Feb. 07, 2017
HARRISBURG – Following the governor’s annual budget address, in which he outlined his ideas for the 2017-18 state budget, Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) issued these comments:
“The governor outlined his budget priorities today to those of us in the House and Senate, and I was pleased this was the first time in his three budget addresses that he did not propose broad-based tax increases. This is a good start, in my opinion, to enter into budget negotiations with an open mind as to how to reduce or manage existing state expenditures, instead of seeking ways to expand an already bloated state government.
“I am optimistic that the governor is seeking to merge various state departments and agencies to reduce costs and eliminate redundancies. This is something I look forward to exploring in more detail once I have the opportunity to review the governor’s entire budget proposal.
“I do have some concerns, such as a proposed severance tax on an already dwindling natural gas industry as a means to raise revenue, but I am choosing to remain open minded and taking a look at the governor’s proposals.
“In the months ahead, the House will be engaging in budget hearings, at which time we will be able to ask questions of some of the pertinent state agencies and departments to get more details about their budgets and listen to their ideas on how best to manage state expenditures.
“I am hopeful we will be able to find some common ground with the governor and the Senate and work toward a final budget that we can adopt on time and that will serve the state well.”
Representative Rich Irvin
81st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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