July 10, 2009, 3:26 pm
In a series of statements issued this afternoon, Governor Rendell, Revenue Secretary Steve Stetler and others offered comments on the House Republican budget proposal unveiled earlier in the day.
According to the governor:
“The budget proposal being described by House Republicans is contrary to the best interests of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, its taxpayers, and – especially – its students.
“It relies on $1.5 billion in one-time revenue sources, setting Pennsylvanians up for future tax increases. It makes devastating cuts to public schools that will diminish the quality of education, while causing permanent property tax increases rather than a temporary increase in the Personal Income Tax.”
According to Secretary Stetler:
“The House Republicans today unveiled a fiscally irresponsible budget blueprint: a plan that fails to take the difficult but necessary steps that Governor Rendell has proposed to bring our budget into balance for the long-term, and that instead relies on a ‘tax amnesty’ gimmick that is unlikely to work and that sends the wrong message to hard-working taxpayers.”
According to Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak:
“The House Republican budget follows in the footsteps of the Senate Republicans by gutting $729 million out of the state school funding formula. Both caucuses
Continue reading Governor and others react to House Republican proposal
July 10, 2009, 10:32 am
House Republicans released details on their own $27.27 billion budget proposal today, one that would include “no new taxes.” To balance the budget, Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) said the proposal includes a tax amnesty program to collect an estimated $1.5 billion in back taxes, as well as leasing 390,000 acres of state-owned land for drilling in the Marcellus Shale. The budget is contained in an amendment (A02617) that has been filed to the Senate Republican’s proposal, SB 850.
According to a House Republican press release, the details of the budget are as follows:
$27.3 billion in spending
No New Taxes Increases Funding For Schools Provides Essential Funding for Public Safety Needs Ensures Vulnerable Residents Receive Vital Support Funds State Parks, Hospitals, Universities, etc. Cuts Government Operating Costs Preserves the Rainy Day Fund for the Future Maintains Fiscal Responsibility
Where will the funding come from?
Eliminate 25 Cent Cigarette Tax Transfer to HCPRA (MCare fund) Maintain Capital Stock & Franchise Tax at current year’s rate (1.89 Mills) Rainy Day Fund Transfer Health Care Provider Retention Account Transfer Tobacco Endowment Account Transfer Marcellus Shale Land Lease Tax Amnesty Program Other Small Fund Transfers Additional Revenues Proposed by Governor Rendell
Continue reading House Republicans unveil their budget proposal
