Feb. 04, 2020
HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Wolf today unveiled his proposed state budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year before a joint session of the General Assembly. The more than $36 billion spending plan is $2 billion above the enacted 2019-20 budget and includes a request for an additional $6 million in debt service.
State Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Johnstown) issued this statement in reaction to the proposal:
“Stop me if you’ve heard this one before – Gov. Tom Wolf wants to raise taxes and increase spending at a fiscally-irresponsible level. He’s tried it before and has yet to realize the votes aren’t there.
“In addition to the irresponsible spending proposals, the governor this year has added another reckless request. He wants to saddle future generations by having the state take on an additional $6 million in debt. On one hand, he supports educating our children. On the other, he wants these future taxpayers to ‘remember’ him at tax time by asking them to pay for pet projects he pursued while they were in school.
“Responsible residents of the 71st District spend what they have and live within their means. State government should run its own shop that way and Gov. Wolf’s spending proposal doesn’t fall in line with that way of thinking.”
“I also get a mixed message from the governor on safety in the Commonwealth. What he failed to mention in his speech is a plan to cut $45 million from the school safety grant program. Instead, he spent an appreciable amount of time on additional gun control efforts, which the people I represent overwhelmingly oppose. The problem is not more laws and more money. It’s enforcing the existing laws and increasing penalties for breaking them.
“While this is simply a starting point in the budget process, the governor’s proposal is a far cry from what Pennsylvanians deserve. It’s the same story on a different day. Both sides of the aisle need to work together to craft a budget that is good for – not detrimental to – Pennsylvania’s future.”
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Rigby’s district office by calling 814-536-9818.
Representative Jim Rigby
71st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott B. Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5967 (cell)
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