Mar. 03, 2015
HARRISBURG – Members of the York-Adams County House Republican Delegation, including Reps. Seth Grove (R-Dover), Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Mike Regan (R-Dillsburg), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township), Will Tallman (R-Abbottstown) and Dan Moul (R-Gettysburg), today issued the following statement about Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal, which calls for $33.8 billion in total spending, representing an unprecedented tax increase of 16 percent, or $4.7 billion, over this fiscal year:
“We are committed to real pension reform which preserves benefits for state workers while reforming the system for future generations. The governor’s plan calls for bonding and tax increases, which will not solve the problems facing our pension systems. We need a systematic overhaul to keep them solvent for future workers.
“This budget proposal represents one of the largest tax increases in Commonwealth history. It also does not satisfactorily address property taxes, the most burdensome tax on residents of our region. Our constituents are interested in a goal of elimination. As it is, his target of 50 percent reduction does not include a cap that would prevent future property tax escalation. His proposal also does not address the cost drivers such as unfunded mandates and prevailing wage that allow school spending to spiral out of control. We appreciate the governor starting this debate, but we do not believe his spending plan represents a realistic solution for taxpayers.
“The governor’s budget plan also directs tax dollars disproportionately to school districts in urban areas. This leaves growing districts, such as many in York and Adams counties, footing the cost as increased funds are sent once again to fund schools in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This is not a real solution for Pennsylvania’s future, but perpetuates an education funding formula which is already unfair. In fact, it is similar to the proposed one mill tax increase for York County, designed to bail out the city of York.
“It is disappointing that a former businessman would propose a budget that is detrimental to small business. Saddling them with burdensome tax increases and increasing the minimum wage does not support the job creators that provide employment to middle-class Pennsylvanians.
“Again, this represents the beginning of a discussion among the governor, the House and the Senate. We look forward to hearings on this proposal and the development of a budget which protects taxpayers across the Commonwealth and grows our economy.”
York-Adams County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nick Ruffner
717.260.6258
nruffner@pahousegop.com