Feb. 07, 2017
HARRISBURG – Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Hempfield) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s $32.34 billion budget proposal, which includes a few consolidation and cost-saving measures, but also $1 billion in new taxes. Wolf’s budget would spend over $500 million more than the current year.
“While I am pleased that the governor has a more realistic approach to this budget than he has had in years past, there is still much to be done to reduce spending and prevent tax increases on working Pennsylvanians. He again is asking for a Marcellus Shale extraction tax. The decision by Shell to build a cracker plant in western Pennsylvania shows the strength of this industry. Pennsylvania should be doing all it can to promote its shale opportunities and not restrict it.
“I also disagree with his proposed increase in the minimum wage. An increase in the minimum wage hurts small businesses. A 2015 analysis by the Independent Fiscal Office of the governor’s then increase in the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour showed a loss of 31,000 jobs. I am skeptical the money he expects the increase to generate will be realized.
“In the coming weeks I plan to closely examine the details of the budget and work with my colleagues to identify ways to eliminate wasteful, unnecessary spending to ensure that Pennsylvania is running as efficiently as possible.”
For more information on the 2017-18 state budget, go to www.pahousegop.com.
The 57th Legislative District includes the following Westmoreland County communities: the city of Greensburg; the townships of Hempfield (part) and Salem; and the boroughs of Delmont, Hunker, New Stanton, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg and Youngwood.
Representative Eric Nelson
57th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
RepNelson.com /
Facebook.com/RepNelson