Sep. 07, 2017

HARRISBURG – Citing the need to fully fund this year’s budget, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) today unveiled his own budget proposal, which would provide recurring revenue to support the $32 billion budget plan passed in June without the need for borrowing.

DiGirolamo believes this budget plan blends elements of other recent budget proposals to meet the needs of Pennsylvania citizens.

“We voted on a budget plan back in July to spend over $32 billion and we have a responsibility as elected officials to fund that budget,” DiGirolamo said. “I believe my proposal is a compromise between the various budget proposals that will help get the Commonwealth back on track toward fiscal responsibility while placing the needs of Pennsylvanians at the forefront of budget discussions.”

Important elements of the plan would include:

  • $1 billion in estimated revenue from a 0.25 percent increase in the Personal Income Tax.
  • $350 million to $400 million in estimated revenue from a 3 percent tax on natural gas drilling.
  • $300 million in estimated gaming revenue.
  • $50 million to $70 million in estimated revenue from alternatives to liquor privatization.
  • $400 million to $500 million in fund transfers.
  • $44.3 million in estimated revenue from expansion of the Sales and Use Tax to include online marketplaces and booking agents.
“With enough recurring revenue to fund the budget this year and in future years, I believe this plan represents a sustainable and commonsense approach to addressing the challenges facing our Commonwealth,” DiGirolamo said.

DiGirolamo’s plan also includes an additional $2 million allocation to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to help expedite current delays in the permit approval process and an additional $2 million to help combat the ongoing opioid epidemic.

For more information on DiGirolamo’s budget plan or his other legislative priorities, visit GeneDiGirolamo.com, or Facebook.com/GeneDiGirolamo.

Representative Gene DiGirolamo
18th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contacts: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
Mike Madry
717.260.6587
mmadry@pahousegop.com
GeneDiGirolamo.com / Facebook.com/GeneDiGirolamo



Share