Wolf’s ‘Lofty’ Spending Plan Marks the Start of Budget Debate, Reed Says
HARRISBURG – Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana) today said House Republicans will thoroughly examine Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed $33.8 billion dollar budget and his entire spending plan for fiscal year 2015-16.
Wolf’s budget was unveiled during a joint session of the General Assembly today. It included a spending increase of nearly $5 billion over last year’s budget. Reed issued the following statement on the budget proposal:
“As always, the governor’s budget address to the General Assembly represents the beginning of a discussion between his office, along with members of the House and Senate. I look forward to hearings of our Appropriations Committee to learn more about everything the governor has proposed in his budget plan.
“We as House Republicans support, as we have in the past, jobs that pay, and lowering the cost of doing business in the state will help retain and create good, family-sustaining jobs. We agree with the need to reduce the state’s Corporate Net Income tax (CNI) and are relieved the governor took any Capital Stock and Franchise Tax (CSFT) discussion off the table. Now begins the discussion to realistically reach these goals.
"This budget proposal calls for historic spending, an increase of 16 percent over this fiscal year, with the potential to be the largest tax increase in Commonwealth history. Included are increases in the income and sales taxes. In fact, the sales tax would rise to 6.6 percent and include items not already taxed, such as newspapers, day care expenses, textbooks, diapers, walkers, haircuts, professional services and nursing home care.
“I do appreciate the governor’s efforts to provide property tax relief. People across the state should not have to choose between paying their property tax bill, or buying medicine or heating their homes.
“Again, this is the start of a discussion on how to spend taxpayer dollars in a way that provides essential services and primes the Commonwealth for future growth. I look forward to working with members of the House, Senate and the governor’s office in achieving this.”
Representative Dave Reed
62nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nick Ruffner
717.260.6258
nruffner@pahousegop.com
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