Speaker Turzai Responds to Governor’s Comments on Authority Bill
HARRISBURG – Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) today responded to Gov. Tom Wolf’s opposition to
House Bill 1074, legislation that requires the Allegheny County Airport Authority to have 13 members: four appointed by the General Assembly, one by the governor and eight by the county executive.
“Gov. Wolf is a fine person, but his recent statements show just how out of touch he is with every day, hard-working folks from southwestern Pennsylvania.
“Unlike the governor, I grew up here and have lived here my entire life. He doesn’t understand that we are folks who believe in the dignity of work and respect the value of every dollar earned and spent. We want to know that government is making the best use of our hard-earned tax dollars.
“When the Allegheny County Airport Authority wants to tear down a perfectly good building for well over $1 billion, people demand openness and accountability. Instead of taking the side of the taxpayers, Gov. Wolf has defended the political machine that wants control over this project.
“In 2017, Pittsburgh International Airport won the Airport of the Year Award from Air Transport World, and it continues to win accolades for its high-quality passenger satisfaction. Is it at all sensible to take on at least $1 billion of debt to downsize the facility?
“Gov. Wolf and I have different visions for Pennsylvania and our region. He wants to tax energy even more than we already do. We do not because we want to build more facilities like the Shell plant in Beaver County, which will redefine our region by providing thousands of well-paying construction and permanent jobs.
“We want to streamline DEP’s permitting process so that industries can re-purpose abandoned manufacturing sites resulting in more family-sustaining jobs. He prefers the status quo.
“I care deeply about jobs and fiscal responsibility from government. We can and need to work in a positive manner with transparency and accountability. We can grow the economy focused on expanding private sector opportunities while avoiding punitive taxes and excessive bonding.
“I continue to do my best to be a faithful steward of taxpayer dollars while providing a vision for growth in our region and state.”
Representative Mike Turzai
Speaker of the House
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Christine Goldbeck
717.787.7977 (office) 570.205.0736 (cell)
cgoldbec@pahousegop.com
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