Feb. 07, 2017
HARRISBURG – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) 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 includes $1 billion in new taxes. Wolf’s budget would spend over $500 million more than the current year.
“While I am encouraged to see some cost-saving measures included in the governor’s budget, before any tax is considered, we must look at all, not just some, potential savings.
“And while the governor today moved closer to reality from where he started two years ago, with the largest proposed tax increase in state history, those I represent know there is still much more that can be done to reduce spending and to prevent the need for tax increases on working Pennsylvanians.
“Year after year, budget discussions result in a bigger, more expensive state government that goes well beyond what the core functions of government should be. That costly status quo just cannot continue. We must seize this opportunity to take a fresh look at how Harrisburg operates. Our goal should be growing Pennsylvania’s prosperity, not its government.
“Today’s budget address is a starting point, and as we begin this process once again, I call on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to work with me to look seriously and sincerely at where we can tighten our belt, where we can eliminate wasteful, unnecessary spending, and how we can ensure that government is running as efficiently as possible.
“I look forward to working toward a responsible state budget that right-sizes government, provides high-quality educational opportunities, and encourages job growth and a healthy economy.”
Representative Kerry Benninghoff
House Majority Policy Committee Chairman
171st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Wagner
717.260.6281
mwagner@pahousegop.com
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