Oct. 30, 2017
HARRISBURG – As Gov. Tom Wolf considers the final pieces of the 2017-18 state budget package, state Rep. Will Tallman (R-Adams/Cumberland) is expressing his disappointment with the spending plan finalized by the General Assembly last week.
“I realize there will never be a perfect piece of legislation, but some of the things that passed as part of this budget proposal are simply discouraging,” Tallman said. “What we sent to the governor’s desk would do a lot of good but also symbolizes the spending problem that exists in Harrisburg.”
Tallman voted against
House Bill 218, the general appropriations portion of the budget that was passed in late June without having a revenue package in place. He says his vote was further justified last week.
“Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R- Centre/Huntingdon/Juniata/Mifflin) said the General Assembly should never again pass a spending plan without agreeing to a revenue plan, which is why I voted as I did on June 30,” added Tallman. “Responsible taxpayers don’t spend money they don’t have and a responsible state government shouldn’t either.”
Tallman pointed to pet projects that were part of the proposal, as well as other elements that were both irresponsible and unfair.
“My grandchildren will be making the final payments on this budget, thanks to the $1.5 billion in unnecessary borrowing,” said Tallman. “We also set a precedent by sending an additional $14 million to the troubled Erie School District. Because of the hold harmless provision in our education funding formula, Pennsylvania taxpayers will now be on the hook to send at least that much money to the district every year.
“The budget package also establishes a First Chance Trust Fund, which would create scholarships and grants for programs that benefit children of incarcerated individuals,” he added. “While I appreciate the sentiment, I’m wondering why we aren’t doing something to support the children of their victims.
“The only piece of the budget package that truly attempted to reform our appetite for spending was the Welfare Code Bill (House Bill 59) and the governor vetoed that.”
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Tallman’s district office at (717) 259-7805 or 1-877-480-9525.
Representative Will Tallman
193rd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
RepWillTallman.com /
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