Dec. 29, 2015
HARRISBURG – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) issued the following statement today after Gov. Tom Wolf announced he would be approving only part of the $30.3 billion budget approved with bi-partisan support last week. The governor’s partial veto would release only six months of funding for schools and human service programs.
“The bill put on the governor’s desk last week was a good, bipartisan budget that adequately funded the core functions of government and increased funding for education without depleting the pockets of Pennsylvanians. Gov. Wolf had the opportunity with this budget to make historic investments in education, while protecting taxpayers. He could have, and should have, ended the impasse.
“While he made demands for more spending at his press conference today, the governor failed to mention, as he often does, that his plan would require significant tax hikes. The taxpayers I represent have been heard loud and clear throughout this process: they do not want, nor can they afford, significant, broad-based tax increases. They want government to cut waste and live within its means.
“Gov. Wolf was also quoted today saying that the bipartisan budget on his desk cut funding. With respect to our governor, it is misleading to call something a ‘cut’ just because he didn’t get as much money as he wanted. Children similarly complain to their parents if they don’t get what they want, but as a parent, policy maker and a representative of the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, it is my job to do what is prudent, affordable and responsible.
“I am glad, however, that Gov. Wolf at least agrees with part of the budget, and because of this, has released some of the hostages being held captive. Unfortunately, this should have been done on June 29. The damage of high interest payments, impacted programs and lost services has already been done. Our children, seniors and other vulnerable citizens should have never been used as leverage.
“As we head back to the negotiating table just weeks from next year’s budget address, we must ask ‘when is enough, enough’ for the taxpayers of this state? I urge the governor to drop his misguided insistence on hiking taxes and spending. Our Commonwealth needs to move on.”
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
KerryBenninghoff.com /
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