Warner Responds to Governor’s Budget Address
HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2017-18 budget proposal:
“I’m happy the governor has backed off his prior two budget proposals that called for broad-based tax increases. Based on his statements, I am cautiously optimistic that we can work together to create a budget that works for the taxpayers. Unfortunately, I heard nothing in his address about pension reform. The pension systems currently have an almost $69 billion unfunded liability. It is one of the biggest cost drivers in our budget, the No. 1 reason for property tax increases and a major reason why our schools are struggling financially. We cannot fix budget issues in Pennsylvania without addressing this issue.
“It is anticipated that the House State Government Committee will take action on my Taxpayer Protection Act in the coming weeks.
House Bill 110 would amend the state’s Constitution to establish spending limits that the Commonwealth must abide by each fiscal year. In addition, the House Appropriations Committee is expected to act on my performance-based budgeting proposal.
House Bill 410 would require all state departments and agencies to justify their budget requests for all existing and proposed activities before they can receive consideration for budget funding. Both of these bills would go a long way to ensuring government lives within its means.
“The days of Pennsylvania reshuffling the deck on the budget process and relying on the taxpayer to fill the gaps are over. As the budget process is just beginning, I’m hopeful we can deliver an on-time product that helps restructure Pennsylvania for decades to come.”
For more information on the 2017-18 state budget, go to www.pahousegop.com.
The 52nd Legislative District includes the city of Connellsville; Dawson, Dunbar, Everson, Perryopolis, Seven Springs, South Connellsville and Vanderbilt boroughs; Bullskin, Connellsville, Dunbar, Lower Tyrone, Menallen, North Union, Perry, Saltlick and Upper Tyrone townships in Fayette County, along with Scottdale Borough, and part of East Huntingdon Township in Westmoreland County.
Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
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