless tax hikes Governor Wolf proposed.
“We have seen positive results of budgets that respect taxpayers, including declining unemployment rates and low energy prices. The prudent spending approach we’ve taken over the last several years has allowed our economy to breathe, grow and ultimately prosper. I know it must be rather embarrassing to the Harrisburg Democrats who criticized last year’s budget and shocking to the governor who talked about inheriting a budget deficit, but the reality is the General Fund brought in more revenue than we spent, leaving us with a surplus of $375 million. Imagine the possibilities if we can continue that trend.
“One thing the governor and Legislature do agree on is that funding education is a priority. But we disagree on the approach. In House Bill 1192, we are making investments in education that we can afford— increasing basic education funding by $100 million, pre-k programs by $30 million, higher education by $41 million, and special education by $20 million.
“I will not back down from our No. 1 priority of protecting taxpayers by reforming state government. The House and Senate stand united in our efforts to prevent the governor from confiscating more hard-earned money from taxpayers’ wallets to be wasted away. If there is a state government shutdown after the General Assembly sends the governor an on-time, balanced and fiscally responsible state budget by June 30, primary ownership can be traced solely to the veto pen of Gov. Tom Wolf.”
To hear more of Christiana’s remarks on the state budget plan, visit
Youtube.com/RepChristiana.
Representative Jim Christiana
15th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepChristiana.com /
Facebook.com/RepJimChristiana