York County House Republicans React to Governor’s Budget Address
HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Wolf today unveiled his budget address for the 2017-18 fiscal year to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The governor’s proposed $32.34 billion spending plan includes no broad-based tax increases and sends more money to our public schools for basic education funding, PreK Counts, special education and Head Start Assistance.
The York County House Republican delegation, consisting of state Reps. Keith Gillespie
(R-Hellam), Seth Grove (R-Dover), Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township) and House Appropriations Committee Majority Chairman Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion), issued the following statement in reaction to the governor’s proposal:
“We’re happy to see Gov. Wolf has moved away from viewing massive, broad-based tax increases as the primary way to address our fiscal needs. We welcome his call to redesign state government and feel his budget address is a good starting point in the negotiating process.
“The governor cited more than $2 billion in potential cost savings through consolidation of services. The upcoming House Appropriations Committee hearings, which begin Feb. 21, will offer a clearer view of those savings, allow us to dive a little deeper into government agencies and find ways to measure and manage our expenses in order to reduce the cost of government even further.
“We do have concerns about his proposal, such as his use of debt to finance certain programs and the economic repercussions of raising the minimum wage. At the same time, we applaud his desire to increase education funding and the use of block grants that focus on new business investment.
“Gov. Wolf has faced the fiscal reality and his budget proposal reflects that. We look forward to working with him to craft a budget that is priced right and benefits Pennsylvania’s hard-working taxpayers.”
York County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com